Muscat book fair blends talent, tech and tradition
Muscat – The 29th Muscat International Book Fair is proving to be more than a celebration of books, drawing large crowds with a mix of literature, heritage and emerging technologies. Hosting over 600 exhibitors from across the world, the fair runs daily from 10am to 10pm until May 3, offering a broad selection of titles in multiple languages and genres.
AI draws young visitors
A key attraction this year is 'Fatima', an AI-powered assistant launched by Ministry of Education. One of six similar agents, Fatima is designed to assist visitors with information and directions.
'Fatima is fast, friendly and helpful. She's especially useful for students trying to locate specific genres or publications,' said a ministry official. 'We've seen young visitors approach Fatima with excitement – it's sparking curiosity about both books and technology.' Bahrain-based writer Idris Meris
Collectors seek second-hand treasures
The second-hand books section is attracting bibliophiles in search of rare editions on culture and history. Despite higher prices, many titles are selling out quickly.
'These books carry the soul of the past. Collectors know their worth, and for many, it's not about price – it's about preserving knowledge,' said veteran Bahrain-based writer and bookseller Idris Meris, 75.
Children's content boosted by Ayn Platform
The fair also saw the launch of a new children's channel by the popular Ayn Platform, offering more than 8,000 multimedia resources. The platform now has over 65,000 audio and video recordings, including archival content from the 1970s.
'This launch is a milestone,' said Ahlam al Balushi from the Ministry of Information. 'It promotes reading and learning in an engaging, multimedia format for our children.'
New voices from the region
Emerging writers are also in the spotlight. Pakistani sisters Zunaira and Aysal Waheed have both made a mark at the fair. Muscat-based Aysal, 15, is the author of eight books available on Amazon. Zunaira, a student at University of Nottingham, is an author and motivational speaker.
Their featured titles include The Balhaerian Prince, Through the Portal, Alejandra Plays Soccer and Nobody Told You This Before , showcasing a range of genres from fantasy to inspirational writing. Aysal Waheed
Cultural and economic impact
Fuad al Bulushi, Director of Sales at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which hosts the fair, said the event plays a vital role in promoting knowledge and culture.
'Hosting Muscat International Book Fair is a great honour for OCEC, as it underscores the centre's pivotal role in promoting knowledge exchange and cultural engagement,' he said. 'The 2024 edition contributed over RO1mn to the local economy. In 2025, with 674 publishers from 35 countries, similar benefits are anticipated.'
He added that with integrated hotels, modern exhibition halls and a professional events team, OCEC can accommodate the fair's high footfall – over 400,000 visitors in ten days – while positioning Oman as a hub for cultural dialogue in the region.
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