MUSCAT, 29 February 2004 — The ninth Muscat Book Fair is attracting big crowds and setting new records for attendance and sales.
The 11-day fair at the Oman Exhibition Center, features some 32,500 titles, including more than 3,500 in English, from some 30 countries. The fair was opened by Minister of State Sayyid Mutassim ibn Hamoud Al-Busaidi last week.
Minister of Information Hamad ibn Muhammad Al-Rashidi said the fair was growing both qualitatively and quantitatively and praised the enthusiasm shown by publishers and organizers.
He pointed out that foreign books outnumbered local publications which was a very healthy sign. “This also reflects the good international reputation the fair has developed over the years,” he added.
“My children are very fond of computer books,” said Ali Rashid Al-Matani, who works in public relations. “Though only seven, my son Ammar has become a computer buff and he never fails to outwit his mother and me.”
Bhavna Mehta, a working mother, said: “My children love Harry Potter and anything else which ignites their imagination. Books are still your best companion despite the onslaught from satellite channels and the Internet.”
