H E Hasani said that the number of exhibitors has increased this year to 524 compared to 441 participants from 24 countries last year.

Exhibitors from Pakistan and Italy will be participating in the fair for the first time. H E Hasani added that the fair will have two sections - Al Farahidi and The Ahmed bin Majid Hall.

While the former will display Arabic publications the latter will showcase Arabic as well as foreign publications and children's books.

'The fair will have 950 stalls featuring publishing houses and bookshops from the sultanate and other countries.

'A media centre in addition to two halls will host cultural and children's activities. The number of titles listed at the fair website stands at 250000' the minister said.

H E Hasani added that the cultural programmes organised as part of the fair will be supported by a number of organisations.

The highlight this year will be the launch of an app for smartphone users. The fair will be held at the Oman International Exhibition Centre from February 24 till March 5.