Omani authority stunned at huge welcome to TIBF

1394/02/20-11:59

An Omani authority visiting the 28^th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) has expressed surprise at the huge number of visitors inspecting the international cultural event.

Expert with the Omani Ministry of Endowment, Sheikh Ahmad bin Mahfouz al-Ma’mouli was speaking to the TIBF’s press office on Saturday.

The expert said the huge welcome is interesting and conspicuous, adding he had never before witnessed such levels of public participation in any book exhibition the world over.

In another regard, the expert briefed the press office on the content on display in the Omani pavilion at the TIBF fairground, saying titles on religion, cultural heritage, tourism and information work were on the stands in the pavilion.

The ministerial expert also cited historical manuscripts, public art and decorative articles as among other things on show in the Omani pavilion, adding pavilion authorities also bake a local Omani sweetmeat before the eyes of visitors.

Asked about the state of publication in Oman, the ministerial expert said the Omani ministries of endowment, information and tourism release their own publications based on their field of interest and profession.

Al-Ma’mouli said the Omani Ministry of Information has the mandate to supervise the business in terms of content, adding the ministry had banned any content that may contain libel or defamation against the Noblest Messenger of Allah (S.A.), his companions, or the serving Omani authorities.

Touching on the publishing procedures in his country, the ministerial expert said the procedures start with a would-be author or translator handing a title to the Ministry of Endowment for consideration. “A ministerial board then considers the title and, if approved, hands it to the Ministry of Information for final authorization,” the expert said, adding the national Press Supervision Department monitors the print or release of the titles.

The ministerial expert put the edition of a single book in the sultanate at three to five thousand copies.