MUSCAT: Bibliophiles visiting the 27th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair which got under way on Wednesday are in for a cultural treat where several age-old customs and traditions of nearly 32 countries, along with the Sultanate of Oman are on display, besides more than 533,063 titles and publications from who are participating in the 11-day-long book fair.
As many as 165 cultural events, apart from 166 activities meant for children in as many as 1,194 pavilions, are reflecting the cultures and traditions of different countries at the fair.
Additionally, a number of cultural halls such as Ahmed Bin Majid Gallery, Al Farahidi Gallery, Ibn Dureid Gallery and Al Awtabi Gallery, with an immaculate collection of cultural objectives, are truly awakening.
Other cultural and media programmes of the fair are Khair Jalees, Al Fihrs and a daily cultural bulletin released at the venue.
Various media professionals and influences from within and around the country are keeping the booklovers abreast of the daily events and cultural activities happening as part of the book fair.
Other language books at the fair are 204,411 non-Arabic along with 260,614 Arabic books from nearly 826 publishing houses and a whopping number of 5,900 of which are new publications.
In terms of cultural exchange and enlightenment, 47 globally renowned intellectuals, media, GCC and Arab exhibition managers, and the President of the Arab Publishers Union including Ignatius von Weitenauer, Ibrahim al Koni, Sinan Anton, Saa' don al Jabir, and Haggi Jabbir are participating in the book fair.
A Family Fair:
'Catch them young' is the credo upon which activities of this year's book fair are scheduled. Families including children are welcomed to the 'Fair of Knowledge' and an area is earmarked for children and families, as well as a theatre for events, scientific and cultural activities, besides a reading corner, and workshops.
For the budding learners, 166 activities are lined up which is 40 per cent more than the last edition when there were only 129 child activities to attract children.
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