MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth inaugurated the 26th edition of Muscat International Book Fair at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday.

The fair which will be held until March 5 will have participation of 715 publishing houses, out of which 570 publishing houses will be participating directly while 145 through agencies representing 27 countries. The fair will also be hosting 114 cultural events, including 85 activities for children and families alone.

Muscat International Book Fair is one of the coveted cultural events held in the sultanate and was first held in 1992. It is also considered among the top ten book fairs in the Arab world.

Pre-registration will be needed for those planning on visiting the fair on the opening day. In the wake of the pandemic, the total number of visitors will be capped at 50,000 per day. School students can attend the fair during the special scheduled hours set exclusively for their benefit.