Qatar Reads is expanding its cross-border literacy efforts through shared reading programmes, storytelling initiatives and literary exchanges under the Years of Culture platform, its manager Fatema al-Malki said.
She told Gulf Times that such an initiative aims to connect young people across countries by fostering engagement through books, ideas and shared cultural experiences.
Al-Malki outlined plans to deepen collaboration between schools, libraries and community spaces internationally, describing these as “natural opportunities” for cultural connection built around shared reading experiences. The initiative also aims to bring together diverse audiences, particularly youth, through programmes that encourage dialogue and exposure to different perspectives.
“There is enormous potential in developing shared reading programmes and children’s storytelling initiatives that connect communities across countries,” she said, noting that such efforts align with Qatar Reads’ core mission of promoting cultural understanding. “Every story is an invitation to see the world through someone else’s eyes.”
Operating under Qatar National Library, Qatar Reads has emerged as a key player in advancing literacy and cultural exchange within the Years of Culture programme. Through curated literary activities, it has introduced readers to voices and traditions from partner countries while also expanding the global reach of Qatari and Arab literature.
Al-Malki said reading remains one of the most accessible ways to engage with another culture, allowing individuals to encounter different histories, values and lived experiences in a personal and immersive way.
“Through stories, poetry and children’s literature, readers can connect with cultures beyond their own in a meaningful sense,” she said.
Among its notable initiatives is an international reading exchange programme launched last year in Buenos Aires, in collaboration with the city’s Ministry of Culture. The project distributed more than 1,000 reading kits to libraries across Argentina, featuring Spanish translations of the classical Arabic fables Kalila wa Dimna.
The centuries-old collection, which originated in ancient India and was later translated into Arabic in the 8th century, was selected for its universal themes and cross-cultural appeal.
According to al-Malki, the initiative demonstrates how stories can travel across borders and create connections between communities with different cultural backgrounds.
She added that such programmes illustrate the broader role literacy can play in cultural diplomacy. “Stories help people understand one another beyond the headlines,” al-Malki said, highlighting that books can introduce readers to perspectives they may not otherwise encounter.
By framing reading as a form of dialogue, Qatar Reads seeks to create spaces where empathy, curiosity and conversation can flourish.
“When people connect through stories, they begin to see themselves in others,” she said, stressing that this can serve as a foundation for stronger and more enduring relationships between communities and countries.
At the same time, Qatar Reads is adapting to the changing ways audiences consume content, particularly through digital media. Al-Malki said the initiative has expanded its presence on digital platforms to reach wider and more diverse audiences, especially younger readers.
One of its key innovations is the development of accessible audiovisual versions of children’s books in partnership with the Audio Education Complex. Produced annually, these adaptations combine narration, visuals and sign language, functioning as inclusive audiobooks that cater to different learning needs and preferences.
“Digital media has transformed how people engage with stories, and we see this as an opportunity to make reading more accessible,” al-Malki said. Such formats allow children to experience literature in multiple ways, she added.
Qatar Reads is also preparing to take part in the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, which is expected to further expand literary collaboration and cultural exchange. The programme will highlight interactive and accessible initiatives designed to introduce global audiences to the region’s literary heritage.
Al-Malki said audiences can expect renewed engagement with works such as Kalila wa Dimna, alongside illustrated interpretations by Qatari artist Wadha al-Athba. These efforts aim to present traditional narratives in ways that resonate with contemporary readers while preserving their cultural significance.
As Qatar Reads continues to evolve, al-Malki underlined the enduring relevance of storytelling in an increasingly interconnected world. She said reading serves as a powerful tool for building bridges, encouraging dialogue, fostering empathy and strengthening cultural ties across borders.
