The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) hosted a delegation of Iraqi newspaper editors and media professionals, currently visiting Doha, for a dialogue session. The session aims to introduce the centre’s role, explore avenues for professional co-operation, and facilitate the exchange of journalistic expertise between media institutions in Qatar and Iraq. This exchange seeks to strengthen Arab media communication and enhance professional performance.
The visiting delegation was received by Abdulrahman Majid al-Qahtani, chairman of the Board of Directors of QPC and Sadiq Mohammed al-Ammari, QPC’s director-general, along with a number of Qatari newspaper editors-in-chief: Faleh al-Hajri (Al-Arab); Jaber al-Harami (Al-Sharq); Abdullah Talib al-Marri (Al-Raya); Mohammed Hajji, (Al-Watan); Khalid Mubarak al-Shafi (The Peninsula); and Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka (Gulf Times).
Al-Qahtani welcomed the visiting Iraqi media delegation, expressing his pleasure at this meeting, which reflects the depth of Arab relations and the spirit of brotherhood that unites Arab journalists. He said the centre always welcomes serious Arab media initiatives that contribute to consolidating joint professional work and strengthening the unity of responsible media discourse.
He explained that hosting Arab media delegations comes within the framework of the QPC’s vision, which aims to build effective communication bridges between Arab journalists and media professionals and create open spaces for dialogue to exchange successful experiences.
Al-Qahtani said that Iraq, with its rich media and cultural history, is an important partner in any endeavour to develop Arab media. He underlined the importance of strengthening co-operation with Iraqi institutions and journalists and benefiting from their accumulated experience.
This, he added, will contribute to building a conscious Arab media, capable of conveying the truth professionally, defending the issues of the nation, and establishing a responsible discourse that serves the people and keeps pace with their aspirations.
Al-Ammari presented a comprehensive overview of the QPC’s vision, mission, and role in the media landscape, explaining that the centre serves as a unifying platform for journalists in Qatar and a professional hub of expertise.
He cited the centre’s commitment to expanding its relationships and partnerships at both the regional and international levels with Arab and international press organisations and unions. This will open broader horizons for co-operation and the exchange of expertise.
Al-Ammari pointed out that the centre is an active member of the Federation of Arab Journalists and the Gulf Press Union and is confidently pursuing membership in the International Federation of Journalists, thus strengthening its presence on the global media stage.
He said that the QPC will remain an open house for all Arab journalists without exception, welcoming the expansion of co-operation with the Iraqi press through organising joint training courses and workshops. It will also hold seminars and professional events, in addition to working on publishing documentary journalistic works that preserve the memory of Arab media.
Ali Mohsen Zahrawi, editor-in-chief of Al-Alam Al-Jadeed newspaper, called for the establishment of a joint co-ordinating council between journalists in Qatar and Iraq, which would contribute to organising media co-operation and activating the exchange of practical experiences. He proposed working on joint professional projects, including publishing unified or simultaneous news articles in Qatari and Iraqi newspapers.
He described Qatar as an open and flexible country in its procedures and its warm hospitality, noting that its positive impact is reflected on both residents and visitors.
Al-Mudahka affirmed that Baghdad has historically been a cradle of Arab intellectual elites. He noted that the 2022 Qatar World Cup contributed to correcting stereotypical images of Arabs and Muslims, pointing out that the cultural significance of the tournament strengthened Qatar’s identity both regionally and internationally.