The 29th Muscat International Book Fair launched on April 24, and it’s nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Hosted at the iconic Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, the opening ceremony was led by HH Sayyid Dr. Fahd Al Julanda Al Said and honored by none other than Sheikh Dr. Sultan Mohammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and a passionate historian and literary figure.
So, what makes this year special? For starters, nearly 700,000 publications are featured, including over 467,000 in Arabic. Oman alone is showcasing more than 27,000 titles, including over 52,000 newly published works—a strong sign of the country’s literary momentum.
The fair is buzzing with 674 publishers from 35 countries, and there’s something for everyone: kids’ zones, cultural cafés, language corners, puppet shows, youth workshops—you name it. Over 155 different events are set to run throughout the exhibition.
A standout highlight? The North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, this year’s guest of honor, is pulling out all the stops with tech-savvy exhibits, heritage showcases, and a futuristic AI promotion booth. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is also in the spotlight, celebrating its vibrant publishing scene through “Saudi Cultural Days,” which brought in 38 publishers from the Kingdom.
And let’s not forget a literary milestone: Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi unveiled his epic 21-volume work The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman, an extraordinary deep dive into the region’s rich maritime history.
With strong showings from Qatar, Kuwait, and other Gulf nations, this year’s fair feels more like a cultural summit. It’s clear—Muscat is fast becoming a major player on the global literary map.
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