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.