The 28th edition of Muscat International Book Fair concluded on Saturday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the support of Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Main Committee of Muscat International Book Fair.
According to Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, Director of Muscat International Book Fair, a total of 34 countries participated in the event, showcasing their "knowledge treasures" and a wide range of local, Arab, and international publications. The fair featured an impressive collection of 622,000 titles across various fields, including over 19,000 Omani books.
Al Rawahi highlighted that the book fair encompassed 130 activities, including special programs for children. The event also welcomed renowned figures from the realms of culture and art, both from Oman and abroad.
The accompanying exhibition provided a platform for Omani writers who played a significant role in the success of the fair's programs and activities.
In an exciting announcement, Al Rawahi revealed that the 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair, scheduled for April 25 to May 2, 2024, would honor North Al Sharqiyah Governorate as the guest of honor.
Raya bint Amer Al Jabri, a member of the Committee of Society Initiatives, unveiled the national reading program, which will take the form of an annual competition for young students at the Muscat International Book Fair. This initiative is organized by the Ministry of Education under the guidance of the Committee of Society Initiatives.
The primary goal of the program is to promote critical thinking and a passion for reading among students across all regions of the Sultanate of Oman. It is expected to benefit more than 15,000 students in its inaugural season. Winners will be recognized at the Muscat International Book Fair.
During the closing ceremony, the recipients of the Muscat International Book Fair awards were announced. The winners included the Al Khalil Art Group from Sultan Qaboos University, the Al Shahba Art Group from Nizwa University, and the Culture and Art Group from the University of Applied Sciences - Shinas.
A total of 847 publishing houses from 34 countries participated in the event, releasing a combined total of 35,989 books in 2023 and 2024. Among these, 269,000 were Arab books, while 200,000 were foreign publications.
The Ministry of Information showcased its presence at the 28th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair through a pavilion featuring four distinct sections.
