Attracts 847 publishing houses from 34 nations

As many as 622,000 book titles and publications are listed on the site, said Al Rawahi, noting that about 269,000 of these appear in Arabic and 200,000 in foreign languages. The Omani collection includes about 19,000 books, of which 35,989 are new books printed in 2023 and 2024, he said.

Al Rawahi pointed out that a special section has been allocated for “children and family” events and activities, including a drama shows, workshops, a language corner, a children’s museum corner and a green corner. “Cultural cafés have also been established in a number of participating pavilions,” he said.

This year Al Dhahirah Governorate will be the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the fair, with a special pavilion planned to exhibit the intellectual and cultural history of the governorate, alongside a diverse array of programmes, activities, and cultural events throughout the fair’s duration.

Al Rawahi also highlighted that this year’s fair will welcome a distinguished group of intellectuals and prominent media figures to engage in the cultural events unfolding during the fair days.

Al Rawahi said that the State of Palestine will be strongly present at the book fair, notably through events that focus on the Palestinian cause.

The theme of the book fair this year will be artificial intelligence (AI), said Al Rawahi, adding that many cultural events and activities will highlight AI advantages. Visitors will have access to a 3D map to navigate directly to the pavilion they seek, along with assistance from robots, as lectures introducing AI technology will be held.

Mohammed al Balushi said that media coverage accompanying the cultural scene will unfold on the sidelines of this edition’s events. He stated that there will be daily coverage of the events and activities conducted by various media outlets, along with direct coverage of several cultural events during the fair days.