H H Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said Minister of Heritage and Culture H E Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs H E Abdulmunim bin Mansour bin Said al Hasani Minister of Information were present at the inauguration. Over 650 publishing houses from 27 countries are taking part directly or through agents. Publishers from Pakistan and Italy are participating for the first time.

Spread over 8550sq m the fair has 950 pavilions divided in two sections. The fair will be open from 10am to 10pm except Fridays. The Friday timings will be 4pm to 10pm. February 25 February 29 and March 2 have been earmarked for students only. The timings will be 10am to 4pm. February 28 March 1 and March 3 have been set aside for women and female students (10am to 4pm). The exhibition will run till March 5.