The 22nd annual Doha International Book Fair commences on Monday and will run through Dec. 22 at the Doha Exhibition Center.

Some 32,108 titles, including 29,370 titles in Arabic and 2,838 titles in other languages will be on sale, and children’s books will feature prominently at the fair, according to media reports.

The “guest of honor” at the event will be Iran, a spokesman from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage said.

Qatar Tribune reports:

Iranian Ambassador HE Abdullah Sohrabi pointed out to the close ties between Iran and Qatar for getting the honour. The envoy said, “The timing of the fair, especially on the backdrop of recent political changes in the Arab world, will provide the emergence of new cultural ideas.”

(The ministry spokesman added): “There is no ban or restriction on any books in the exhibition.”

Hurray for book fairs! Who’s planning on going?