The 2nd Edition of Ramadan Book Fair Commenced in Qatar

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Ramadan Book Fair has kicked off yesterday evening

on Mar 31, 2023

In the presence of several prominent dignitaries, the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, opened the 2nd edition of the Ramadan Book Fair organized by the Ministry of Culture yesterday evening. Among those present were HE the Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, former Minister of Education HE Abdullah bin Abdullah bin Turki al-Subaie, and Qatar University President Dr. Hassan bin Rashid al-Derham.

The event will run through April 5 at the Darb al-Saai headquarters in Umm Salal, with 79 publishing companies and booksellers participating, including 31 from Qatar and 48 from abroad. The minister of culture was briefed on the most significant publications and titles given by publishing houses, the participating Qatari authorities, and Arab publishing houses during a tour of the exhibition. HE According to Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, the Ramadan Book Fair is a rich extension of a cultural year full of activities and events. It has helped promote the ideals of creativity and innovation.

The event also broadens the boundaries for a healthy intellectual conversation on various themes concerning intellectuals, innovators, and many parts of society. It is a unique platform for supporting publishing companies and a crucial link between writers and the reading audience, which is one of its positive contributions to cultural advancement.

HE The Minister of Culture emphasized that the Ramadan Book Fair is distinguished by the range of its events, including productive families and cultural and religious lectures, and visitors will discover a rich blend of culture and heritage. HE Darb al-Saai, according to Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, has become a prominent destination for cultural, heritage, and social events in the country.

HE The exhibition, according to Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali al-Maadeed, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, is pushing book publishing and extending the reading circle. He emphasized that the Ministry of Culture greatly promotes Qatari publishing businesses through various activities.

He stated that the first phase began with the Qatar University show, which is now the second edition of the Ramadan Book Fair, and that the Doha International Book Fair would take place in June of next year. The Ramadan Book Fair also features a variety of events each day following Tarawih prayers, and the Ramadan Council will assemble a panel of academics for a public discussion.

Several lectures will be held on the main stage in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowment (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. There are activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Family to encourage effective family projects.

The cultural activities accompanying the exhibition, according to Jassim al-Buainain, director of the Ramadan Book Fair, are held in the main theatre, which hosts daily cultural and religious seminars in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Religious Affairs, in addition to five art and culture workshops, puppet theatre, and Hazawi al-Fareej (traditional storytelling) for children.