MUSCAT: The 28th edition of Muscat International Book Fair will be held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 21 to March 2, said Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.
The opening ceremony will be held under the auspices of Dr Mohammed bin Said al Maamari, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs.
During a press conference held at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday, Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy said that Al Dhahirah Governorate will be the guest of honour at the book fair this year. He added that a special pavilion and a number of programmes will be dedicated to Al Dhahirah Governorate’s intellectual and cultural history.
Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information, and Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, were also present at the press conference.
The book fair will host a group of prominent intellectuals and media experts to enliven the cultural scene during the 11-day extravaganza.
Outlining the data of the book fair, Al Rawahi said that 847 publishing houses from 34 countries will exhibit their literary products at the book fair this year. Among these, 676 publishers will participate directly and 171 others through agents, Al Rawahi added.
As many as 622,000 book titles and publications are listed on the site, said Al Rawahi, noting that about 269,000 of these appear in Arabic and 200,000 in foreign languages. The Omani collection includes about 19,000 books, of which 35,989 are new books printed in 2023 and 2024, he said.
Al Rawahi pointed out that a special section has been allocated for “children and family” events and activities, including a drama shows, workshops, a language corner, a children’s museum corner and a green corner. “Cultural cafés have also been established in a number of participating pavilions,” he said.
This year Al Dhahirah Governorate will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the fair, with a special pavilion planned to exhibit the intellectual and cultural history of the governorate, alongside a diverse array of programmes, activities, and cultural events throughout the fair's duration.
Al Rawahi also highlighted that this year's fair will welcome a distinguished group of intellectuals and prominent media figures to engage in the cultural events unfolding during the fair days.
Al Rawahi said that the State of Palestine will be strongly present at the book fair, notably through events that focus on the Palestinian cause.
The theme of the book fair this year will be artificial intelligence (AI), said Al Rawahi, adding that many cultural events and activities will highlight AI advantages. Visitors will have access to a 3D map to navigate directly to the pavilion they seek, along with assistance from robots, as lectures introducing AI technology will be held.
Mohammed al Balushi said that media coverage accompanying the cultural scene will unfold on the sidelines of this edition's events. He stated that there will be daily coverage of the events and activities conducted by various media outlets, along with direct coverage of several cultural events during the fair days.
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