Officials confirm 34th Doha International Book Fair largest with 522 publishers

Doha, Qatar: Officials have confirmed that the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair, which kicked off Thursday under the theme From Engra...

Doha, Qatar: Officials have confirmed that the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair, which kicked off Thursday under the theme "From Engraving to Writing," is the largest in the history of the fair in terms of participation, with 522 publishing houses from 43 countries, alongside a variety of cultural and artistic events.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the fair’s opening, which runs until May 17, officials highlighted Palestine's participation as the guest of honor this year, emphasizing that this reflects Qatar’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly in the cultural sphere.

The Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari described the Doha International Book Fair as a gathering point for authors, publishers, and reading enthusiasts, affirming that printed books will remain resilient despite the challenges posed by digital transformation.

He said that the publishers and readers eagerly anticipate the Doha International Book Fair each year, as it witnesses broad participation from Arab and international publishing houses. Its program is distinguished by cultural depth, addressing valuable topics worthy of discussion, which enriches the fair itself.

He praised the selection of Palestine as the guest of honor, aligning with Qatar’s ongoing support for the Palestinian cause and its people.