29th Muscat International Book Fair Opens with Strong Global Participation
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair officially opened its doors at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the distinguished patronage of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University.
The prestigious cultural event was graced by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Harrasi, Oman’s Minister of Information and Chairman of the Fair’s Main Organizing Committee.
This year’s fair features robust international participation, bringing together 674 publishing houses from 35 countries. Of these, 640 are taking part directly, while 34 are represented through agencies, reaffirming Muscat’s role as a key regional hub for literary and intellectual exchange.
A vast array of literature is on display, with 681,041 titles available on the fair’s digital platform, including 467,413 Arabic-language books and 213,610 foreign-language publications. The fair also showcases 27,464 Omani titles, alongside 52,205 newly published books released in 2024 and 2025.
In a tribute to local culture and heritage, the Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah has been named Guest of Honor for this year’s edition. The region is prominently featured through a special pavilion that highlights its rich cultural legacy, notable historical and scientific figures, distinctive tourist landmarks, and modern lifestyle.
The Muscat International Book Fair continues to serve as a platform for promoting reading, intellectual dialogue, and intercultural exchange, attracting authors, academics, publishers, and readers from across the Arab world and beyond.
