Oman to take part as guest of honour at Doha International Book Fair

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman will be the guest of honour at the 33rd edition of Doha International Book Fair due to be held from 9 to 18 May 2024.

Oman will be represented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Sultan Qaboos University, civil society institutions (including the “Omani Society for Writers and Literati” and “Memory of Oman National Cultural Centre”).

The book fair, themed “Knowledge builds civilisations”, will showcase more than 180,000 titles to be exhibited by 515 publishing houses from 42 countries.

Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, said that Oman’s participation as a guest of honour at the book fair affirms the depth of bilateral relations with the State of Qatar and the common cultural bonds.

He added that the event provides an opportunity to enlighten visitors about Oman’s diverse cultural activities and accomplishments.

The design of Oman pavilion at the book fair was inspired by Al Alam Palace, with its dazzling architectural components and artistic decorations, he added.

The Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra (OCO) will participate in the event by various performances to be staged at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Oman’s pavilion will include three exhibitions: the first promotes Oman’s tourist, cultural and historical landmarks; the second showcases 6 rare Omani manuscripts; and the third is a joint photography exhibition with the Qatar Photography Society.

The pavilion will also showcase products from participating government institutions, a virtual reality (VR) technology show and exhibits from the World List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.