German writers share their perspectives on Oman
The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair is alive with vibrant activities and an enthusiastic crowd.
At the Art Hall in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, visitors are treated to works by prominent Omani artists, alongside a stage hosting writers and authors whose works are featured at the fair.
This year, the Embassy of Germany made its debut at the fair, showcasing a special talk titled 'Oman — Seen by German Women' featuring two authors and a documentary director.
The event opened with the international preview of the documentary Arta, directed and produced by journalist Nadia Frenz. Following the screening, Frenz was joined by Natascha Plankermann, editor, journalist and author of 1001 Friendships; and Sabine Reining, author of Oman from Above, for a lively discussion.
'This is the first German participation at the book fair. We wanted to highlight friendships and projects between Oman and Germany,' said Natascha, who has been visiting Oman for a decade. 'My first visit ten years ago changed my life. I formed lasting friendships, including with Germany's first ambassador to Oman, who remains deeply connected to the country.'
Nadia, who works with German-French television, shared that her two-part documentary focuses on Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Dhofar, with the second part highlighting the beauty of the desert and the Luban harvest. The full documentary will premiere on May 8, 2025.
'Oman's people have been incredibly supportive,' she said, adding, 'I wanted to highlight women's roles because many in Europe misunderstand the position of women in the Arab world. Through my documentary, I showcase women as teachers, entrepreneurs and designers, emphasising that working mothers around the world face similar struggles.'
Sabine, blogger and photographer behind MidnightOman, is attending the fair with two books celebrating Oman's landscapes.
'My coffee table book captures the diversity of Oman, while Oman from Above gives readers a bird's-eye view, complete with QR codes that lead to the exact locations,' she explained.
When asked about her favorite place in Oman during April, she smiled and said, 'Of course, it's Al Jabal Al Akhdhar — especially during rose harvesting season. It's featured in my book.'
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