Oman Honored as Guest of Honour at 56th Cairo International Book Fair
Cairo, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman has been celebrated as the Guest of Honour at the 56th Cairo International Book Fair, which commenced on Thursday in Cairo. Leading the Omani delegation at the prestigious event was Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Oman’s Minister of Information.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Al Harrasi expressed his gratitude for Oman’s designation as the Guest of Honour, describing the gesture as a testament to the strong, historic ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab Republic of Egypt. He highlighted the shared civilizational, historical, and cultural bonds that unite the two nations.
Dr. Al Harrasi lauded the efforts of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian Book Organization for organizing the book fair, which he referred to as one of the most prominent literary events in the Arab world. He emphasized the fair’s importance as a resource for readers, researchers, and intellectuals, showcasing diverse publications and cultural activities that enrich libraries and promote knowledge.
The Omani pavilion, a centerpiece of the fair, features an extensive range of exhibits, including publications from various ministries, civil society institutions, and libraries in Oman. It also includes rare Omani manuscripts, fine arts displays, folklore and musical performances, virtual reality (VR) experiences, poetry evenings, workshops, and short tourism documentaries showcasing Oman’s rich heritage and modern achievements under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
In a joint tour of the Omani pavilion, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, praised the exhibits for reflecting Oman’s deep cultural heritage and its commitment to fostering ties with other cultures, including the enduring relationship between the Omani and Egyptian peoples. He noted that Oman’s role as Guest of Honour underscores its significant contributions to Arab intellectual and cultural dialogue.
To commemorate the occasion, Dr. Al Harrasi presented a symbolic gift to Dr. Hano, underscoring the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between Oman and Egypt.
This year’s Cairo International Book Fair, held in Nasr City, runs until February 5, 2025. It features participation from approximately 80 countries, over 1,345 publishing houses, and 6,150 exhibitors. The event will also host more than 6,000 cultural and literary activities, further cementing its reputation as one of the Arab world’s most significant platforms for cultural exchange and intellectual enrichment.
