Books on travel

There are physical books and there are e-books. As a writer and journalist I am a fan of both.

In Salalah in Dhofar in the south of the Sultanate of Oman, the ‘Family bookshop’ found a new place. The shop is part of Assafa House, on the same side as Haffa House, nearby the airport and with lot of parking place in front.

Abdul Salam al Kathiri, Director Ministry Social Affairs (left), Mr. Abdullah Al Olyian, Former head of Oman Newspaper ( right)

The Family bookshop focused on English and Arabic readers is actually something quite special. It was the first bookshop in Salalah after the current leader Sultan Qaboos deposed his father in 1970 and commenced with the modernization of Oman, the so-called Renaissance. The first Family bookshop was inaugurated in 1977.

‘During the thirty years that I work in the bookshop the range of educational books increased,’ tells manager Mr. Abdul Khaliq. Before 1970 only one school for boys was existing in Salalah. In the meanwhile every village in the mountains, in the desert has schools.

Nowadays the Family bookshop focuses on English and Arabic readers, travelers and children. The books, magazines and newspapers are clear displayed.

And of course my books are also available.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”