The Sultanate of Oman is the guest of honour at the 33rd Doha International Book Fair, showcasing its rich heritage, culture, education, and tourism through a variety of books and rare manuscripts. Dr. Sulaiman Al Sabei, Assistant Dean of the Deanship of Research at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman, highlighted the diversity and quality of the publications on display, covering education, science, history, and tourism. The pavilion offers visitors a wide range of books and journals representing various sectors of Omani society, including works from the Deanship of Research, Omani Studies Center, and different ministries. The books have been rigorously reviewed to ensure academic integrity and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about Omani culture and society.
The exact number of books displayed at the pavilion was not specified, but Sultan Qaboos University alone has contributed around 55 titles to the exhibition. Various other groups have also presented their publications, further adding to the extensive collection available to visitors. One of the highlights of the pavilion is the display of rare manuscripts, offering a glimpse into Oman’s history and culture. Among these is the oldest Omani manuscript ever found, “Majmoa Alsyar wa aljawabat” (A collection of biographies and answers), transcribed in 531 AH / 1137 AD. The pavilion also features the “Manuscript of Hadith” (Sahih Bukhari), a collection of medical manuscripts, and “Madan al asrar” (Nature of Secrets), an oceanography manuscript listed in the Unesco Memory of the World Register in 2017, providing insights into Omani maritime history.
Dr. Al Sabei emphasized the significance of the Doha International Book Fair as an opportunity for Oman to share its knowledge and expertise with a wider audience. He encouraged visitors to come, enjoy the exhibition, and explore potential collaborations for future research and scientific publications. The fair runs until May 18 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), opening every day from 9am to 10pm, except on Fridays, from 3pm to 10pm. Entry to the event is free of charge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Oman’s rich cultural heritage and gain valuable insights into the country’s history, education, and tourism.
The pavilion at the Doha International Book Fair not only showcases a wide range of publications from various sectors of Omani society but also offers a unique opportunity to explore rare manuscripts that provide a glimpse into Oman’s history and culture. These manuscripts, including the oldest Omani manuscript “Majmoa Alsyar wa aljawabat” and the Unesco-listed “Madan al asrar” (Nature of Secrets), highlight Oman’s rich maritime history and offer valuable insights into the country’s heritage. Dr. Al Sabei emphasized the educational value of the publications on display, encouraging visitors to delve into Omani culture and society through the diverse range of books and journals available.
The rigorous review process of the publications ensures their academic integrity, providing visitors with accurate and reliable information about various aspects of Omani society. With around 55 titles contributed by Sultan Qaboos University alone, as well as additional publications from various groups, the pavilion offers an extensive collection for visitors to explore. The Doha International Book Fair serves as a platform for Oman to share its knowledge and expertise with a wider audience, fostering potential collaborations for future research and scientific publications. Dr. Al Sabei’s invitation to visitors to enjoy the exhibition and learn more about Omani culture and society reflects Oman’s commitment to promoting its heritage and education at an international level.
The Doha International Book Fair, with the Sultanate of Oman as the guest of honour, is a celebration of Oman’s rich heritage, culture, education, and tourism. The pavilion at the fair, curated by Dr. Sulaiman Al Sabei from Sultan Qaboos University, offers visitors a diverse range of books and journals covering various sectors of Omani society, including education, science, history, and tourism. The display of rare manuscripts, such as the oldest Omani manuscript “Majmoa Alsyar wa aljawabat” and the Unesco-listed “Madan al asrar” (Nature of Secrets), provides a unique opportunity to explore Oman’s history and culture. With a focus on academic integrity and educational value, the pavilion invites visitors to delve into Omani culture and society through its extensive collection of publications, encouraging collaboration for future research and scientific publications. The fair, running until May 18 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), is free of charge and open daily, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Oman’s rich cultural heritage and gain valuable insights into the country’s history, education, and tourism.
