Qatar Pavilion Highlights Rare Heritage Books And Crafts At Riyadh International Book Fair

The Riyadh International Book Fair this year features Qatar as the guest of honour, highlighting its rich cultural heritage. The Qatari pavilion presents a collection of old and rare books published by the Ministry of Culture in Qatar. This includes 12 titles, some over five decades old, showcasing initiatives like "Qatar Reads" to encourage reading.

Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, the pavilion supervisor and Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture in Qatar, expressed satisfaction with Qatar's role as the guest of honour. He emphasised the strong cultural ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. "The ministry of culture participates in the fair with the pavilion to showcase Qatar's intellectual output and the ministry's publications, and to give a glimpse at the initiatives and engagements it undertakes in the cultural domain to promote reading and disseminate knowledge," he stated.

The pavilion also features artistic pieces that reflect Qatari heritage, highlighting its opulence and diversity. A section is dedicated to traditional Qatari crafts alongside various Qatari publications. A notable publication is a collection of Qatari folk poetry, accompanied by photographs taken by local photographers and designs inspired by Qatari heritage.

Events such as "One Book, One Doha" are part of efforts to promote reading through various activities throughout the year. These events aim to engage audiences with diverse literary experiences. The pavilion serves as a platform for showcasing Qatari achievements in culture, art, and literature.

Qatar's presence at the fair aims to highlight its cultural impact within the Gulf region and Arab world. It also underscores historical ties with Saudi Arabia. Visitors can explore Qatari cultural figures and literary works, gaining insights into Qatar's contributions to these fields.

The fair provides an opportunity for attendees to become familiar with Qatari culture through its diverse offerings. By participating as a guest of honour, Qatar seeks to strengthen its cultural connections while promoting its intellectual contributions on an international stage.

With inputs from SPA