Latest news with #MuscatBookFair
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Record breaking attendance at Muscat Book Fair
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The year 2025 marked a milestone for Muscat Book Fair, as a total of 649,589 visitors attended this prominent, cultural event of the year in Oman. This substantial turnout reflects the exhibition's growing international appeal and cultural significance, reinforcing its position as a key fixture on the global events calendar. Organisers hailed the figure as a testament to the event's enduring relevance and its ability to attract diverse audiences from around the world. Officials noted that the exhibition's rich programming, innovative displays, and international participation played a crucial role in driving the record-breaking numbers. The event has now firmly established itself as a cultural beacon, drawing attention not only regionally but also on an international scale. Plans are already underway to expand next year's edition, with organisers promising new features and enhanced experiences to further elevate its global standing.
Muscat Daily
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat book fair celebrates books, culture and creativity
Muscat – Muscat International Book Fair continues to draw large crowds in its annual celebration of books, reading and culture. Now in its 29th edition, the fair is seen as a vital platform for fostering a love of reading among children and adults, while providing a space for intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue. Authors, publishers and visitors at the fair described its growing significance in conversations with Muscat Daily . Participating with his 14th publication – titled We Take a Walk in the Forest – Omani adventurer and author Khalid Said al Anqudi said the fair represents much more than a marketplace for books. 'Book fairs are primarily a celebration of books and writers. This is a unique feature of Oman,' he said. 'Muscat Book Fair has become a meeting point for intellectuals, writers and thinkers – because culture is the foundation that enhances all developmental achievements, whether economic or social.' Anqudi noted that despite the dominance of digital media, the appeal of printed books remains strong. 'We are witnessing a remarkable revival of paper books. Thousands flock to these fairs with genuine interest, reflecting the enduring appeal of books,' he said. Khalid Said al Anqudi Badriya al Ismaili, a researcher at Cultural Forum, described the fair as 'a seasonal and annual celebration for homes, schools and communities'. She emphasised its role in cultivating a reading culture among youngsters. 'It's an opportunity for parents to introduce their children to the world of books and instil the habit of reading early on,' she added. Publishers, including Ahmed Ali, reiterated the fair's role. Owner of a regional publishing house, Ali said the fair nurtures both Omani and Arab cultural identity. 'Muscat Book Fair receives much support from the state and stands out for its diversity. The increasing number of participating publishers each year speaks to its growing influence,' he said. Ali added that the fair has long contributed to cultural development. 'For nearly three decades, this fair has contributed significantly to raising generations that value reading and learning.' Visitors have expressed their enthusiasm as well. Attending with his children, Nasser al Rawahi described the fair as 'a valuable cultural opportunity'. 'Seeing over 600 publishing houses from 35 countries in one place is inspiring. It helps instil a love of reading in our children,' he said. Another visitor, Nasser al Hosni, pointed to the fair's role in cross-cultural engagement. 'This exhibition also showcases the importance of other participating cultures. With the wide selection on offer, book fairs today provide multiple sources of knowledge and perspectives,' he said. 'With its blend of literary celebration and educational value, Muscat Book Fair continues to stand as a pillar of Oman's vibrant cultural scene – a reminder that the written word remains a powerful force for connection and growth,' Hosni added.
Muscat Daily
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Here's everything you need to know about Muscat Book Fair
Muscat – The Muscat International Book Fair has officially opened its doors in a grand ceremony inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah. The event, attended by senior dignitaries from Oman, celebrates the power of books in uniting cultures and promoting intellectual exchange across borders. This year's edition of the fair is one of the largest to date, with participation from 674 publishing houses representing 35 countries. Of these, 640 are taking part directly, while 34 are participating through local and regional agencies. The fair's digital catalogue lists an impressive 681,041 book titles, comprising 467,413 Arabic publications and 213,610 foreign language titles, reflecting the event's global scope and appeal. Oman's literary heritage is strongly represented, with 27,464 Omani-authored books on display. Additionally, the fair is showcasing 52,205 recently published works printed between 2024 and 2025, offering visitors a comprehensive view of contemporary publishing trends both regionally and internationally. In his opening remarks, the Ruler of Sharjah H H Sheikh Dr. Sultan praised Oman for its steadfast commitment to cultural advancement and for providing a platform that fosters dialogue and knowledge-sharing. He also highlighted the vital role of literature in safeguarding identity and enriching the collective consciousness of Arab society. The book fair is open to the public with extended hours throughout its duration. Visiting hours vary by date, accommodating a wide range of audiences including families, students, and professionals. Special visiting schedules have also been arranged for post-school student groups. Female students are scheduled to visit on Sunday, April 27; Tuesday, April 29; and Thursday, May 1. Male students will visit on Monday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 30. The timings for these visits range between 10:00am and 8:00pm, with shorter hours scheduled on specific days. The fair continues through to Saturday, May 3, and offers a rich programme of events including author signings, literary discussions, workshops, and cultural activities aimed at engaging readers of all ages. The Muscat Book Fair remains a cornerstone of Oman's cultural calendar, reaffirming the country's role as a regional hub for literature, learning, and the arts.
Observer
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Details of the Muscat Book Fair to be unveiled on April 16
Muscat: The press conference of the upcoming Muscat Book Fair will be held on April 16 at 11 am to unveil details and highlights of the 29th edition. The book fair will be held between April 23 and May 3 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. North Sharqiyah Governorate will be the Guest of Honour of the book fair by showcasing its historical and cultural features, as well as its investment and tourism resources. The 28th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair saw the participation of 34 countries and 847 publishing houses, offering over 20,000 titles, including a remarkable collection of more than 19,000 Omani books. This year's fair featured 847 publishing houses from 34 countries, with 676 participating directly and 171 represented through agencies. The total number of cataloged titles reached 622,000, including 19,000 Omani books. It also showcased 35,989 modern publications from 2023 to 2024, comprising 269,000 Arabic books and 200,000 titles in foreign languages.
Observer
16-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman boosts vocational, technical education for Oman Vision 2040
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education, through the Directorate-General of Vocational and Technical Education, continues to enhance vocational and technical education, aligning it with labour market demands and the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040. As part of this initiative, the current academic year has seen significant developments across various disciplines, including business administration, information technology, and engineering and industrial specialisations. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year to welcome new students into these programmes. To support students in private training institutions, the Directorate has distributed all second-semester textbooks for engineering and industrial specialisations, covering fields such as engineering maintenance, mechanical manufacturing, occupational health and safety, structural maintenance, lifting and lowering operations, welding and metal forming. These curricula were developed under the supervision of the Oman Energy Association (OPAL) and underwent rigorous scientific and technical reviews by experts from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education. Currently, efforts are focused on preparing grade 12 curricula for both semesters, ensuring continued progress in this educational track. The Directorate has distributed all second-semester textbooks for engineering and industrial specialisations In anticipation of the 2025-2026 academic year, the Directorate has launched awareness and educational programmes across post-basic education schools in Muscat and Al Batinah North. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with the Centre for Career Guidance and Student Counselling, aim to introduce students and parents to vocational and technical education opportunities. The programmes include school visits, career guidance sessions and participation in educational fairs such as the University Specialisations and Training Programmes Exhibition in Al Batinah North. Additionally, the Directorate is preparing to showcase vocational and technical education at the 29th edition of the Muscat Book Fair to expand awareness among the broader community. To ensure the effectiveness of these programmes, the Directorate has conducted technical evaluations of schools offering vocational and technical education, as well as private training institutions specialising in engineering and industrial fields. These assessments aim to monitor educational progress and optimise learning outcomes. Also, ongoing discussions with key stakeholders address administrative and logistical matters, training institution contracts and alignment with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to ensure transition for graduates into higher education and the workforce. Oman is actively strengthening this educational track, positioning it as a cornerstone for developing skilled national talent and meeting the evolving needs of various economic sectors. Through strategic partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions, vocational and technical education is fostering employment opportunities and driving sustainable development, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
