Ramadan Book Fair in Doha Opens on 8 April

Sponsored by His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture, the Ministry is organizing the Ramadan Book Fair in its first edition, during the period from the 8^th to the 16^th of this month, in the western square of Souq Waqif, with the participation of 35 publishers from 9 countries, namely: Syria, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, India, and Australia, in addition to publishers from Qatar. The Ramadan Book Fair, the first of its kind, is affiliated with the Department of Libraries at the Ministry of Culture.

The demonstration comes as an extension of the Doha International Book Fair, which concluded its 31^st edition last January, according to the organizers' statement, which indicates that the exhibition "aims at localizing books by encouraging reading, supporting Qatari publishers by promoting the book and expanding the circle of readers, and investing the atmosphere of the holy month in developing knowledge and celebrating the Qatari heritage to enhance authentic cultural values." It is noteworthy that the Doha International Book Fair was established in 1972 under the supervision of the Qatari Book House and used to be held every two years. However, since 2002, it has been held annually, and the number of publishing houses participating in its last edition reached 335 publishing houses representing 31 Arab and foreign countries.

The fair acquires its importance in the context of the focus of cultural institutions in Qatar and the Arab world on religious chanting and singing, as well as recreational activities, while most serious events such as seminars, book readings, and others are absent during the month of Ramadan.

On the sidelines of the fair, a number of cultural and religious activities, theatrical performances, and various activities for children will be held, in addition to displaying new titles specialized in religious, educational, and cultural sciences in Arabic and English, which are suitable for different age groups.

Jassim Al Buainain, the Director of the Ramadan Book Fair, reiterated that the aim of the fair, which is held during Ramadan, is to localize the book, consolidate the concept of the book, enhance the cultural movement in Qatar, and revitalize Qatari publishing houses, in addition to bringing the book through exhibitions to the public to promote culture and values.

Al Buainain indicated that the reason behind choosing the Souq Waqif square to hold the Ramadan Book Fair is to be closer to people, especially since Souq Waqif has a special atmosphere in Ramadan, and therefore the fair will be close to the public.