Kuwait, November 17 (QNA) - Kuwait is set to open the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair on Wednesday, under the slogan "Capital of Culture...Homeland of Books".

The fair, organised by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, runs until November 29 and brings together 611 publishers from 33 Arab and foreign countries.

This year's edition coincides with Kuwait's selection as the Arab Capital of Culture and Media for 2025. Oman will be the guest of honour, in recognition of its cultural contributions.

Qatar will take part through the Ministry of Culture and several Qatari publishing houses, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, Qatar University Press, Rosa Publishing, Al Watad, and Katateeb. They will present a wide range of literary, scientific and intellectual works aimed at showcasing the diversity of Qatar's cultural landscape.

Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of Libraries at Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, said Qatar's participation reflects its commitment to supporting regional cultural events and strengthening ties with Arab and international institutions.

"The ministry is keen to highlight Qatar's cultural production and open new avenues of cooperation," he said, adding that the fair serves as an important platform for exchange between writers, publishers and readers.

Al Buainain described the Kuwait International Book Fair as a key regional forum that promotes reading and encourages dialogue through a rich program of seminars, lectures and workshops.

Qatar University Press is joining the event for the first time. Its director, Sheikha Sheikha Ahmed Al-Thani, said the fair offers a valuable opportunity to reach new audiences. The press will unveil 19 new titles, including "Geopolitics" and "Qatar as a Model". More than 100 academic publications across fields such as social sciences, law, history, culture and education will also be on display.

The fair will feature 120 cultural activities, including events linked to the guest of honour, a cultural cafe, and a dedicated cultural pavilion, along with 11 workshops and 39 children's activities. (QNA)