Monday 04 / August / 2025
Salalah: The Cultural and Literary Street, established this year by Dhofar Municipality as part of the Ittin Square events in the Wilayat of Salalah, is a highlight of the Khareef Dhofar (monsoon) season 2025.
It aims to showcase the governorate's diverse cultural scene through interactive events that attract visitors of all ages.
The Cultural Street features a range of accompanying activities, including musical performances, storytelling, plastic arts, poetry evenings, and a "postman" event.
It also hosts a wide participation from publishing houses and libraries, which are displaying Omani and Arab literary and cultural publications that cater to the interests of various community segments.
In this context, Salim Mohammed Al Yafai, Director of the Cultural and Literary Street and Chairman of the Khareef Dhofar Book Fair 2025, explained that the fair is an annual event during the Khareef season. Ittin Square was chosen as its location this year to be part of the Cultural and Literary Street, given its notable presence among the season's activities.
He noted that the fair includes 27 publishing houses and libraries from various Gulf and Arab countries.
He added that Dhofar Municipality has prepared a cultural programme with diverse stops to enrich visitors' cultural experiences, expressing his hope that the fair will boost local and international attendance.
Awadh Salim Al Shukaili, owner of "Bain Al Suttoor" (Between the Lines) publishing house, said his company is participating in the fair for the fourth consecutive year.
He highlighted that the publishing house is a key supporter of Omani writers, having contributed to the printing and publishing of works by several Omani authors, in addition to its participation in Gulf and Arab fairs.
He added that the idea of establishing the library was to empower Omani writers to have a presence on regional and international stages.
The publishing house issues various books in self-development, novels, short stories, law, and Omani heritage.
Adel Metwally, a representative from Egypt's "Boursat Al Kotob" (Book Exchange) publishing house, confirmed their continuous participation in the Khareef Dhofar Book Fair since 2015.
He explained that this year's participation focuses on displaying Omani books, particularly those on history, as well as supporting young Omani writers and providing children's and scientific books.
Metwally praised the Cultural and Literary Street experience, calling it "exceptional," especially with the aesthetic appeal of its location at Ittin Square.
He noted that "Boursat Al Kotob" has more than 100 publications by Omani writers from various governorates of Oman, covering multiple fields including poetry, novels, short stories, memoirs, and human development. -ONA
