| Lyna Mohamad |
VISITORS to the Brunei Book Fair 2019 will get to engage in various family-friendly activities lined up for the week-long event at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas, apart from browsing through books.
The activities are contributed by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Education, GAPENA Malaysia, UNISSA Press, UF Academy, Al-Huffaz Management and several other participating book publishers.
The main highlight will be provided by the participation of the Sultanate of Oman as the Country of Honour, in a showcase of traditional Omani outfits and jewellery, as well as several literary, intellectual, artistic, scientific and historic works in multiple languages.
The Omani delegation at the book fair is led by Undersecretary at Oman’s Ministry of Information Ali bin Khalfan Al-Jabri.
Following yesterday’s launch, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin toured the Omani pavilion, for a close look at numerous book publications and traditional Omani accessories on display.
The minister witnessed a demonstration of Islamic calligraphy and had his name inscribed in Arabic lettering.
During the opening ceremony, invited guests and attendees were entertained by a classical oud performance by selected members from the Omani Oud Hobbyist Association officially founded on the royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman in 2008.
The oud is one of the most ancient musical instruments in Oman, and still plays a central role in Omani music today.
A workshop on oud music will be held today from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to give more insights and understanding on this ancient lute-like instrument.
Other highlights include the sampling of freshly-made halwa (Arabic for candy or sweet) prepared by professional chefs from a famous halwa factory in Oman.
Live cooking demonstrations will be held on selected days.
An Arabic calligraphy workshop will be held this morning at the Green Room 1 and 2 of the Indoor Stadium.
A henna-painting workshop has also been scheduled later in the day from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.