The Monsoon Book Prize for the Indian Ocean 2027 is attracting strong international interest, with 14 books already submitted for consideration from authors and some of the world’s leading and most reputable academic publishing houses. Nominations remain open until 31 October 2026 for scholarly books published between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2026, across three categories: Heritage, History & Culture; Anthropology, Sociology & Political Economy; and Ocean Economy & Sustainability. One book in each category will receive USD 4,000. This year, the Monsoon Book Prizes award ceremony will be hosted by the Harvard University Asia Center.

Submit nominations to monsoon.rio@gutech.edu.om.

Professor Heba Aziz, Director of the Research Centre for the Indian Ocean (RIO) at GUtech, participated through a recorded video intervention in the Maritime Tourism & Investment Dialogue, held on 25 October 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of the International Silk Route Festival 2026.

During her intervention, Professor Aziz highlighted opportunities to revive the historic Silk Routes through sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, maritime connectivity, and regional cooperation between Pakistan, Oman, and the wider Indian Ocean region.

She also emphasized the importance of heritage preservation, academic collaboration, and responsible investment, proposing a Silk Route Tourism Initiative to strengthen cooperation and promote sustainable development.

Her participation reflects RIO’s commitment to advancing Indian Ocean research, cultural heritage, and regional partnerships.

Join us for a pivotal virtual seminar this World Ocean Day as we bring together global academic and maritime leaders to address the critical future of the Indian Ocean region. Co-hosted by the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) Pakistan, the Research Centre Indian Ocean (RIO) at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech).