Culture minister opens Ramadan Book Fair

HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, inaugurated yesterday evening the 2nd edition of the Ramadan Book Fair organised by the Ministry of Culture, in the presence of a number of other dignitaries. HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, former minister of eduation HE Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Turki al-Subaie and Qatar University president Dr Hassan bin Rashid al-Derham were among those present.
The exhibition will continue until April 5 at Darb al-Saai headquarters in Umm Salal, with the participation of 79 publishing houses and bookstores, including 31 from Qatar and 48 from abroad. During a tour inside the exhibition, the minister of culture was briefed on the most important publications and titles offered by publishing houses, the participating Qatari authorities and Arab publishing houses. HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani said that the Ramadan Book Fair is a rich extension of a cultural year full of activities and events, and contributed to spreading the values of creativity and innovation.
The event also opens broader horizons for constructive intellectual dialogue on many issues of concern to intellectuals, creators, and several segments of society. One of the good contributions in terms of cultural growth is that it is a privileged space for supporting publishing houses and an important link between writers and the reading public.
HE the Minister of Culture stressed that the Ramadan Book Fair is characterised by the diversity of its activities that includes productive families, and cultural and religious seminars, and that the visitors will find a rich combination of culture and tradition. HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani said that Darb al-Saai has become a major destination for cultural, heritage and social activities in the country.
HE Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali al-Maadeed, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, said in a statement that the exhibition is driving book publishing and expanding the reading circle. He stressed that the Ministry of Culture spares no effort in supporting Qatari publishing houses, through a number of events.
He pointed out that the first phase began with the Qatar University exhibition, now the second edition of the Ramadan Book Fair, and noted that the Doha International Book Fair will be held next June. The Ramadan Book Fair also includes a number of activities daily after Tarawih prayers. The Ramadan Council will gather a group of intellectuals for a public discussion. The activities on the main stage includes a number of seminars in co-operation with the Ministry of Endowment (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. There are events in co-operation with the Ministry of Social Development and Family in order to support the projects of productive families.
Jassim al-Buainain, director of the Ramadan Book Fair, said the cultural activities accompanying the exhibition are held in the main theatre, which hosts daily cultural and religious seminars in co-operation with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Religious Affairs, in addition to five art and culture workshops, puppet theatre and Hazawi al-Fareej (traditional story telling) for children.