Doha: HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL), Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, emphasized that the 35th Doha International Book Fair is a reflection of Qatar's cultural development and the dynamic intellectual environment across various fields.

According to Qatar News Agency, during the fair's opening, HE Dr. Al Kawari highlighted that the steady rise in cultural and intellectual activities, despite regional challenges, indicates the stability and confidence in Qatar's progressive development journey. He noted that the fair has become a premier cultural event in the Arab world, recognized for its sophisticated pavilion designs and the increasing variety of publications, countries, and participating publishing houses each year.

Regarding the involvement of QNL, Dr. Al Kawari pointed out the library's significant presence at the fair. He mentioned that despite its relatively recent establishment, the library has emerged as a leading cultural hub, boasting a collection of over 1.5 million books and organizing educational events throughout the year that enhance Qatar's cultural landscape.

In another statement to QNA, HE Saad bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, a noted Qatari media figure, praised the Ministry of Culture for its outstanding organization of the event. He observed that the fair reflects Qatar's strong commitment to literature and the empowerment of intellectuals.

Al Rumaihi applauded the fair's continuous growth in scale and the quality of its seminars, lectures, and exhibitions, which collectively promote a vibrant cultural movement and raise social awareness.

He expressed optimism that the 2024 edition of the fair will offer an enriching experience for visitors, providing diverse knowledge and new opportunities for cultural interaction.

The Doha International Book Fair, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), continues until May 23 and includes participation from over 520 publishing houses representing 37 countries.