Sunday 08 / September / 2024
Muscat: Visitors to the Muscat International Book Fair have said that it offers people – especially young children – an amazing insight into the joys of reading.
Held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the book fair concluded on 5 March, 2022 and featured more than 350,000 books from 715 publishers across more than 27 countries.
Omani national Ibrahim was among those who went to the book fair on many occasions…because his children were very keen to return there after their first visit.
“The first time we went there, I just thought it would be a chance for the family to go out,” he admitted. “When we got to the fair, my children and I ended up staying there for four hours, and truth be told, had they got their way, they would have remained there for at least four more! I told them it was time to go, because it was getting close to dinner time, and they only left once I promised them we would come back.
“I took them to the fair once again last Thursday and they were just as amazed by the books available there, as they were the first time,” he added.
“The younger one has just started school, while the older one has just entered middle school, so they are both very keen to learn and push their boundaries.”
An avid reader, expatriate Simon was also there with his family and was pleased to see many young families peruse the books of their interest. “We often go to bookshops over the weekends, because my wife and I have introduced a culture of reading in our home,” he said.
“The children are always excited to go to a bookshop and look at the new arrivals. What has left me pleasantly surprised at the book fair is that there are many families with children who seem very interested in reading. “At a time when people are more interested in TV shows and video games, it is great to see there is still a love for reading,” he added. “I encourage everyone to read, as it is the best way to develop your imagination, open your mind and improve your vocabulary.”
A number of books have been launched at the Muscat International Book Fair, including the one on the history and culture of Oman’s southern Dhofar governorate, by doctors Hadi Al Hikmani and Andrew Spalton. Dr Andrew Spalton, a former environmental affairs advisor at the Diwan of Royal Court, said “while Dhofar has been known since ancient times as the Land of Frankincense, it is today better known for its summer (Khareef) season. Dhofar is home to many species of wild plants and animals that are not found elsewhere in the world.”
The book launched at the fair will be a new addition to libraries, while researchers and visitors to the region will also benefit by picking up a copy. The fair also acts as an area for young Omani authors to be noticed by introducing their books to the public. One of them is Ammar Al Naaimi. “Meeting people has been huge,” he said.
“There are so many people that have been following me on social media, but who I’ve never met in person. They all have amazing opinions on books. On a broader level, I really like to compare the book fair to Disneyland for readers. The vibe here is overwhelming and disorienting, but in the best way possible. It’s a delight.”
