Muscat: The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair has been inaugurated at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the esteemed patronage of HH Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University.
In attendance were His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, alongside His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information and the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee.
This year's fair features 674 publishing companies from 35 different nations, with 640 participating directly and 34 through various agencies. The range of titles and publications available at the fair has reached an impressive total of 681,041, comprising 467,413 Arabic titles as well as 213,610 foreign publications. Furthermore, the fair showcases 27,464 Omani publications, including 52,205 books that are newly printed for the years 2024 and 2025.
For this edition, the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah has been designated as the Guest of Honor, presenting a special pavilion that emphasizes the region's cultural heritage, notable historical figures, scientific advancements, tourist sites, and contemporary lifestyle.
