Arab Book Award integrated cultural project

The Cultural Salon at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), “From Inscription to Writing,” hosted a symposium titled “The Arabic Book: Between Reality and Hope.”

Professor Hanan al-Fayyad, media advisor for the Arab Book Award, spoke at the symposium, which was attended by a select group of intellectuals, academics, and book lovers. The symposium was moderated by Dr Mohammed al-Rahawi, professor of Arabic language at Qatar University. Al-Fayyad reviewed the history of the Arabic book, from ancient inscriptions to the present era of interactive digital books.

She noted that this long historical legacy makes the Arabic book not just a cultural product but a vessel of identity and a bearer of the nation's memory.

She stated that despite the bright picture represented by the remarkable activity in publishing across a number of Arab countries — the rise in publishing houses, the diversity of publications, and the strong public turnout at book fairs such as the DIBF — it remains necessary to acknowledge the significant challenges facing the Arab book industry, most notably the decline in reading rates in many Arab societies.

This is due to complex reasons, including weaknesses in the educational system, economic factors, the dominance of digital media, difficulties in publishing and distribution, the absence of a unified Arab book market, and fragile professional marketing strategies.

She also warned of the dangers of digital piracy, which threaten authors’ rights and the sustainability of the publishing industry.

She noted that the translation movement in the Arab world remains weak compared to aspirations — whether in transferring knowledge from international languages into Arabic or vice versa. This deprives the Arab reader of the opportunity to engage with global human thought and prevents Arab creativity from reaching the wider world.

Al-Fayyad called for the adoption of comprehensive national strategies to support the publishing industry, including enhanced infrastructure and legislation, economic incentives, and better integration between cultural and educational institutions — emphasising the importance of developing both form and content.

Dr Al-Fayyad reviewed the details of the Arab Book Award, stressing that it is not just a prize but rather an integrated cultural project, supported generously by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, may God protect him. The award aims to bring about a qualitative shift in the Arab intellectual landscape by honouring distinguished contributions and fostering a spirit of competition in scientific and literary production.

She explained that the award covers five main fields: linguistic and literary studies, Sharia and historical studies, dictionaries and textual editing, and social and philosophical studies. It is granted in two categories: the "Single Achievement" category, for books that constitute a qualitative addition, and the "Achievement" category, which honours individuals or institutions with extensive cultural contributions.

In a related context, the Arabic Book Award had a notable presence at the DIBF, with a special pavilion that attracted significant engagement from visitors and intellectuals — reflecting the award’s commitment to enhancing the visibility of Arabic books and elevating their status in both the Arab and international cultural spheres.

Dr Naji Al-Sharif, Executive Director of the award, said: "Our participation in the DIBF stems from the core mission of the award, which is to contribute to enriching the Arabic library by encouraging individuals and institutions to produce high-quality knowledge."

He added, "We appreciate the researchers’ long-term efforts in research and writing, and we strive to highlight and honour them." He emphasised the award's commitment to supporting serious publishing houses that value the quality of their books — both in form and in content.

He also stressed that the book fair represents a golden opportunity for readers of all backgrounds and ideologies to gather and assess the impact of cultural production on society.

Qatari historian Dr Mustafa Aqeel remarked that paper books remain a cherished part of cultural life, despite the widespread availability of e-books. "I feel extremely happy when I browse through the shelves of paper books. They carry the spirit of history and creativity."

Aqeel, one of the winners of the first edition of the award, expressed his pride in receiving such recognition, noting that the Arabic Book Award offers true support for researchers and thinkers, motivating them to continue creating and innovating.

Nominations for the Arabic Book Award close on Friday, May 23.