Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) makes its return to the annual Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) with new titles from its children’s catalogue, an expanded Young Adult (YA) roster and critical original and translated titles, a statement said Friday. The DIBF is taking place from June 12 to 21 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
"This is a key networking event in which we look forward to strengthening existing relationships with fellow publishing professionals, as well as forge new ones with other Arabic publishing houses within the region," said Bachar Chebaro, executive director of HBKU Press.
Authors published by HBKU Press will be appearing throughout the fair for meet and greets in which they sign personalised copies of their books, connect with fans of their work, and share more about their experiences, challenges, and triumphs as authors and creatives.
HBKU Press provides educational and inspiring books for both Arabic and English language readers, with many titles translated and offered in both languages. The YA catalogue is characterised by themes that aid in the holistic development of teens and young adults.
Kummam al-Madeed, a Qatari author specialising in fantasy novels in English, will be debuting her highly anticipated sequel, Wielding Magic. Her first novel, Calling Magic, is a fantastical introduction to the world of Tia, the most powerful witch of her age. Wielding Magic follows Tia into a new environment, and promises to be just as thrilling, wonderous, and of course, enchanting as its predecessor.
Ali al-Naama will also be present to debut his first book with HBKU Press, Circus of the Greats.
Ali is also a Qatari author and follows the footsteps of his grandfather, Abdullah Hussain al-Naama, who founded Qatar’s first magazine, Al-Ouroba, as well as its first newspaper, Al-Arab.
In addition to original content, HBKU Press sources and translates stories which connect readers with writers from all over the world. One such endeavour is the Planet Omar series by accomplished YA author, Zanib Mian.
Could the Stars Stay Bright? by popular HBKU Press author Basma Elkhatib teaches children about the importance of staying curious and proactive in a world that is rapidly being controlled by robots and machines. This title has been translated into English.
The Worry Balloon by Balsam Amoura is another colourful new title for younger readers, again translated into English.
In addition to translated novels, HBKU Press empowers local authors to tell stories in their own languages, such as the stirring Arabic novel, Fereej bin Dirham by Kaltham al-Kuwari, a Qatari writer, poet, and academic. She is the recipient of many awards, including the Fiction and Critical Creativity Award from the Ministry of Culture, the Intellectual and Creative Production Award, and the Arab Pioneers Award from the League of Arab States. Her lyrical style is on full display with Fereej bin Dirham, her latest novel for adults with HBKU Press that tells a moving story about a small town with big heart.
Readers with interests in non-fiction and current affairs are sure to find a wide range of HBKU Press titles which appeal to academic, historical, and sociocultural curiosity.
The Centrality of Middle Class: Sociopolitical Resilience & Economic Stability by Qatari scholar Dr. Khalid Al-Jufairi is an academic inquiry into the vital role the middle class plays in society’s growth and welfare. Dr al-Jufairi will be available at the fair.
Also in attendance will be Dr Salim Zakhour, the co-author of the groundbreaking and recently launched Qatar Communication Strategies: From Managing a Crisis to Creating a Successful National Brand alongside communications expert Dr Nadine Karam.
