Latest news with #SaudiCulturalDays
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
Muscat book fair ends, sees over 649,000 visitors
Muscat – The 29th Muscat International Book Fair concluded on Saturday with 649,589 booklovers visiting its stalls at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's edition was one of the largest to date, featuring 674 publishing houses from 35 countries. Of these, 640 participated directly, while 34 were represented through local and regional agencies. The event's digital catalogue listed more than 681,000 titles – including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 in other languages – underscoring the fair's global appeal. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of the fair, said it has played a vital role in promoting reading culture and enhancing Oman's cultural landscape. He noted its impact on the publishing industry and broader economic sectors, while also showcasing the country's literary achievements. Highlighting regional culture, North Sharqiyah was this year's Guest of Honour at the fair. The governorate presented a rich programme reflecting its artistic and intellectual heritage. Additionally, the fair hosted 'Saudi Cultural Days', marking enhanced cultural ties with the kingdom through participation of leading Saudi writers and creatives. Rawahi announced Al Wusta as Guest of Honour at the 30th edition of the fair.
Observer
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Muscat International Book Fair opens with wide participation
MUSCAT, APRIL 24 The 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair kicked off on Thursday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. The opening ceremony was attended by Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Main Committee of Muscat International Book Fair. The chief guest toured the exhibition pavilions, which feature a wide array of cultural, intellectual and scientific titles. The total number of listed publications reached 681,041, including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 foreign titles. The Omani collection comprises 27,464 books, while newly-printed publications (2024-2025) account for 52,205 titles. Notably, 52,205 of the displayed books were published between 2024 and 2025. A dedicated space has been created for children and family activities, including a theatre for performances and workshops, a corner for the Arabic language and a children's cultural corner. A total of 155 events are planned, featuring interactive and entertainment shows, youth initiatives and puppet performances. Additionally, cultural cafés have been set up in several participating pavilions. Al Sharqiyah North Governorate is this year's 'Guest of Honour', with a special pavilion showcasing the governorate's local culture, history, notable figures, scientific and humanitarian contributions, tourist attractions and modern lifestyle across its various wilayats. Ahmed al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, expressed pride in the visit of Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, who signed his new publication 'The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757' at the Sharjah Book Authority's pavilion. Al Rawahi noted that this year's edition celebrates a number of intellectuals and creatives from both Oman and abroad, welcoming all guests attending the cultural programme and exploring Omani culture, people and national identity. He added that the cultural programme of Al Sharqiyah North will highlight the governorate's cultural, historical and developmental heritage. The fair also celebrates Saudi Cultural Days, featuring a series of events led by prominent Saudi intellectuals with participation from Omani writers. The current edition is held under the theme: 'Cultural Diversity Enriches Civilisations', emphasising openness and cultural exchange through its events and hosted figures. Ibrahim Saad Bishan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the Kingdom is participating in this year's exhibition with 38 publishing houses as part of the Saudi Cultural Days. Several cultural events will also be held to celebrate Omani-Saudi relations, reflecting initiatives by the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council to strengthen cultural cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Mahmood bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, emphasised that the governorate's participation as guest of honour marks a significant cultural milestone, showcasing its literary, tourism, economic and heritage treasures. The pavilion features an AI-powered platform to promote the governorate and a children's corner dedicated to the Omani identity. The governorate is organising 15 diverse events, including seminars and lectures on literature, sports, education and tourism. The pavilion also aims to promote the governorate's unique tourist sites from golden sands and resorts to natural water springs and historic landmarks across its wilayats — inviting visitors to discover these treasures firsthand. The book fair runs till May 3, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing visitors of all ages to explore exhibits and events at convenient times. The organising committee has allocated special morning hours for school students - from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays - to provide a safe and educational environment that nurtures young people's love for reading and learning from an early age.
Observer
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
10-day long Muscat book fair begins today
Muscat: HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University, inaugurated on Thursday the Muscat International Book Fair 2025, in the presence of S ultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, and Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year the book fair is held under the theme 'Cultural Diversity and the Richness of Civilisations'. The fair, which is scheduled from today until May 3, promises a vibrant lineup of cultural activities and intellectual discourses. The Al Sharqiyah North Governorate is the 'Guest of Honour' of this edition, showcasing its cultural heritage, historical achievements and key figures through a dedicated pavilion. The event will offer a wide array of programmes tailored for children, youth and families. This year the book fair is also celebrating Saudi Cultural Days, which reflects the deep-rooted relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Around 500 temporary employment opportunities will be created as part of the fair, supporting Omani job-seekers and promoting national talent. The key features of this year's fair include: Children's Pavilion: A rich programme including theatrical shows, workshops, Arabic language activities and nine international participants alongside 95 Omani contributors. Cultural Cafés: Spread across participating pavilions for informal discussions and literary engagement. Over 674 publishing houses from 35 countries — 640 direct participants and 34 indirect — featuring more than 681,000 titles are participating in the book fair.
Observer
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Culture takes centre stage at Muscat Book Fair
MUSCAT: Under the theme 'Cultural Diversity and the Richness of Civilisations,' the Muscat International Book Fair announced the details of its 29th edition during a press conference held recently. Scheduled from April 24 to May 3 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the fair promises a vibrant lineup of cultural activities, intellectual discourse and family-friendly programming. This year's edition will be inaugurated under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. The Al Batinah North Governorate will be honoured as the 'Guest of Honour,' showcasing its cultural heritage, historical achievements and key figures through a dedicated pavilion. Ahmed al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, highlighted that the event will offer a wide array of programming tailored to children, youth and families. 'This year we are also celebrating Saudi Cultural Days, which reflects the deep-rooted and thriving relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' he stated. Saudi Arabia will host a rich cultural programme at their pavilion and across various venues at the fair. Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information, announced that around 500 temporary employment opportunities will be created as part of the fair, supporting Omani job seekers and promoting national talent. He also noted that media coverage will be extensive, with live broadcasts of key cultural events. Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information, addressing the press conference Shaikh ٍSaud bin Mohammed al Hinai, Wali of Al Mudhaibi and Chairman of the Executive Committee for Al Sharqiyah North Governorate's participation, emphasised the region's contribution to Omani heritage and literature. 'Our focus will be on culture, literature and the region's prominent intellectual figures,' he said. Key features and statistics of the 29th edition include: Children's Pavilion: A rich programme including theatrical shows, workshops, Arabic language activities and nine international participants alongside 95 Omani contributors. Cultural Cafés: Spread across participating pavilions for informal discussions and literary engagement. Publishing and book industry: Over 674 publishing houses from 35 countries — 640 direct participants and 34 indirect — featuring more than 681,000 titles. Digital Integration: Includes an exhibition app, a 3D map, mobile directory and electronic payment solutions in collaboration with Oman Arab Bank. Volunteerism and youth engagement: Strong focus on skill-building through volunteer programmes and youth-led initiatives. The exhibition will host 211 cultural events, including 84 discussion panels, 13 seminars, 15 lectures, 16 book launches and musical performances. The Children's Pavilion alone will feature 155 diverse activities, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive environment for all ages. Additionally, 33 events are planned under the Guest of Honour programme, with 10 events spotlighting Saudi Cultural Days. Participation includes 50 international and 252 Omani contributors, representing government entities, civil society organisations and cultural institutions. As the 29th Muscat International Book Fair approaches, it stands as a testament to Oman's cultural vibrancy, intellectual openness and growing regional collaborations — welcoming readers, writers and thinkers from around the world.
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
674 publishers from 35 countries to participate in Muscat book fair
Muscat – The 2025 edition of the Muscat International Book Fair will open on April 23 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of H H Sayyid Dr Fahad al Julanda al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. The Ministry of Information revealed details of the fair at a press conference on Wednesday, highlighting an expanded cultural programme and broad international participation, reinforcing its position as one of Oman's leading literary and cultural events. H E Mohammed bin Said bin Mohammed al Balushi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information, said that North Sharqiyah governorate will be the Guest of Honour for this year's edition. The region's cultural and historical identity will be featured through dedicated exhibitions and activities showcasing its scientific contributions, heritage landmarks and development projects across its wilayats. More than 74 media professionals from 50 international organisations have been invited to cover the fair, in addition to local and regional outlets and social media content creators focused on books and culture. Several cultural activities will be broadcast live during the fair. Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, announced participation of 674 publishing houses from 35 countries, including 640 direct participants and 34 through local representatives. 'Attendees can expect a diverse range of publications, panel discussions and cultural showcases designed to engage a broad audience of book lovers, academics, authors and publishers,' he said. The 2025 edition will also include 'Saudi Cultural Days', featuring a special pavilion highlighting the kingdom's literary and artistic contributions. The initiative aims to deepen cultural ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia. According to Rawahi, more than 681,000 book titles are listed on the fair's website, reflecting the growing scale of the event and its role in promoting reading. Alongside literary offerings, the fair will host youth workshops, interactive sessions and thematic exhibitions aimed at fostering a culture of reading and learning across generations.
