External Book Fairs

Prominent book fairs in ‏2005

Cairo International book fair

The ministry started participating in Cairo International book fair in 1990 and continued its participation in the event since then. The Cairo book fairs the second prominent book fair in the world after Frankfurt book fair. The Sultanate’s stall in the Cairo international book fair is among the distinguished stalls in the event. The last session of this event which was held in Feb 2005 was one of the most successful sessions of Arab and foreign book fairs. 25 countries and 9 Arab and foreign organizations took part in it. One millions titles went on display during the 15 day event.

Casablanca international book fair

The ministry’s first participation in this fair was during its 10th session in 2004. This session was inaugurated on 12/12/2004 by Moroccan Culture minister Mohammed al-A`sha`ri.

Tunis international book fair

It was opened on April 22nd 2004 under the auspices of Mohamed bin A`shoor Minister of Culture and Heritage Preservation.

The chief guest visited the Sultanate’s stall where he was received by Ali bin Ahmed al-I`saei, Sultanate’s ambassador to Tunisia and Khalid bin Salim al-Ghasani director general of organizations and cultural relations, head of the delegation which participated in the event.

Tehran international book fair

The ministry began participating in this fair in 2002. This fair is opened at the beginning of May every year under the auspices of the Republic President. This year 2576 publishing houses from 51 countries took part in the fair. The event is held on an area of 27,000 square meters.

Libya international book fair

The ministry participated in the 7th session of this fair which was held from June 14th to 27th 2005. It was opened by Shukri Ghanim, Prime Minister. 354 publishing houses from 17 Arab and foreign countries.

Paris Arab European book fair:

The 8th Arab European book fair was held at the Arab world institute in Paris under the auspices of the Palestinian Culture Minister Yahya bin Yakhluf and in the presence of the president of the Arab World Institute. 260 publishing houses from 21 Arab and foreign countries took part in the fair. Several cultural programs were held on the sidelines of the event, most of which were designated for Palestine which was the guest of honor of the session.

The Sultanate’s pavilion in the fair included publications on Fiqh (jurisprudence), literature and history.

Al-Asad library international book fair:

The 20th session of this fair was opened by Dr. Mahmoud al-Sayed, Culture Ministry.

AL-Giers international book fair:

The Sultanate first participation in this fair came at its 9th session held in 2004. It was opened by Abdul Qadir bin Saleh, Speaker of the Umma council.

More than 550 publishing houses from 21 countries participated in the fair which was held on an area of 7876 square meter.

The ministry and al-Dhamri library represented the Sultanate in the event. The ministry is currently preparing to take part in the 10th session of the fair which will be held in September 2005.

Sana`a international book fair:

The 21st session of the Sana`a international book fair was opened by Abd Raboh Hadi, Yemeni Vice President on 22/9/2004. 326 Yemeni, Arab and foreign publishing houses took part in the event.

Frankfurt international book fair:

The Sultanate’s production in the 56th session of this event included displaying more than 350 titles, en exhibition of handicrafts, displaying Arabian calligraphy paintings, a photography exhibition of the sites enlisted at the UNESCO world heritage center, displaying paintings and photos of Muscat and Omani culture edifices and contributing to the seminars and lectures held. This was in addition to the Sultanate’s pavilion which was inaugurated by Dr. Rajha bint Abdul Amir Bin Ali, Tourism Minister and head of the participating delegation. The Sultanate’s pavilion occupied an area of 144 square meters and included more than 800 titles. It also featured a fine arts exhibition, DVD show about the aspects of the Omani culture and heritage, 11 portraits which shed light on the Sultanate and a special edition of the Tolerance Magazine prepared by the Awqaf and Religious Affairs Ministry.

Sharjah international book fair:

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed al-Qasmi, member of the UAE supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah the 23rd session of the Sharjah international book fair on 7-12-2004. 439 publishing houses from 32 Arab and foreign countries participated in the fair.

This session honored the Ministry of Heritage and Culture for its considerable efforts in promoting Omani books.

Riyadh international book fair:

Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, of Riyadh region opened at King Saud University on 21/9/2004 the 10th session of Riyadh international book fair. 300 participants from 14 Arab, Islamic and foreign countries took part in the event.

Bahrain international book fair:

This event is held every two years. The ministry’s last participation in this fair was during its 11th session which was opened by Nabeel bin Yaqoub al-Hamr, Bahraini Minister of information at Bahrain international exhibitions center on 18-3- 2004.

A number of Arab and foreign publishing houses took part in the fair which has received wide response.

Beirut International Arab book fair:

The Ministry’s first participation in this fair was during its 48th session which was opened by Prime Minister Omar Karami on 27-11-2004. It is organized by the Lebanese Publishers Bar and the Arab Cultural Club.

A total of 217 publishing houses took part in the fair held on an area of 210500 square meter. 34 cultural activities were held on the sidelines of the event.