Given the emphasis neighbouring Arab countries place on building out their publishing programmes, this seems a particularly bizarre situation for a country of such wealth.

Another false dawn for region’s publishing sector

The 19th Bahrain International Book Fair has been postponed indefinitely, marking the latest in a series of delays that have left the event in limbo since 2018.

Sponsor shortage stalls revival

Information Minister Ramzan Al Nuaimi told Parliament on 24 December that preparations have stalled while the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) seeks a private-sector partner to share costs. “The matter has stalled at the search for a private-sector partner to come in with us as an investor or share part of the large cost,” he said.

The admission follows an announcement in April that the fair would finally return from 23 October to 1 November 2025, after a seven-year hiatus. That date in turn was abandoned “until further notice” earlier this year.

Political frustration mounts

MP Eman Shuwaiter condemned the repeated postponements, telling Parliament: “Each year, a plan is announced to hold the book fair and we feel hopeful, then we are surprised a few months later, before the launch date, by news of its postponement”.

She described the situation as “starving minds while feeding stomachs” and questioned why the new Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, opened in November 2022, could not host the event.

Industry impact

The fair last took place in 2018, attracting 120,000 visitors and 400 Arabic and international publishing houses. Its absence leaves a significant gap in the Gulf’s cultural calendar, particularly given Bahrain’s historical role as a regional publishing hub.

BACA has licensed more than 14 smaller book fairs during the interim period, according to Al Nuaimi, though none match the scale or international reach of the official event. The authority continues to represent Bahrain at other regional fairs, including participation at the Muscat International Book Fair earlier this year.

No new timeline

The minister confirmed a date will only be set once sponsorship procedures are completed, offering no timeline for resolution.

The View From The Beach

Given the emphasis neighbouring Arab countries place on building out their publishing programmes, this seems a particularly bizarre situation for a country of such wealth.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.