Muscat: A press conference held today at the Ministry of Information outlined the salient features of the 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair due to be held from 24 April to 3 May 2025. The opening ceremony of the book fair will be held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr. Fahd Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
According to Oman News Agency, Mohammed Said Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information, described Muscat International Book Fair as a prominent cultural and annual event that celebrates thought and innovation. He added that the book fair serves as an intellectual gathering that brings together writers, literati, and publishers from around the world, offering all an opportunity to engage in intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue.
Al Balushi emphasized that this edition is in pursuance of the book fair's mission to support culture, encourage readers, and provide a space for writers, authors, and publishers to showcase their works. North A'Sharqiyah Governorate will be the 'Guest of Honour' at the 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair, and a special pavilion will be dedicated to the governorate's local culture, history, prominent figures, scholarly and humanitarian achievements, tourist destinations, and various aspects of modern life in its wilayats.
During the press conference, Al Balushi also highlighted the media coverage that will accompany the cultural event and its activities. Various media outlets will conduct comprehensive coverage of the daily activities at the book fair, with new features including a 3D map of the book fair and electronic payment services in all participating platforms.
More than 74 media professionals from 50 media organizations around the world have been invited to attend the event. This year's book fair will host a set of prominent intellectuals and media professionals, writers, authors, heads of associations, and publishing houses. Ahmed Saud Al Rawahi, Director of Muscat International Book Fair, mentioned that the number of publishing houses this year will reach 674 from 35 countries.
He pointed out that this year's edition will include Saudi Cultural Days, reflecting the outstanding relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The cultural days' programmes and events will be held at the pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.