Latest news with #29thMuscatInternationalBookFair
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat book fair ends, sees over 649,000 visitors
Muscat – The 29th Muscat International Book Fair concluded on Saturday with 649,589 booklovers visiting its stalls at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's edition was one of the largest to date, featuring 674 publishing houses from 35 countries. Of these, 640 participated directly, while 34 were represented through local and regional agencies. The event's digital catalogue listed more than 681,000 titles – including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 in other languages – underscoring the fair's global appeal. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ahmed bin Saud al Rawahi, Director of the fair, said it has played a vital role in promoting reading culture and enhancing Oman's cultural landscape. He noted its impact on the publishing industry and broader economic sectors, while also showcasing the country's literary achievements. Highlighting regional culture, North Sharqiyah was this year's Guest of Honour at the fair. The governorate presented a rich programme reflecting its artistic and intellectual heritage. Additionally, the fair hosted 'Saudi Cultural Days', marking enhanced cultural ties with the kingdom through participation of leading Saudi writers and creatives. Rawahi announced Al Wusta as Guest of Honour at the 30th edition of the fair.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
‘Art Hall' - A vibrant celebration of creativity
Muscat: In a cultural landscape, the 'Art Hall', organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as part of the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, shines as a vibrant space brimming with creativity, bringing together fine arts, music, photography and theatre in one crucible. Visitors can celebrate the beauty of the image and the elegance of the word, exploring the colours, melodies and stories told by paintings and lenses. With the participation of 27 government and private entities, the 'Art Hall' houses more than 412 diverse artworks, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy and photography, in addition to 61 artistic activities ranging from exhibitions, dialogue sessions, workshops, and musical and theatrical performances. These activities target all segments of society, with the aim of spreading artistic culture and creating a platform for creative exchange among participating artists. Among the striking entries in the lobby is the '1000 Words' exhibition, curated by the Photography Department at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat. It showcases more than 40 photographs by creative students, representing diverse styles such as portraiture, nature photography, conceptual art and advertising photography. Muhallab al Hinai, one of the students participating in the exhibition, says that each image carries a powerful story and visual message, reflecting feelings and experiences that cannot be expressed in words. He pointed out that the exhibition is based on the famous saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words', explaining that many of the images mimic reality but carry a symbolic dimension, especially those belonging to the 'fine art' style, some of which are inspired by personal experiences or human situations that have affected him. Muhallab added that what distinguishes the exhibition is its blend of authenticity with modern technology. He said that some artificial intelligence tools are used to enhance the images, such as adjusting the lighting or adding subtle elements like curtains or chandeliers to portraits, without compromising the essence of the image or altering its true content. He explained that during their studies, the students learned how to use artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance creativity, rather than relying solely on traditional editing programmes like Photoshop. He added, 'This gives us more time to focus on the content and the idea, rather than just the technology.' He touched on the diversity of the works, saying, 'We have photos that reflect the beauty of Oman's natural landscapes, with their diverse terrain, from mountains to coasts, and others that highlight heritage, daily life and cultural identity.' The department also showcased a collection of short documentaries produced by students as part of their academic projects. Muhallab commented, 'Some of our colleagues participated with films that won local awards, addressing topics related to cultural heritage, traditional crafts and community stories. These works were praised by visitors for their meaningful content and quality production.' Hamama al Kindi, Head of the Photography Department, affirmed that the launch of the '1000 Words' exhibition stems from the university's commitment to empowering students artistically and giving them a platform to present their work to a broad audience - encouraging them to keep creating and opening up career opportunities in the art market. The exhibition also features short films and documentaries highlighting Oman's cultural heritage and traditional crafts, earning admiration from visitors for their unique themes and polished execution. In another corner of the lounge, 'And the Legacy Remains' showcases artistic memorabilia of late Omani artists such as Ayoub Melng, Musa Omar and Mohammed Nizam, in a tribute to their artistic journeys and legacy.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
'Kiki Goes to Corniche' a tribute to Oman's landscape, Launched
Muscat: The beloved children's travelogue 'Kiki Goes to Corniche' was officially launched by Dr. Siham Al Harthy, board member of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairperson of their Tourism Committee, at the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, being held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), in a celebration of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration. Crafted by Elizabeth Davis, a notable figure in Oman's art scene and a resident in Muscat since 1992, the book invites young readers to discover the charm of Oman through the eyes of Little Kiki, who journeys through the iconic Corniche with her grandmother, fondly known as Ammu. The book includes engaging pop-ups, activity-based cutouts, and delicately illustrated pages created with pen and watercolour, making it a vibrant, interactive experience for children and the young at heart. 'This book is not only a tribute to our landscapes, but also a joyful celebration of learning and exploration,' said Dr. Siham Al Harthy at the launch. 'It was truly a pleasure and an honour to be part of the launch of Kiki Goes to Corniche. Elizabeth's sketchbook is a beautiful celebration of culture and creativity, and I'm so pleased to see it gaining such wonderful recognition. Knowing that the original is housed at the special collection wing of Shiekh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai makes it all the more special.' added Dr Siham. The book is proudly showcased by Al Bhaj Books, a respected local bookstore in Muscat, dedicated to promoting Omani literature and artistic voices. The event drew families, educators, and art lovers alike, all eager to explore Oman through the imaginative lens of young Kiara and the heartfelt storytelling of Elizabeth Davis. The book, was earlier displayed in the Oman pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2024 and also at the road show in the US by the OCCI tourism dept.
Observer
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Narration of history through visual medium
Muscat: The 29th Muscat International Book Fair has hosted several talks, including a session on Tuesday evening that drew documentary enthusiasts. The session, hosted by radio broadcaster Talal al Shatti, featured interviews with Bettany Hues, a broadcaster and documentary presenter who created "Treasures of Oman" as part of the "Treasures of the World" series and Friedrich Kluetsch, a documentary filmmaker behind "The House of Wonders," which explores migration in former times. As they shared their experiences producing and presenting their chosen stories, they emphasised the importance of teamwork and the use of technology. Kluetsch explained how technological effects helped create impact, but real visuals were crucial for evoking emotions. Bettany emphasised the importance of light in filmmaking, saying, "We chased the light during the golden hours of early morning and evening. Drone technology has been a blessing for us filmmakers, especially in Oman's breathtaking landscapes." She further explained, "Along with light, sound is incredibly important. Making a film with the right intention is fundamental. Your film's success hinges on this." In her documentary, there is a scene where the team is on an Omani dhow off the coast of Musandam and the captain reads from the book of Ahmed bin Majid. Narration of history through visual medium "These texts are the living records of real people. Ahmed bin Majid was known as the Lion of the Sea," she shared during the dialogue session. Regarding preserving cultural memory, Kluetsch praised Oman's efforts in balancing history and modernity. "History isn't far removed from us. People, problems and opportunities remain the same, even with modern technology like mobile phones," he observed. When asked about future projects, Kluetsch expressed interest in exploring the Bronze Age, when Oman was known as Magan, the land of copper. Bettany mentioned ongoing work on "Greater Cities" and expressed a desire to feature Muscat. Kluetsch advised creating serial pieces and focusing on long-form storytelling, particularly for social media. He noted that young filmmakers excel in shorter formats but struggle with longer narratives. For Bettany, a memorable moment was tasting fresh camel milk and hearing a local family's appreciation for camels. Kluetsch found the House of Wonders and its legacy particularly captivating. Narration of history through visual medium When asked what Oman had taught them, Kluetsch reflected on the importance of patience and trust in God and people, while Bettany praised the hospitality and respect shown by Omani people towards guests. Both emphasised the importance of women's roles in history, with Bettany highlighting the positive impact of documentary filmmaking in learning and promoting positivity. Kluetsch stressed the need for flexibility in documentary production and the importance of central characters in storytelling. After the session, Bettany shared her positive experience at the Muscat International Book Fair, expressing admiration for the diverse exhibits and brilliant people he had met. Kluetsch, a returning attendee, praised the fair's global reach and its ability to connect people from all continents. Both Bettany and Kluetsch expressed hopes of translating their books into Arabic for wider publication. PHOTOS BY KHALFAN AL RUZAIQY
Observer
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
'Dilshad' to be translated in English
Muscat: An Omani author who is very much in the news at the 29th Muscat International Book Fair is Bushra Khalfan. Her novels have always been well received because of the quality of writing and the in-depth historical details of the Omani society. Bushra is an Omani short story writer and novelist. She has been in the field of writing for 25 years. Bushra's award-winning 'Dilshad' traces the story of one family through 20th-century Oman. The narration throws light on the untold stories of marginalised women. Her book titled 'Dilshad: The Biography of Hunger and Satiety' (2021) won her the Arabic Novel Award during the eighth edition of the award of the Cultural Village Foundation in Qatar, titled Katara Prize, in 2022. The plot revolves around the young native of Muscat, Dilshad. The story is based during the first half of the 20th century. The 2024 volume is called 'Dilshad: Chronicle of Blood and Gold.' It builds on the success of the first book. Qantara de writes, "Across the nearly 1000 pages in Arabic, the novel introduces over a hundred characters, each with unique linguistic, historical, educational and social backgrounds. These characters are vividly portrayed through the interconnected stories of Dilshad, his daughter Mariyam and his granddaughter Fareeda. It is a story of struggles people face in lives for livelihood and to find a footing in the society, as is seen in Mariyam's life as she goes on to have her own business in Muttrah Souq. 'Dilshad' to be translated in English Earlier, Asghar Ali Karni, Iranian writer and translator, had said that Buhra Khalfan's book, Dilshad has been translated into Persian. At the Muscat International Book Fair 2025, Alice Guthrie, a British translator, editor, curator and event producer specialising in contemporary Arabic literature and media, was a guest speaker. She is in the process of translating Bushra Khalfan's novel into English for the publication of the book in the United States. The publication in English is scheduled for 2027. Speaking to Observer, she said, 'I am having a wonderful time translating it. All the historical details are fantastic: the characters, the linguistic diversity and all the wonderful secrets of Oman." Guthrie had read the book when it won the Katara prize in 2022. The book was also shortlisted in the same year for the International Prize in Arabic Fiction. "I thought it was all interesting; I was coming to Oman anyway and so I got in touch with her; and she was friendly and welcoming. Eventually, we were lucky to have the funding from the Ministry of Information. And now we are in the process of translation," said Guthrie. Alice Guthrie's translation of Gazan writer Atef Abu Saif's story, The Lottery, won the Jules Chametsky translation prize from the Massachusetts Review in 2019.
