The third edition of the Al Diwan Arab Book Fair concluded in the German capital, Berlin, after three days of rich cultural activity featuring a notable Qatari participation represented by several publishing houses, including Dar Al-Watad, Rosa Publishing, Al Maha Publishing, Nebras Publishing, Al Sharq Publishing, and Mutamim Publishing, alongside around 100 Arab and international publishing houses.

The fair attracted a wide audience of writers, intellectuals, and translators from different countries and featured a diverse program of panel discussions, poetry readings in Arabic (classical and Nabati) and German, and sessions exploring topics such as the development of the Gulf novel—particularly the Qatari narrative scene—its evolution, influences, and global reach.
One of the sessions also examined the role of women writers in the modern Gulf literary landscape, while another discussed the importance of international book fairs in promoting cultural exchange, with the participation of Mr. Jassim Ahmed Al-Buainain, Director of the Department of Libraries at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair.

In a statement, Mr. Jassim Ahmed Al-Buainain affirmed that Qatar’s participation in the Al Diwan Arab Book Fair reflects the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s presence in regional and international cultural forums, and to showcasing the country’s intellectual and creative output across literature, poetry, thought, and the arts.

He added: “Through our participation in this fair, we aim to present a comprehensive picture of Qatar’s cultural scene and highlight the richness and diversity of its publications, giving readers and visitors—particularly the Arab community in Berlin—an opportunity to learn about Qatar’s experience in supporting publishing and cultural creativity.”

Mr. Al-Buainain emphasized that Qatar’s involvement underscores its dedication to promoting Arab culture, embracing global cultural exchange, and building bridges between creators and publishers worldwide, noting that the fair serves as “a platform for civilizational dialogue that connects East and West under the banner of the book.”

It is worth noting that the Arab Cultural House “Al Diwan” in Berlin—affiliated with the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Germany, organizes the fair annually as part of a series of cultural initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue between Arab and European cultures and highlighting the role of Arabic literature as a medium of understanding and connection between nations.