Ramadan Book Fair was launched on Thursday evening by His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Thani, the Minister of Culture. The Ministry of Culture was represented by the Qatar Center for Cultural and Heritage Events. The Darb Al-Saai headquarters in Umm Salal will host the Book Fair through April 5.
During a tour of the exhibition, His Excellency the Minister of Culture was briefed on the most important publications and titles offered by publishing houses, the participating Qatari authorities, and Arab and foreign publishing houses. He is participating in the exhibition, which is being held for the second year in a row, with the participation of 79 publishing houses and bookstores from inside and outside Qatar, as this edition attracts 48 A Qatari publishing house and library, and 48 foreign publishing houses from 14 countries: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, the Emirates, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Mr. Masoud bin Muhammad Al-Amiri, Minister of Justice, His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, His Excellency Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Turki Al-Subaie, former Minister of Education, Dr. Hassan Rashid Al-Derham, President of Qatar University, and a group of academics, intellectuals, authors and writers.
The Ministry of Culture was eager to choose eminent publishing companies from outside the State of Qatar that were experts in various academic disciplines, in addition to picking the top children’s and young adult literature publishers. Participants from outside Qatar received assistance in all areas to increase their involvement in the exhibition’s activities..
In order to maximize the benefits of Ramadan exhibition and keep pace with the atmosphere of the holy month, the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Social Development and the Family, and the Qatar Reads initiative, organizes a number of accompanying events and activities, including a series of religious and cultural lectures and seminars, and an exhibition of productive projects, in addition to artistic and heritage activities for children and adults, and the celebration of the Garangao night.