Book fair turns new page in GCC cultural interaction

The Muscat International Book Fair is a major cultural platform for publishers, distributors and authors from inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Many publishers from the Gulf countries are participating in the MIBF to enhance cultural exchange and interaction.

Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of MIBF, said, "The book fair is the cultural and artistic interface of this country, which instils the culture of reading among young people and the general public and boosts interaction between intellectuals and media professionals in GCC and Arab countries."

The participation of the UAE is a great value addition due to the development the UAE is witnessing in the publishing sector with the great books and digital content.

Among the UAE participants are the Emirates Publishers Association, Abu Dhabi Centre for the Arabic Language, Sharjah Book Authority, and other Emirati cultural institutions.

During the launch of MIBF, Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, presented a signed copy of his latest historical works, 'The History of Al Busaid Imams in Oman 1749–1856'. The book is the fourth instalment of the Sultan Al Tawarikh series, which delves into the recent history of Oman under the rule of four imams.

Badr al Shammari , a social media influencer and writer from UAE, said, "We are happy to be present in this great cultural forum that brought together writers from the Arab Gulf countries."

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture and some Qatari publishing houses, is also participating in MIBF. It is is an opportunity to present Qatar and its books to a broad audience of readers.

Issa Abdullah, writer, novelist and director of Rose Publishing House, which is one of the first publishing houses in Qatar, said, "This is our fifth participation in the Muscat Book Fair with more than 250 titles. The exhibition in this edition is distinguished by the great turnout of the Omani public on its first day, as the Omani readers are distinguished by reading, looking for everything new and familiar with the culture."

Yasser al Bahri, a Kuwaiti writer and author of several books on prison literature, hailed the huge turnout of students and their curiosity to know and follow his nine publications. He mentioned that the Omani people are educated and wait for new things. They like to read publications in various fields.

With their participation, the Saudi publishers made a distinctive imprint on the major cultural platform for publishers, distributors and authors.

@afrahalbalushia