First Ramadan Book Fair opens at Souq Waqif

PICTURE: Thajudheen.

HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani launched yesterday the first Ramadan Book Fair at the western arena of Souq Waqif in Doha, in the presence of HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library (QNL) president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari and other prominent Qatari literary figures, media personalities and senior officials at the Ministry of Culture (MoC). HE Sheikh Abdulrahman toured the fair, where the minister was introduced to the various exhibitors and received a briefing on their activities and publications. The minister has stressed the importance of the event as a platform for promoting publishing and cultural activities. Dr Ahmed Asheer, adviser to HE the Minister of Culture, said the book fair is aimed at enhancing the local production of books with regard to writing, printing and publishing in a comprehensive way from all perspectives. Local publishers and aspiring writers would be encouraged in all the areas of culture and arts. Various international publishers are taking part in the debut edition of the event, with more expected to join the upcoming editions alongside local publishers, the official said. A number of local entities and organisations are taking part in the fair alongside ministries that included the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Dr Asheer stressed that HE the Minister of Culture pays great attention to this event as it is his idea in the first place. All forums of culture and arts are welcome to participate and engage with the public, including theatre, music, painting, and literature. The official said that the fair also features various forums and lectures on related issues, with the participants representing all fields of culture and arts. Such events are expected to enrich the country’s cultural and intellectual life and encourage young people to explore their creativity and innovation, he added. Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events Centre director-general Dr Ghanim al-Ali, who is also adviser to HE the Minister of Culture, said the Ramadan Book Fair is considered a follow-up to the Doha International Book Fair. He said that it will be a regular annual event during the holy month of Ramadan, where various workshops, forums, lectures and discussion panels will be held in partnership with various organisations and entities in the country. There will be a number of cultural, heritage and Islamic forums in co-operation with Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club. Ramadan Book Fair director Jassim al-Buainain pointed out that while the event will include various general cultural activities, it will also give special focus on the Islamic religious topics and the books on display follow this accordingly. There will be special activities and programmes for children and young people. The fair will be open to the public daily at Souq Waqif until April 16, from 8pm until 12 midnight. Based on an assessment of the event after its conclusion, the future editions and activities will have more enhancements and additions. Al-Buainain hoped that the fair will be highly popular and successful given the considerable turnout at the opening. Participants at the fair include 35 publishers from nine countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, India and Australia.