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The programme "In the Shade of Jasmine," broadcast daily on Al Arabi 2 from the Syrian capital, Damascus, has attracted significant attention from Arab audiences, due to its unique topics and themes within the context of developments in Syria.During the first half of Ramadan, the programme hosted a group of the most prominent Syrian artists and cultural activists. They spoke with great candour about the period of artistic struggle against the Assad regime and the persecution and harassment they faced.Their experiences varied from arrest and torture, as happened with artist Bassam Dakak, to displacement, or leaving for fear of their lives. Or being banned from entering Syria, as happened with a number of actors, including Samer al-Masry, Sawsan Arshid, Abdul Hakim Qatifan, Yara Sabri, director Maher Salibi, singer Ahmed al-Qassim, and others.The programme also addressed the enormous challenges facing the Syrian people in building a civil state that accommodates all segments of the Syrian population and provides a decent living for its citizens. The programme's guests also discussed the challenges that have been faced and will face the art industry in general, and the drama industry in Syria in light of the transitional conditions.The programme's episodes included numerous exclusive and powerful statements about Syria's past and present. Actor Mazen al-Nazour sent a strong message to artists supporting the Bashar al-Assad regime, urging them to remain silent.Actor Abdel Hakim Qatifan indicated the possibility of producing a new season of the series "Smile, General," which aired exclusively on Al Arabi 2 during Ramadan 2023 and achieved record viewership even within Syria despite severe security restrictions on its distribution.The programme presented by media professionals Milad Hadchiti and Nour Haddad, will continue airing during the second half of Ramadan with new guests. The programme airs daily at 9pm Qatar time, exclusively on Al Arabi 2 and via the Al Arabi+ app.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) organised a session titled ‘Creativity and Imagination in Children’s Stories’ as part of its Press Café sessions. The session addressed the reality, challenges, and future of children’s literature at the local level. Qatari writer Sheikha al-Ziyara, author of 50 children’s fiction titles and a judge in numerous children’s writing competitions, spoke during the 8th session of the Press Café. The session was moderated by media personality Amal Abdulmalik, and attended by a group of writers, intellectuals, journalists, and critics interested in children’s literature. At the opening of the session Saad bin Mohammed al-Rumaihi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Press Center, praised the works of writer Sheikha al-Ziyara. He emphasised that children’s literature is one of the most difficult fields of writing due to the nature of children. Sheikha al-Ziyara began with her passion for writing, when she was a student in school, where she was among her friends who loved reading, learning and writing the most. She used to write down some thoughts in a small notebook, which made her discover that she had a talent for writing. So, she took a bold step in 1997, to write under a pseudonym and send it to one of the local newspapers that published it. This was the first step towards the path of writing, before she turned to writing in children’s literature. Al-Ziyara said: “When I became a mother, I started searching for valuable stories to tell my children before bedtime. However, it was not easy, so I started crafting stories for my children to tell them at bedtime, and they liked them. However, at that time, I did not think about writing for everyone.” She added: “I had an electronic blog where I shared my ideas and stories. At that time, I wrote “When will the dream come true?” I meant the dream of actually writing and producing stories. The beginning was by producing ‘Princess Amina’, as it is the first story. I published it in co-operation with Asala Publishing House, which is one of the publishing houses specialising in children’s literature.” Al-Ziyara went on to talk about the importance of focusing on the quality of content that includes writing directed at children. It is important for the writer to feel responsible for what he/she writes for children. Regarding the messages conveyed in her short stories, al-Ziyara explained that each of her stories contains a moral and educational message. Therefore, the focus is on values that build a person and answer the questions: “Who am I?” and “What is the world?” These types of questions shape awareness and understanding in children. Al-Ziyara addressed a message to critics, questioning their role in criticising what is published, especially by younger generations. She emphasised their responsibility to enhance the quality of Arabic content, which can only be enhanced through criticism and by not deviating from customary writing standards. Al-Ziyara suggested establishing a cultural centre for children that would nurture artistic and literary talents. She also hoped that children’s literature would be highlighted in print media, which is important for shaping awareness among generations. At the end of the session, Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, questioned the reasons behind the high prices of children’s stories and literature, emphasising the urgent need to reconsider the pricing of children’s books to facilitate their acquisition.

The series “Mardi Wa Dahham” returns with a second season full of comic situations and new ideas, to reaffirm its position in the Gulf drama arena. Through its connected and separate episodes, the series continues to present social issues in an enjoyable comic format inspired by the traditional Gulf neighborhood.While employing a broad imagination that attracts viewers from different generations. We cannot talk about the success of “Mardi Wa Dahham” without praising the role played by Qatar TV in supporting Gulf drama works. It has proven through this huge production that it is a renewed platform that seeks to provide diverse content that combines entertainment and quality.Directors Abdullah al-Arak and Malek Sabah succeeded in presenting an integrated directorial vision that combines a fast pace and visual angles that serve comedy. Their focus was on the interaction between the characters in a way that makes the viewer involved in the atmosphere of the neighborhood as if it were real.The directing also maintained the simplicity of the visual narrative, with the clever use of lighting and shadows to enhance the spirit of the traditional story with a fantasy character.As for the decorations, they played an essential role in establishing the environment in which the events take place, as they reflected the designs of the Gulf neighborhood with great skill. The old-style houses, the women’s café, and the narrow alleys all helped create a sense of time and place, making the visual experience more realistic and connected to the popular heritage.The work was distinguished by the use of costumes that reflect the identity of the characters and contribute to drawing their dramatic features.The costumes were consistent with the nature of the traditional neighborhood, with the addition of some simple exaggerations in the designs of the characters of "Mardi and Daham".While the star Abdel Nasser Darwish continued to shine in the character of "Mardi", with his spontaneous and smooth embodiment of the role of the deceitful person in a likable comedic style. While Ahmed al-Aounan presented the role of "Daham" with brilliance that embodies the comic chemistry between the duo, which made the viewers attached to them since the first part.

The Qatar National Archives has announced the launch of the second edition of the “Bishtakhta Al Dar” interactive competition, which aims to encourage the public to explore Qatar’s history and research heritage documents and collectibles.The competition gives participants the opportunity to win a weekly cash prize of QR2,000 by finding the Bishtakhta and answering the question attached to it with private messages.*Bishtakhta is an old term of non-Arabic origin, which means gramophone.The Qatar National Archives is inviting the public to access its official accounts to follow the hints that help them find the location of the *Bishtakhta, and then send the correct answer before the weekly draw, which takes place every Sunday at 10pm.This initiative is an innovative way to enhance interest in national heritage and stimulate research and exploration in an interactive and fun way.The Qatar National Archives has revealed the conditions for participating in the competition.The participant must be a follower of all social media platforms of the Qatar National Archives, and be a citizen or resident of Qatar.The participant must search for the location of the *Bishtakhta through the hints in the competition post, then answer the question inside it with a correct answer.They must take a clear photo of the location where the *Bishtakhta was found, and send the answer in a private message to the Qatar National Archives accounts.The "Bishtakhta Al Dar" competition comes within the framework of the Qatar National Archives' efforts to raise awareness of the importance of historical documents and their role in preserving the national identity.

The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) organised a lecture on Al Arabi magazine and its historical role in documenting Arab cities, presented by Professor Abdulaziz al-Buhashem al-Sayed, a researcher in history and heritage.The evening began with a speech by QPC vice-chairman Professor Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti.He stressed that Al Arabi magazine, published from Kuwait, played a prominent role in spreading Gulf, Arab and Islamic culture, and contributed to documenting Arab cities and cultural heritage over decades.Al-Sayed spoke about the journey of Al Arabi, the first issue of which was published in December 1958, and how its reach extended from the Gulf, even to remote cities.He said that the magazine represented the soft power of Arab unity, and was a cultural dream that started from Kuwait to the Arab world.As the objective was a comprehensive Arab cultural magazine, Kuwaiti poet and writer Ahmed al-Saqqaf spent a whole year touring Arab capitals to select the magazine's staff.“All capabilities were harnessed to make the magazine a success from the very first issue,” al-Sayed said. “As 30 thousand copies were distributed, and the magazine sought to be a comprehensive cultural platform, it was therefore called ‘Diwan Al-Arab’.”He said that the choice of its first editor-in-chief, Professor Ahmed Zaki, who was the Cairo University president at the time, gave the magazine a global vision, one that drew inspiration from the *National Geographic magazine.Al-Sayed added that the magazine’s sections were carefully chosen to be an integrated cultural, literary and scientific platform.Articles were written by the most prominent Arab thinkers and writers, such as Naguib Mahfouz, Taha Hussein, Raja al-Naqqash, Anis Mansour, Farouk Shousha, Abdul Wahab al-Bayati, and Ghassan Kanafani.Al-Sayed explained that the magazine was not limited to spreading Arab culture; its message extended to the younger generations through the publication of the magazine *Al Arabi Al Sagheer, which was a window for creativity, allocating sections for drawings by, and innovation for, children.The symposium also addressed the role of *Al Arabi magazine in documenting Arab heritage by monitoring the social and economic life, and the urban development of Arab cities. Including Qatar, which received extensive coverage in the magazine, with 7-8 issues covering different aspects of the lives of Qataris.Al-Sayed referred to the 18th issue of the magazine, published in 1960, which shed light on life in Qatar over 45 pages.It documented the economic and social life, through the camera lens, of Souq Waqif and the fish market.It also monitored the divisions of the markets at that time, and the beginnings of Doha Port.The cover of the issue carried a picture of a Qatari girl named Moza Fakhro.“The issue also reviewed pearl diving trips, which were one of the most important pillars of the Qatari economy before the discovery of oil,” Al-Sayed said.He stressed that the magazine was vital, in terms of documentation and history, at a time when it was not easy to document the history of cities in the region.“The coverage was not limited to the markets ... it extended to the environment unique to Qatar,” al-Sayed added. “The magazine presented one of the most beautiful documented pictures of the ‘Dahl al-Hamam’ area, which is one of the most prominent geological landmarks in the country.”“In addition to the fish market, the vegetable market, and agricultural life, it showed how the local economy depended mainly on Qatari agricultural products,” he continued.The magazine also highlighted Qatari social life, as its crew visited old Qatari majlis, including the taking of rare pictures of a group of more than 50 young Qataris in Al Wakrah.“The visit of *Al Arabi magazine team to Qatar coincided with the presence of the Danish archaeological mission,” al-Sayed said. “This gave them a unique opportunity to document the antiquities discovered by the mission, in one of the most prominent historical stations that contributed to shaping the features of the ancient Qatari heritage.”He added that the magazine did not ignore the development of education in Qatar during the 1950s.The magazine documented how the number of schools at that time reached more than 84 schools, the development of girls’ schools, and how the state became interested in educating its daughters.This, al-Sayed said, indicated that education was not limited to boys, which reflects the early educational renaissance in the country.“The magazine also highlighted the efforts of Qatar’s founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and his role in preserving the environment and establishing reserves, and the many documentations that highlight a number of facts about the history of Qatar,” he added.“*Al Arabi magazine has provided a lot of good information to bloggers, researchers and historians who wish to document the various time periods of Qatar,” al-Sayed concluded.

The National Library of Qatar (NLQ) organised a cultural seminar titled “The NLQ and its efforts in supporting education” as part of its cultural programme aimed at shedding light on its historical and pivotal role in enhancing the educational process. It supports researchers and students, and provides sources of knowledge. The seminar was attended by a group of prominent figures whose scientific and cultural journey was greatly influenced by NLQ. During the seminar, which was presented by media figure Hanan al-Emadi, HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Rahim Kafoud, former Minister of Education, and HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, former Minister of Energy and Industry, spoke. HE Dr Mohammed Kafoud, recalled his memories with NLQ, referring to its great role when he was a graduate student during the seventies. He said: “I remember this house in the seventies when I was a student, and at that time there were no cameras. So the library was the only refuge for researchers and students who spent long hours browsing references and benefiting from the treasures of knowledge it contained." HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al-Sada, emphasised the historical symbolism that the NLQ carries, not only for Qatar, but for the entire Gulf states. He said: “The NLQ has a historical symbolism linked to Qatar and the Gulf states, and the reopening of the house in a new guise will add a lot to everyone.” He added: “This house represents a special memory for every Qatari, as the area in which the house is located has always been an attractive educational environment. This is where students used to gather to study and research, which enhanced the spirit of learning among different generations.” Researcher Ali Abdullah al-Fayyadh stressed that the NLQ has always been the first source for every student and researcher. He said: “It is the source for every reader and student, and it was the first national library in the Arabian Gulf. Its reopening reflects Qatar's commitment to developing the cultural scene and enhancing the role of libraries in society.” The NLQ was recently opened after a comprehensive development process, aiming to enhance its role as a modern cultural and knowledge centre. It is now equipped with the latest technologies and services that meet the needs of readers and researchers. The library will also focus in the coming period on expanding its educational and cultural programmes, to be a beacon of science and knowledge in Qatar and the region.

The Ministry of Culture on Monday opened the new building of the National Library of Qatar (NLQ) after the completion of restoration and development works carried out by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).This project comes as part of the ministry's efforts to preserve cultural heritage and enhance national identity, as the National Library of Qatar is one of the oldest national libraries in the region.The restoration works included internal and external updates to the building, with the development of the surrounding square, which was named "Read Square" to provide a suitable environment for lovers of books and reading. The square was distinguished by a design inspired by heritage, as old doors were recycled and used in the main path under the title "Doors to Knowledge" to enhance the concept of sustainability and preserve cultural identity.The opening of the new building of the NLQ is an important step towards promoting reading and spreading knowledge among members of society. It is expected to contribute to attracting more researchers and readers. It will provide advanced facilities that keep pace with the needs of the digital age, including an electronic archive and multi-purpose halls for holding seminars and cultural events.Established in 1962, Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariyya (Arabic for National Library of Qatar) houses a rare collection of manuscripts and books, some of which date back more than 850 years. It has also played a pivotal role in launching the Doha International Book Fair since 1972, which has become a prominent annual cultural event in the country.The Ministry of Culture continues its efforts to support cultural projects, affirming its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a knowledge-based society and enhance national identity through arts and literature.

Qatari participation at the 22nd Sharjah Heritage Days has been praised by event officials at the conclusion of the exhibition this year.Events co-ordinator Abu Bakr al-Kindi said Qatari participation had been prominent, presenting Qatar’s cultural heritage, which included traditional crafts and arts shows.He said the current edition witnessed the introduction of modern technologies, such as giant screens in the “Cinema of the Beautiful Time”, and an electronic plan that allows visitors to easily locate events.Al-Kindi also mentioned the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to display the events agenda and facilitate communication with the public via social media.He added that public interaction had been impressive, saying that the Sharjah Institute for Heritage relies on advanced mechanisms to measure public opinion and collect feedback, with the aim of continuous development, and enhancing the experience of attendance in future sessions.Sharjah Institute for Heritage president Dr Abdulaziz al-Musallam said the current session was focused on highlighting local, Gulf and Arab heritage.The addition of the heritage area outside the wall, he said, constituted an important development in the infrastructure, as it provided a wider space for live shows and direct interaction between the audience and craftsmen.Dr al-Musallam revealed plans for the establishment of a special office for Sharjah Heritage Days to work throughout the year to develop the upcoming editions.

Al Jazeera 360 platform launches its new Ramadan package under the slogan "Ramadan Ghair", providing integrated digital content that keeps pace with the aspirations of the audience, and includes exclusive programmes, documentaries, and dramas, which will be shown throughout the holy month of Ramadan.The package includes more than 500 broadcast hours, including 20 diverse programmes between documentaries, historical series, and dramas, in addition to new formats that are being shown for the first time within the content of the Al Jazeera Network.In the context of enhancing original production, Al Jazeera 360 offers a group of exclusive shows, in addition to the platform's first drama series, "Al Mahta". The platform also continues to show its distinguished programmes, such as: "Kahwet Al Nawawi".In a new step to enhance digital content, the platform has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for the digital version of the "Omran" programme, which documents unprecedented scenes and stories from Sudan.Al Jazeera 360 has also concluded strategic partnerships with Qatar TV and the TOD platform, to exchange joint broadcasts of a cluster of distinguished dramas and programmes.The platform offers its audience for the first time a distinguished package of family and social programmes, dramas and historical series, including: "Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal".The productions vary to include social, religious, political, entertainment, historical, and comedic aspects, in addition to a group of distinguished documentaries, including: "Fasting in Religions", "Victorian Muslims", "Voice of the Soul".The famous programme "Sharia and Life in Ramadan" also tops the list of Al Jazeera Channel programmes, in addition to the productions of the digital newsroom, such as: "From Jerusalem", "Islamic Landmarks", "Ramadan from Gaza", "Ramadan from Syria", and "Profile".As part of providing a spiritual experience during the holy month, Al Jazeera 360 broadcasts the Isha and Tarawih prayers live from Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, and the Gaza Strip.Al Jazeera 360 confirms its position as a leading destination for digital content during Ramadan, through quality productions and strategic partnerships that enhance the quality and enrichment of the content provided to the public.

The Brennan family arrived in Qatar in 1990, bringing with them a passion for education that would leave a lasting impact on the country’s academic landscape. Driven by her dedication to teaching and learning, Heather Brennan founded Park House English School with just 27 students in a 14-room villa. Over the next two decades, her commitment transformed Park House into a thriving institution that now serves over 1,500 students from 67 nationalities.In an interview with Gulf Times, Heather Brennan and her son, Niall Brennan, shared insights into their remarkable educational journey.Niall joined Park House English School in 2008 and became Chief Executive in 2011.Niall secured and co-led the exit from Park House in 2016. In 2019, he founded Artemis Education, a dedicated school operator, which quickly expanded its footprint. By 2020, Artemis had established operations across multiple countries in Europe and the Middle East.As the CEO of Artemis Education, Niall continues to uphold the family’s educational legacy. He said: “We were born in Qatar, for Qatar. Artemis Education operates three schools here. While our instruction is in English, we have a deep-rooted understanding of Qatar’s unique educational needs. What sets us apart from other international school operators is our holistic approach to education. It’s not just about school hours from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM—we extend learning from 6am to 6 or even 8pm. We provide a complete education for the whole child.”Discussing Qatar’s evolving education sector, Niall added: “As the country grows and the Qatari population expands, there is an increasing demand for high-quality international education. We are meeting this demand by opening new schools—starting with one, and now operating three.”On the subject of innovation, Niall highlighted Artemis Education’s forward-thinking approach: “Education is increasingly intertwined with AI technology, robotics, and digital learning. However, at its core, education remains about human interaction—students learning from professional teachers in a secure environment. While we integrate cutting-edge advancements like maker spaces, virtual reality, and augmented reality, our foundation is rooted in traditional, high-quality education. We continuously future-proof our schools to stay ahead of industry changes.”Regarding Artemis Education’s expansion plans, he revealed: “We are growing in Europe and the GCC. This September, we will launch in Portugal, followed by Muscat, Oman, next year. In Qatar, we aim to open two additional schools within the next six to nine months, focusing on improving education quality while making it more accessible.”Striking a balance between academic excellence and holistic development is a priority for Artemis Education. “You have to set clear expectations from the outset,” Niall explained. “Every person in the organisation — staff, parents, and students — must be aligned with this vision. It requires an immense, daily commitment. We are responsible for children’s futures, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”Heather Brennan, a visionary educator, reflected on her early days in Qatar. “I arrived as a teacher looking for a job and was delighted to quickly secure a position at Doha College in 1990.” She opened Park House English School with just 27 students in a 14-room villa.Recalling her educational journey, she shared, “It was a privilege and a joy every single day. We started with 27 students, and as demand grew, we had to expand. Eventually, the government required schools to move into purpose-built facilities. Designing and constructing our own school was another milestone. We moved into a state-of-the-art building, designed by renowned Italian architect Domingo Nigri, in just ten months. We started with 500 students, and each year, we enhanced the school’s facilities and staff. It was an incredible journey.”Discussing Qatar’s evolving educational landscape, Heather remarked, “Doha expanded rapidly, and new schools emerged. Children educated here are incredibly fortunate, as most schools maintain high standards.” She praised Qatar’s achievements in the education sector, stating, “The biggest milestones include Education City, the expansion of Qatar University, and the improved facilities available to students. Qatar has excelled in education, alongside its progress in many other sectors.”Sharing her philosophy on teaching, Heather emphasized, “I always wanted every child in my class to reach their full potential. This requires strong communication between teachers, students, and parents. Education is a three-way partnership. When all three work together, the child is sure to succeed. That is the key to progress.”The Brennan family’s impact on education in Qatar continues through Artemis Education, ensuring future generations receive innovative, high-quality learning experiences tailored to the country’s evolving needs.

Qatar-based TV channel Alaraby 2 has announced its programming schedule for the holy month of Ramadan this year, featuring five series and four shows, including the live daily programme “Fi Dhilal Alyasamine” which will be broadcast every night from the Syrian capital, Damascus.Building on the success of last year’s Ramadan lineup, the channel will continue airing new seasons of two exclusive series that debuted last Ramadan. This includes the exclusive premiere of the second season of the comedy series “Ma Ekhtalafna” featuring a diverse cast from across the Arab world, and the exclusive second season of the Palestinian drama “Nazeef Alturab”.The channel also announced three additional series: the Egyptian drama “Al-Noss” and, for the third consecutive year, a Yemeni series, “Al-Jamaliya”.The channel will present four new shows, three of which will air before Iftar including “Min Falasteen”; a documentary series that captures the essence of Palestinian heritage in all its facets, “Alemara Alislamiya”; a visual exploration of the beauty of Islamic architectural styles throughout history, and “Sirr alwasfa”; where Chef Lubna Alabed shares unique recipes, revealing the secrets behind mastering them.For evening entertainment, “Fi Dhilal Alyasamine” will air live from Damascus for the first time. The programme aims to create a rich dialogue space, bringing together intellectuals, artists, and changemakers from Syria to discuss cultural, artistic, and social issues.Al Araby 2’s Executive Director, Elias Khoury, emphasised that this year’s Ramadan programming is a continuation of past successes. Regarding the series lineup, Khoury said: "We carefully select our shows, and their success is expected due to the dedicated efforts of our acquisition team, led by Joseph Alhusseini, after months of preparation. The return of ‘Ma Ekhtalafna’ and ‘Nazeef Alturab’ for new seasons is a natural result of their success last year. This motivated us to be even more selective with this year's offerings, ensuring high-quality productions that balance drama and comedy with depth and sophistication, avoiding superficiality and triviality."Al Araby 2’s Ramadan programming will run from 6pm to midnight Jerusalem time, with replays available the following day and select shows accessible via the Al Araby+ app.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) hosted the book signing ceremony of Lover of Words, authored by media professional Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik, which deals with the life and times of the late Qatari writer and poet Jassem Safar.The event was held in the presence of family members of the late writer and a group of writers and media professionals who have interacted with Safar through his illustrious career. The ceremony began with a speech by Prof Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti, who welcomed the writer Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik, and the attendees. Prof al-Sulaiti paid glowing tributes to the late Jassem Safar who was a prominent figure in the cultural and artistic scene with a prolific contribution in the form of songs, plays and newspaper articles. He also lauded the outstanding effort made by Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik in writing the book that documents the biography of the late writer, which took about a year. Al-Sulaiti discussed the contributions of Safar in the national football song, the most famous of which may be Hail My Team, which is still played in the stadiums with every participation of the national football team.Media professional Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik said through this book he sought to do justice to the works of Jassim Safar, who did not receive his due in terms of media exposure, despite his rich contributions.He pointed to the difficulties he faced in collecting information and data about the writer, due to the weakness of archiving, explaining that he relied on the family of the deceased and his personal documents to portray the human side of him.This is in addition to the records of Qatar Radio, to document his works, especially in the field of song and theatre.The book also included chapters on the human and social side of Jassim Safar, supported by pictures and documents, the most important of which was a book titled Shudharat (Arabic for pieces of gold mined from metal without melting the stones), which was not published, written by Safar and was dedicated to his wife.Dr Abdulmalik said: The idea of preparing this book began to mature two months after the author’s death, as I contacted his family, who welcomed the idea and gave me a lot of their time to document the life of Jassim Safar — the father, husband and the human being.It was important for me to inform the reader about the human side of the Safar’s personality. For example, what were his writing rituals? What made him angry? How did he express his love and affection for near and dear ones? What kind of a father he was? And why was he a mysterious person?! And many such aspects that were not known to those who knew Jassim Safar as the writer and poet. I also gained the family’s trust, so I obtained many rare photos of him, as well as some of his manuscripts that I was keen to publish.Dr Abdulmalik added: It required me to communicate with Qatar Radio, which ironed out all difficulties for me, by sharing the national songs written by the deceased, and talking with the people who composed the music, and the singers to talk about these contributions that were established in the national and Gulf memory.I also wanted in this book to inform the reader that Safar was less of a journalist, but rather a playwright, and a writer of series, as he had many contributions in these fields, in addition to the fact that he had wonderful contributions in writing for the Arabic UAE newspaper Al-Ittihad, and for Arabic Zahrat Al-Khaleej magazine.Dr Abdulmalik concluded his speech by announcing his presentation of an initiative by the Ministry of Culture titled ‘Faces in Memory’ to immortalise Qatari creators in several fields; Artistic, cultural and football, because it is important to document these icons and immortalise their creativity; to be a legacy for future generations.

The Arabic Book Award announced the opening of nominations for its third session, starting from February 23 – through the award’s official website – until May 23. The Arabic Book Award, which has its headquarters in Doha, is an annual award launched by Qatar, and aims to honour researchers, publishing houses, and institutions contributing to the Arabic book industry.The announcement of opening nominations came during a press conference held by Dr Abdul Wahid al-Ilmi, Academic Director of the Arabic Book Award and Dr Al-Siddiq Omar, Adviser to the Award, at the Qatar Press Center (QPC), in the presence of officials from the QPC and a group of media professionals and intellectuals.Dr Al-Siddiq Omar said that the award is making steady progress, and despite its recent launch, it has received distinguished participation during the past two seasons, both from academics inside and outside Qatar.He pointed out that the award seeks to gain a greater reputation, expand in the Arab world, and be present in various Arab cultural forums, appreciating the successes it has achieved so far.Dr Abdul Wahid al-Ilmi explained that this year’s award will include several categories, namely: literary and critical studies of Arab heritage until the end of the 10th century AH, social and philosophical studies.This session is dedicated to intellectual studies, economic studies, historical studies, Arab and Islamic history from the end of the sixth century AH to the end of the 12th century. As well as Shariah sciences and Islamic studies, the Prophet’s biography and Hadith studies.Al-Ilmi pointed out that the award includes two categories: the single book category and the achievement category, where nominations can be made in either category, provided that the work comes under one of the scientific specialisations indicated by the award this year. To be nominated for the award, the book must be written in Arabic, its subject must be in one of the award’s specified fields, the book must have been published in print and have an ISBN during the last four years.The book must not be less than 30,000 words, the author must adhere to scientific procedures in terms of methodology and documentation. The book must constitute a qualitative addition to Arab culture, and the author must be alive when nominated for the award.The candidate must adhere to intellectual property laws, and submit supporting files and documents attached to the nomination form via the award’s website.

The Ministry of Culture organised a seminar titled "Islam: A Way of Life and an Integrated Culture" Sunday evening, as part of the fourth edition of the seminar season. The seminar was held in the presence of HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, and a large gathering of intellectuals and the public. The Kuwaiti preacher Dr Othman al Khamis spoke during the seminar, which was moderated by preacher Dr Youssef Asheer.The seminar shed light on the foundations and rules for building our lives according to an integrated approach and culture that affects various aspects of human life. It also addressed moral and social values in Islam. Islam and science and the encouragement of civilizational contribution, the role of Islam in shaping cultural identity, the impact of Islamic teachings in building societies.The preacher, Dr Othman al-Khamis, stressed that the true renaissance of the Muslim nation will only be achieved through adherence to Islamic knowledge. Emphasising that Islam has given great attention to education since its inception, as the mosque was the first school from which the Companions acquired religious and worldly knowledge. He explained that the crisis that the nation is experiencing today is due to the decline in the status of knowledge and scholars, and the spread of intellectual chaos as a result of moving away from the correct understanding of Islamic texts.Dr Al-Khamis focused on the importance of Islamic knowledge in the renaissance of nations. Indicating that the Muslim nation was not in the forefront except when scholars dominated the scene and knowledge became a basic driver of life. He quoted the eras of Islamic prosperity that were full of scholars in various fields, from jurisprudence and interpretation to medicine, astronomy and engineering. In response to some voices accusing scholars of living in isolation from reality, Dr Othman al-Khamis stressed that this view is unrealistic and incorrect, and that true scholars understand reality more than is thought, and are able to provide solutions based on solid Islamic foundations.He explained that a deep understanding of reality is an integral part of Islamic knowledge. He added: Scholars throughout history were not just transmitters of texts, but rather they were people of ijtihad and jurisprudence. They were teaching people and interpreting the rulings of Sharia to them in a manner consistent with the developments in their lives. He quoted the biography of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who faced the temptation of the creation of the Qur’an with a deep understanding of the political and social context of his time, as well as Ibn Taymiyyah, who was alert in confronting the issues of his time. Contrary to what some promote that religion was a stumbling block to scientific progress, Dr Al-Khamis stressed that Islamic civilization at the height of its prosperity was based on science and knowledge.As the great schools were established in Baghdad, Cordoba, Damascus and Cairo, and scholars such as Ibn Sina, Al-Razi and Ibn Al-Haytham emerged, and contributed to various sciences from medicine to astronomy and mathematics. There was no conflict between religion and science, as happened in Europe during the Middle Ages, but rather science was an extension of the correct understanding of religion, as the revelation began with the word “read”. This confirms that any accusation that Islam is hostile to knowledge is a misreading of history and civilization.At the end of his lecture, Dr Othman al-Khamis addressed a message to students of knowledge, calling on them to bear the responsibility of spreading correct knowledge and correcting the misconceptions that are prevalent in society. Stressing that knowledge is the most powerful weapon in confronting the intellectual and cultural challenges facing the Muslim nation today.

A three day conference orgnaised by the Strategic Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies on “defence Strategies of Small States and Smaller Forces: Tactical Adaptations and Operational Innovations,” kicked off Sunday.Participants in the conference, including leading researchers and experts from 28 countries around the world, will discuss the vast range of security challenges and responses available to small states and non-state actors in 30 small states across ten sessions. Drawing from numerous comparative and regional case-studies – from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, including the Gulf and the wider Middle East region – participants will analyse the evolving nature of defence practices in small states and the innovative ways they employ to confront emerging security threats.Omar Ashour, Director of the Strategic Studies Unit, in his opening speech, welcomed the participating researchers and attendees. He noted the relativity of the concept of small and smaller, making it subject to the size of the other party in a confrontation. The idea of the conference came to fill some of the knowledge gaps in the literature on the subject. Including definitions, as the literature on the subject is still limited compared to the literature on the economies of countries and their international relations. Ashour then explained the three main objectives of the conference: First, to provide multi-level analyses - from tactical innovations to strategic transformations in the seven fields of war (land, sea, air, space, information-intelligence, cyber, and electro-magnetism). Linking field experiences on the front lines on the one hand, and academic discussions on the other. Second, to provide comparative lessons from the experiences of regular armies of small (or smaller) states and irregular non-state powers. Demonstrating how similar challenges – such as limited manpower, economic resources, or geopolitical influence – produce diverse and sometimes surprising strategic adaptations, as well as operational and tactical innovations. Third, to explore how these lessons and perspectives can inform the strategic defence policy agenda and contribute to national, regional, and international security. Abdelwahab El-Affendi chaired the keynote panel, in which Anthony King, Professor of War Studies and Director of the Strategy and Security Institute at the University of Exeter, delivered a lecture on “Small States in Modern Wars: The Roles of Urban Warfare and Artificial Intelligence in Strategic defence”. King argued that, as Ukraine has showed, even a relatively small military power may be very capable of defending itself, if it harnesses the defensive potential of urban areas, enabled by AI. Omar Ashour, who is also Professor of Security and Military Studies and the Founder of the Critical Security Studies Programme at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, followed with his lecture, “Hybrid Defence for Small(er) States: Lessons in Combat Effectiveness from Ukraine to Gaza”, offering strategic insights into the evolving character of contemporary warfare and its implications for defence policies and national security strategies.The lectures were followed by the first panel, “Strategic Endurance: Gaza and Modern Warfare Lessons”, a panel on “The Role of Women in Small(er) State defences”, the third panel, “Securing the Gulf: Multi-Domain Adaptions and Innovations”.

The students who won the writing competition of the 'Qatar Writes' initiative were honoured at the Qatar National Library for the second year in a row, with the support of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding (SHATIU). Dr Hanan al Fayyadh, the official spokesperson for the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding, and the novelist Abdulaziz al Mahmoud, honoured the winners.The ceremony witnessed the honouring of the winning students and the supervisors of the winning research papers.Dr Hanan Al Fayyadh said that the award’s support for this initiative is not a passing support, but rather reflects the award’s deep belief in the role of writing in promoting cultural understanding and communication between peoples.Dr Al Fayyadh explained, during her speech at the event, that the award is interested in translation as a basic means of transferring knowledge between civilizations, and realizes that writing is the foundation upon which translation is built. As it is impossible to care about translation without caring for the original texts created by writers in their different languages.Dr Al Fayyadh added that writing and translation together constitute two basic pillars in building bridges between cultures and expanding the horizons of human knowledge. Noting that “societies that write are societies that read, and they are the ones that lead the scene of thought, culture and awareness.”She stressed that writing is not a luxury or a marginal activity, but rather a responsibility towards oneself, society and future generations. Also the “Qatar Writes” Initiative is not just a cultural event, but an invitation to everyone who has a passion for writing, and to everyone who believes that the word is a tool for change, influence and creativity.Laila Mohammed, founder of the "Qatar Writes" initiative, commended the support of the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding for the initiative, which aims to enrich the cultural scene, especially among young writers, who have accomplished distinctive creative works.

The Saudi Cultural Week concluded on Friday evening at Darb Al Saai. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with its Saudi counterpart from Feb 18 to 21. The event included a handicrafts pavilion, which witnessed the participation of an elite group of skilled craftsmen. They presented arts that have been passed down through generations, such as the manufacture of prayer beads, which requires precision and mastery that reflect the Saudi people’s connection to the craft as part of their cultural identity. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore unique wooden crafts that embody traditional crafts with a contemporary spirit, reflecting the continuity of the cultural heritage that has evolved over time. The Saudi Cultural Week was not limited to craft shows only, but rather offered an integrated experience that combines art, music, and traditional costumes, to present a vibrant image of Saudi culture. Through interactive events, the public was able to learn very closely about the customs and traditions that form part of the Saudi social fabric, which enhanced the cultural exchange between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The Music Authority participated in events which introduced Saudi music and spread it regionally and globally. They also organised a pavilion that showcased the most prominent heritage musical instruments from which Saudi music was composed. In addition there were introductions on large screens for the most prominent initiatives and events organised by the Authority. There were also a number of interactive screens for the visual and audio outputs of the “Saudi Ways Meet the World” and “Memory of Saudi Music” initiatives. The Culinary Arts Authority presented a live cooking experience in the Chefs’ Corner with the participation of a group of Saudi chefs who presented the most prominent Saudi dishes and food items. In addition the Coffee Expert Tent highlighted the taste of authentic coffee hospitality with best quality dates. The Beverages Corner also offered various types of hot and cold drinks that gave visitors a taste of the Saudi culinary arts.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC), in cooperation with the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, launched the website of the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, which is the largest electronic reference documenting the history of Palestinian asylum and the lives of Palestinians in the camps. The long years of suffering, challenges, and legendary steadfastness, the insistence on preserving the national identity, and the certainty of returning to the homeland one day. The encyclopedia is a living record that tells the story of a people who were destined to live in camps inside or in diaspora abroad, without giving up their right to return to their homeland no matter how long it takes, and it monitors the transformations within those societies that arose in harsh conditions, and it remains a symbol of the Palestinian struggle.The encyclopedia represents the fruit of tireless efforts in which an elite group of researchers, historians, and those interested in Palestinian affairs participated. They sought to document history, far from any distortion or obliteration of facts. Its launch comes at a time when the Palestinian narrative is being subjected to attempts of falsification and obliteration, and escalating calls for displacement. So, the encyclopedia constitutes an important tributary in preserving the truth and transmitting it to future generations.Abdullah bin Hayi al-Sulaiti, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the QPC, welcomed hosting the launch of the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, stressing that the encyclopedia is a document for the Palestinian people. It supports the legitimate Palestinian cause, and is a reference for researchers, interested parties, and journalists to monitor the reality of the Palestinian camps and the suffering of our Palestinian brothers. He expressed his appreciation for the great efforts made by the members of the encyclopedia team for this achievement and to make it prominent in front of the whole world.Ruba Al-Atrash, Director of the Encyclopedia of Palestinian Camps, confirmed that the Encyclopedia of Camps is a window into the memory of the diaspora and the history of the struggle. She said: “The encyclopedia is one of the cultural and historical references that document the issues of Palestinian refugees and their stories that span decades. As each chapter of the encyclopedia highlights the misery of a people who suffered displacement, but did not forget their land and identity. She added that the encyclopedia reflects daily life in the Palestinian camps, where memory meets history to tell the story of a people who did not surrender to the pain of asylum, but continued to resist and survive.She highlighted that through this encyclopedia, the stories of the cities and villages from which the Palestinians were forcibly displaced are recalled. As well as the names of places and the unforgettable moments, to reflect in all its details the steadfastness and sacrifices of the refugees. She stressed that the encyclopedia is considered a living record of what happened and tells about the development of the Palestinian camps in the lands where the refugees settled, whether in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan or Syria.She explained that the Palestinian camps are not just a historical archive, but rather a source of inspiration for new generations. Noting that they contribute to preserving the Palestinian identity by spreading cultural and historical awareness about the origins of these camps and the reality of life in them.She noted that the encyclopedia reflects the Palestinians' insistence on preserving their culture, heritage and history in the face of attempts at liquidation and neglect. Through the details it contains about life in the camps, as well as about the heroes who were martyred to sacrifice for Palestine. The encyclopedia is the cornerstone in telling the story of an entire people. She pointed out that the encyclopedia is distinguished today as an important reference point for researchers and those interested in Palestinian affairs, as it provides accurate and reliable information about the camps and their history, and monitors the social and political developments they have witnessed since their establishment until today. She emphasized that the encyclopedia contributes at the same time to documenting the issue of Palestinian refugees at the local and international levels, which contributes to keeping the issue of return and Palestinian rights alive in their memory.