Muscat Book Fair 2025: A Hub for Intellectual Exchange and Cultural Diplomacy

 

Ashoke Raj, Muscat, Oman, May 5, 2025: The 29th Muscat International Book Fair concluded on a high note, attracting more than 649589 visitors between April 23 and May 2, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. With its theme “Cultural Diversity: Enriching Civilisations,” this year’s edition set a new benchmark in attendance and engagement, reaffirming its role as one of the Middle East’s most vibrant cultural platforms.

Featuring 674 publishers from 35 countries, including India, the fair showcased an impressive collection of over 600,000 book titles in Arabic and multiple foreign languages. Notably, over 27,000 titles by Omani authors highlighted the Sultanate’s flourishing literary contributions.

 

“THIS BOOK FAIR SERVES AS A CULTURAL HUB, DRAWING IN FAMILIES SEEKING ENRICHING EXPERIENCES AS WELL AS THE INTELLECTUAL ELITE WHO REGARD IT AS A VITAL PLATFORM FOR LITERARY EXCHANGE AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP,” SAID SHEIKHA AL MAHROUQI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDIA.

 

India’s Presence and Children’s Programming Shine

 

India’s participation added rich value to the fair, with a diverse showcase of Indian literature, educational publishers, and cultural events that resonated strongly with the multilingual and multicultural audience.

 

The event also prioritized youth engagement, featuring 211 cultural programs and 155 activities for children, including storytelling sessions, workshops, and interactive meet-the-author experiences.

 

Bridging Civilisations Through Literature

 

The fair’s core mission—to foster intellectual dialogue, celebrate cultural diversity, and bridge traditional values with modern thought—was echoed across all segments of the 10-day event. Organizers hope that this expanding platform will further cement Oman’s position as a leading center for literature, education, and cultural diplomacy in the region.

 

As the curtain falls on this record-breaking edition, the success of the Muscat International Book Fair 2025 signals not just a celebration of books, but of ideas, inclusion, and shared heritage.