The 29th Muscat International Book Fair is more than just a celebration of literature, offering a vibrant mix of books, heritage, and emerging technologies. Running daily from 10 am to 10 pm until May 3, the fair has attracted over 600 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of titles in various languages and genres.
A major highlight this year is ‘Fatima’, an AI-powered assistant introduced by the Ministry of Education. Fatima is one of six similar agents at the fair, designed to assist visitors with directions and information. “Fatima is fast, friendly, and particularly helpful to students searching for specific genres or publications,” said a ministry official. The AI assistant has sparked excitement among young visitors, merging the worlds of books and technology in a way that has captivated the younger audience.
The second-hand book section at the fair has also drawn attention from collectors looking for rare editions on culture and history. Despite higher prices, many books in this section are quickly selling out. “These books carry the soul of the past,” said veteran Bahraini writer and bookseller Idris Meris, 75. “Collectors know their worth, and for many, it’s not just about price – it’s about preserving knowledge.”
Another key development at this year’s fair is the launch of a children’s channel by the Ayn Platform, which now offers more than 8,000 multimedia resources. This platform, which includes over 65,000 audio and video recordings, aims to encourage reading and learning in a dynamic, multimedia format for children. “This launch is a milestone in promoting engaging educational content,” said Ahlam al Balushi from the Ministry of Information.
The fair also provided a platform for emerging writers, with Pakistani sisters Zunaira and Aysal Waheed making their mark. Aysal, 15, a Muscat-based author of eight books, and Zunaira, a student at the University of Nottingham and an author and motivational speaker, showcased their titles, which ranged from fantasy to inspirational writing.
Fuad al Bulushi, Director of Sales at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), emphasized the fair’s significant cultural and economic impact. “The Muscat International Book Fair is a great honor for OCEC, underscoring the centre’s role in fostering knowledge exchange and cultural engagement,” he said. The 2024 edition contributed over RO1mn to the local economy, and with 674 publishers from 35 countries expected in 2025, similar benefits are anticipated.
OCEC’s integrated hotels, modern exhibition halls, and professional events team are well-equipped to handle the fair’s high footfall, with over 400,000 visitors expected over the 10-day event. The fair positions Oman as a key hub for cultural dialogue in the region.
