Doha: Qatari newspapers on Friday underscored the country's growing cultural and intellectual influence, focusing on the 35th Doha International Book Fair and the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the event as a reaffirmation of the central role of culture, reading, and national identity in Qatar's comprehensive development journey.
According to Qatar News Agency, the editorials described the Doha International Book Fair as a leading global platform for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, reflecting the state's commitment to human development, societal awareness, and the preservation of the Arabic language and national identity. They also highlighted Qatar's sustained investment in education and equal opportunities as part of its broader sustainable development agenda.
In an editorial titled "Wise Leadership: A Patron of Thought and Creativity," Al-Raya said Qatar continues to affirm, through each edition of the Doha International Book Fair, that culture remains a cornerstone of its civilizational and humanitarian vision. The paper stressed that nation-building extends beyond material progress to include the development of awareness, intellect, and knowledge as foundations for a cohesive and resilient society.
The newspaper said HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the fair conveyed a clear message that culture lies at the heart of national progress, and that books and enlightened thought are essential tools in shaping both individuals and the future. It noted that culture and creativity occupy a central place in the state's development strategy, with the building of an informed and educated society regarded as equally important as economic and infrastructure advancement.
Al-Raya added that HH the Amir's tour of the exhibition halls, his review of the latest publications and cultural initiatives, and his engagement with young writers and creators reflected the leadership commitment to nurturing awareness and reinforcing the role of books in societal progress. The paper further noted that the Doha International Book Fair has evolved into a global forum for cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange, embodying a balance between authenticity and openness, tradition and modernity.
The newspaper also highlighted Qatar's continued support for books, the Arabic language, and intellectual research as part of a broader civilizational role rooted in Arab and Islamic heritage. It said the growing international participation and rising number of Arab and foreign publishers confirm Doha's increasingly prominent standing on the global cultural stage.
Under the headline "Doha Book Fair: Strengthening Identity Awareness," Al-Sharq focused on the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, as well as the inauguration of the fair by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The newspaper said the high-level participation reflected the state's deep commitment to the cultural event and underscored the fair role in promoting dialogue among cultures and enhancing collective awareness.
It noted that the 35th edition has become a major international cultural gathering, bringing together more than 500 publishing houses from over 40 countries alongside a rich program of seminars, lectures, and workshops. Al-Sharq added that the fair attracted a distinguished group of thinkers, writers, and intellectuals whose contributions enriched the event's intellectual and literary landscape, supporting the knowledge economy and advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
The paper further stressed that HH the Amir's visit reflected ongoing support for initiatives aimed at strengthening awareness of the Arabic language, national identity, and the transformative role of reading in societal advancement.