It launched its second edition with the participation of 79 publishing houses and libraries. Ramadan Book Fair connects authors and readers in Qatar

Doha- The Qatari Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, inaugurated on Thursday evening the Ramadan Book Fair in Darb Al-Saai in um Salal, which is organized by the Ministry from March 30 to April 5, 2023, on a daily basis from 12 pm to <> midnight.

The exhibition, which is being organized for the second year in a row, will witness the participation of 79 publishing houses and libraries, 48 of which are from outside Qatar, where nearly 14 Arab and foreign countries participate with a variety of books, most of which are religious books that coincide with the holy month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman said that the exhibition is a rich extension of a cultural year full of activities and events that enriched the Qatari cultural scene, contributed to spreading the values of creativity and innovation, and opened wider horizons for constructive intellectual dialogue on many issues of interest to intellectuals, creators and many sectors of society.

He added – in press statements during the opening – that the exhibition is one of the good contributions in terms of cultural growth, as it is a distinguished space to support publishing houses and an important link between writers and readers, stressing that the event is not limited to displaying books only, but also includes the participation of a number of Qatari productive families and many other events.

Most of the books participating in the exhibition Darb Al-Saai are religious and for the education of children (Al-Jazeera)

Cultural and religious seminars

The exhibition includes the establishment of a Ramadan Majlis for public and influential figures to narrate their lives and history, in addition to organizing a series of daily cultural and religious seminars in cooperation with the Qatari Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, as part of an advocacy program aimed at keeping pace with the atmosphere of the holy month and maximizing the benefit of visitors.

The religious seminars at the exhibition discuss topics of interest to the family and society and highlight the attention Islam has given to the family entity, the ethics of the Prophet Muhammad in his family and his emulation, in addition to discussing the effects of social media on family cohesion, and other important issues.

Upcoming Specialized Exhibitions

For his part, the Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem Al-Maadeed, said that the main objective of the exhibition is to publish the book, expand the circle of reading, and support Qatari publishing houses, pointing out that the first phase began at the Qatar University exhibition, and this is the second exhibition.

Al-Maadeed added that there will be a series of specialized exhibitions that will be announced in the next stage, revealing that the Doha International Book Fair will be held next June.

He pointed out that the second edition of the Ramadan Book Fair contains many events that are held daily after Taraweeh prayers, including the Ramadan Majlis, the theater event in which a series of seminars are held, and the organization of craft activities in cooperation with the Ministry of Development and Family to support the projects of productive families, in addition to artistic workshops aimed at developing children's skills, and a group of recreational games.

The exhibition began with a seminar on the education process in Qatar, during which the former Minister of Education, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Turki Al-Subaie, spoke about the history of education in the country and the developments it has witnessed over the past years.

Initiative to promote culture and build capacity

In an interview with Al Jazeera Net about the importance of the exhibition, the President of Qatar University, Dr. Hassan Al-Derham, said that such exhibitions are a wonderful initiative that contributes to the dissemination of science and culture and must be built upon and encouraged, as interest in books and reading is undoubtedly one of the basic things that promote culture and build local capabilities.

Wide participation in the exhibition for publishing houses and libraries from inside and outside Qatar (Al Jazeera)

Al-Derham pointed out that the exhibition in its new edition is characterized by development and renewal, which is very positive, and this is shown by the increase in the number of participants from inside and outside Qatar, calling on everyone to take advantage of the books displayed and seize this opportunity.

The Ministry of Culture was keen to select distinguished publishing houses from outside Qatar that specialize in various fields of knowledge, in addition to selecting the best publishers of children's and young people's books, and all aspects of support were provided to participants from abroad to enhance their participation in the exhibition's activities.

Exchange of experiences between publishing houses

Riyad Saleh, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum at the Ministry of Culture, said that the Forum's participation in this edition comes through 18 publishing and distribution houses, under the umbrella of the Forum, which is keen that these houses be represented in all events and exhibitions related to the book.

Riad Saleh: There is coordination between publishing houses to exchange experiences and expertise (Al Jazeera)

Saleh added – in an interview with Al Jazeera Net – that there is coordination with other participating publishing houses in order to exchange experiences and expertise by organizing meetings and bilateral meetings with them in order to reach agreements on the exchange of rights, and other aspects of multiple cultural cooperation.

He continued: Despite the focus on the religious aspect of the books participating in the exhibition, there is a variety of books in many scientific or heritage fields and children's books, explaining that the exhibition provides the opportunity to support publishers and distributors by providing free outlets to display their books to the public, and therefore there is keenness on the part of everyone to participate and provide books at reduced prices to the public.

Saleh explained that the previous edition achieved great success, and expected this success to continue during the current edition, which is witnessing wide participation of publishing houses and libraries.

An opportunity for continuous communication with the public

A number of representatives of publishing houses and libraries participating - Al Jazeera Net - that participation in such exhibitions is an opportunity for continuous communication with the public closely, and it also helps many publishing houses and libraries to promote themselves and reach the largest possible segments of society.

Yousef Jassim, representative of the publishing house "Tadbeer" (the international body for the management of the Holy Quran), said that he is participating in the exhibition for the second time, explaining that the idea is distinct and comes at a time commensurate with the virtue of the holy month, as the vast majority of the books displayed focus on religious matters of interest to every Muslim.

Yousef Jassim: The idea of the exhibition is distinct and commensurate with the month of Ramadan (Al Jazeera)

He continued: The exhibition is an opportunity for the public to acquire books and volumes at reduced prices, as the value of the discount is about 25% of the value of books on normal days, explaining that the library, for example, provides offers to acquire 32 books, including volumes, worth up to 400 riyals only (about $ 110).

For her part, Naheel Al Shawa, representative of the Noon Cultural Library, said that they are participating for the first time at the invitation of the Qatari Ministry of Culture, and explained that the library has won 8 international awards, in addition to UNICEF's approval of 17 books for the library, which is also keen to organize workshops focusing on the intellectual breadth of children.

Mohamed Sayed Ahmed, representative of Qatar National Library's Qatar Reads program, said that participation in the exhibition comes as a continuation of the activities and activities of the programs throughout the year, explaining that the program provides, through its participation, many books that suit different stages of children from 3 to 13 years old.

He pointed out that the books offered are suitable for mothers and fathers on how to deal with their children at different stages of development, and thus provide them with help in raising a new generation using science and reading.