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The 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) under the theme From engraving to writing, boasts of the participation of 522 publishing houses from 43 countries, with Palestine as the guest of honour.The event will run until May 17.This year’s fair is set to be the largest in its history in terms of the wide participation of publishers from both within Qatar and abroad.Among the diverse and traditional participating publishers in the DIBF are the Egyptian firms.“We are delighted to be participating in the DIBF,” the founder of Egypt’s Deer Publishing and Distribution House, Mahmoud Seif, told Gulf Times.“The Deer Publishing and Distribution was founded in 2017,” he said. “This is a youth publishing house dedicated to producing cultural, educational, and literary books. We focus on mental health books, novels, and cultural books in general.”“This is our second participation in the DIBF,” Seif said. “The DIBF is one of the most important exhibitions in the Arab world, and is distinguished by its unique character, a completely different audience: an aware and educated audience.”“The Deer Publishing House participates in all exhibitions in the Arab world,” he added. “Of course, the Cairo International Book Fair is the largest public exhibition for us.”“We have new releases this year, including the novel On the Tongue of the Accused by the author who goes by her professional name Alroon,” Seif continued. “We also have Dr Nancy Osama with her book City of Pain, and Dr Abdulrahman al-Abdullah from Qatar with two books, Victim of a Psychopath and A Cumulative Chaos."“These are all new publications being distributed during the DIBF,” he said. “They are being displayed for the first time.”“The turnout for the exhibition is good, thank God,” Seif remarked.Dr Osama spoke about City of Pain.“The new edition, City of Pain, is a collection of 31 diverse and varied texts, in four parts, arranged in ascending order according to the human psyche,” she said. “Each part contains a collection of texts.”“Part One: Threads of the Heart, is about love, expectations, and passion,” Dr Osama said. “Part Two: Mirrors of Thought, is about wisdom, the self, and balance.”“Part Three: Crossing the Shadows, which contains hiding and gray souls, discusses schizophrenia, is about identity, absence, and contemplation,” she continued. “Part Four: Symbolic Thrones, is about strength, rebellion, and femininity.”“All of the texts are presented from a philosophical point of view with a journalistic dialogue style between a group of different gods from different ancient times and different nationalities, for instance Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, from Iraq and Persia,” Dr Osama said.

A vibrant cultural atmosphere and diverse events attracted visitors to the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) on its third day. Held this year at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme "From Engraving to Writing," the fair runs until May 17.The third day of the fair witnessed a large turnout of visitors, notably families who brought their children to select appropriate books and engage with the cultural atmosphere surrounding the fair.As part of the cultural programme accompanying the fair, a series of intellectual seminars, literary evenings, and public lectures were held, discussing diverse and important topics in the fields of literature, heritage and the publishing industry.Qatari, Arab, and international publishing houses also showcase a wide range of new publications and specialised books covering literature, history, philosophy, children's books, science, technology, and more. The exhibition attracts readers of all ages and interests, amidst a unique marketing and cultural atmosphere.On the occasion of hosting the State of Palestine as the guest of honour during the 34th edition of the DIBF, Imad Abdullah Hamdan, Minister of Culture of the State of Palestine, participated in a symposium on the reality of Palestinian culture. He pointed out that despite the war of extermination that Palestine is facing in various regions, whether in the Gaza Strip or elsewhere, the Palestinian scene is resilient. "We see writers writing, poets composing poems, artists painting or sculpting sculptures, and musicians composing melodies of revolution and return."He considered this to be the cultural landscape that Palestine is trying to cling to and take root in, demonstrating the extent of Palestinians' attachment to their land, history, and culture.The Palestinian minister emphasised that Palestinian culture is not a luxury, but rather a weapon of resistance, saying: “Today, we are witnessing a cultural genocide in Gaza, in addition to the genocide taking place in the Strip. Our greatest losses, of course, are the human losses, as we have lost hundreds of intellectuals who were martyred in this war and may have been displaced from the Strip. We also speak of the wounded, the cultural centers, and the archaeological and heritage sites that were destroyed in Gaza. There are hundreds of sites that were destroyed, which are historical archaeological sites that cannot be recovered. However, despite this, we say: Culture in Gaza will rise again, and the cultural scene in the Gaza Strip will return to the same as in the rest of Palestine.”He explained that working in the Gaza Strip is extremely difficult under the wartime conditions. However, despite this, novels have been published by writers and authors from within Gaza, recounting their testimonies of the horrors of war they experienced, even though some of them were martyred even after their writings were published.Speaking to Gulf Times, Eissa Abdullah, the executive officer of Rosa Publishing House, said: “This year, we have 15 new publications, ranging from studies and research, to reflections, prose and poetry, children's books, and novels. This year, all of the authors are Qatari. We value, as much as possible, and support Qatari authors, especially newcomers who have fine writing skills. We try to give them the opportunity to publish, even if the book needs some editing, proofreading, or rewriting. As long as they love this field, we give them the initial push. "Abdullah added: “Among the Rosa Publishing House's most prominent publications this year are studies and research, for example, by Qatari authors such as Aisha Ahmed Al-Ishaq's book in English 'Strategy Planning in Developing Nations', Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak al-Thani's 'Coffee with a Little Fascism,' and Dr Fadala al-Fadala's 'Auditing and Internal Control and Their Role in Performance Control.'"Among our publications this year we encouraged two books by Palestinian children, Ramadan Mahmoud Abu Jazar, and a novel titled 'Displaced' by Ibrahim Abdel Hadi. These children were among the refugees receiving treatment in Qatar and had a story they wanted to tell, so we gave them the opportunity, they deserve it. They are from Palestine and they are our brothers."

On the second day of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, in the midst of a very busy and eventful evening, and a great turnout from eager readers of all ages and categories, Samir al-Jundi spoke to Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.The author and publisher said: "I am honoured to be at the DIBF, especially this year, which has designated Palestine as the guest of honour for its 34th edition. We are part of this Palestinian pavilion, where 11 publishing houses from Palestine participate in this edition of the DIBF.We, at Al-Jundi Publishing House, are based in Jerusalem. To celebrate this occasion, we have decided to bring to this pavilion only new books published in 2025. So that there is something new to be seen at this beautiful exhibition. Therefore, it is worth noting that we have more than 105 new titles in this stand, all of which are being displayed at a book fair for the first time. Al-Jundi Publishing House is located in Hall 2, 2H52. This stand welcomes all distinguished guests.He added: "In addition to these books, I also have my own publications, including 'Bab al-Amud', a collection of 29 short stories, each one tackling an aspect of life in Jerusalem. I also have 'Son of Heaven', which is a very important book and one of the best books I have written, and I'm proud of this publication more than any other. The other book is the novel 'City Boy', which tells the story of a young man living in Jerusalem who managed to excel in science, education, and social standing without any help. However, what distinguishes 'City Boy' most is that this novel takes place entirely in Jerusalem.Samir al-Jundi continued: “Another of my new books, the 2025 edition 'Jerusalem Rituals', is about seven days I spend in the streets and alleys of Old Jerusalem. When I'm walking through these alleys, if I recall a specific incident that happened somewhere—and there are many incidents in Jerusalem—I recount that incident in detail and document what I've said with photographs. Therefore, this book contains 118 colour photographs. I cherish this book and consider it important, especially for young people. I document Palestinian identity through words and photographs, and this is most important because our presence in Jerusalem is our only weapon to protect this city.The author added: “In addition to these books, we have a collection of works by Palestinian and Arab poets, including the late poet Samih al-Qasim, may God have mercy on him, author of the poem "I Walk Upright, I Walk with My Head High, an Olive Branch in My Hand and My Coffin on My Shoulder". This beautiful poet is from the Palestinian village of al-Rama, where he lived and was laid to rest. I was present at the burial. May God have mercy on him.He commented the other books: “The remaining publications are by authors from all over the Arab world, because one of the goals of Dar al-Jundi Publishing House is to attract writers, authors, and scholars to publish their books in Jerusalem to strengthen our presence, and the most important element of this presence is culture.He stressed: “Jerusalem has always been the capital of culture, and therefore, we at Dar al-Jundi seek to prove this principle in practice through the diversity of our publications and the depth of these publications."We have very important publications, for example, the book "The Mother in the Morals of the Messenger," in four volumes. This is the first time such a title has been published, and it's by the brilliant Egyptian scholar Muhammad al-Sayyid al-Shinnawi. This man, who vowed to print and publish all of his works in Jerusalem without asking us a single penny. He has published more than 20 publications, all of which are in-depth studies. Among the titles he has published in Jerusalem are 'Market Ethics', the relationship with the customer and how to deal with him and the merchant, and the Factory, basing this on the Prophet's Sunnah and the Holy Qur'an.Al-Shinnawi also has a new reading of 'The Inevitability of Israel's Demise', based on the Sunnah, the Qur'an, and history. We printed it in Jerusalem. He also has 'Jerusalem and the Supposed Promise.'Regarding the reception of the Palestinian pavilion by the organizers of the DIBF, Samir al-Jundi said: "It is enough for you to visit the Book Fair and visit the Palestine pavilion to find this more than wonderful reception from the organizers of the fair and the officials from the Ministry of Culture, headed by HE the Minister Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani. This hospitality has warmed our hearts. The sight of the State of Palestine pavilion at the DIBF is truly beautiful, and I am very happy with this participation."Regarding the turnout, Samir al-Jundi added: "The audience at the DIBF is a qualitative one. As many as 18 out of 20 people who attend the stand buy books. If this indicates anything, it reflects the value of the person who comes; a serious and committed reader who buys books that will benefit them, and this is very important."The exhibition will extend over 10 days, providing a unique cultural experience for readers of all ages and from different venues.

Nibras Publishing and Distribution celebrated its first anniversary of distinguished cultural launch.It has established itself as one of the most prominent young and dynamic publishing houses in the Qatari cultural scene, offering a unique blend of innovation, dynamism, and a modern vision for culture and publishing.Since its founding, Nibras has published fifteen literary and cultural works, including six new releases this year. These titles represent a qualitative addition in the diversity of topics and literary styles they offer. It appeals to a wide readership and provides a genuine support platform for new authors and promising talents. One of the most prominent initiatives launched by the publishing house is the "Nibras Literary Fund," a pioneering funding initiative aimed at supporting Qatari writers by covering the costs of publishing, printing, and distribution, with a portion of the proceeds allocated to serve Qatari public and private libraries.This initiative has received support from several national institutions, forming a cultural partnership between the public and private sectors to serve the local literary movement.Nibras also launched the "Siraj Cultural Club," a cultural and knowledge club focused on youth, bringing them together for motivational meetings, training workshops, and literary sessions aimed at developing skills and cultural communication, and in enhancing the Qatari creative scene with a modern spirit.In keeping pace with digital transformations, the publishing house launched its digital literature project. An advanced electronic platform, it provides access to all its publications through a digital store for a nominal weekly subscription.This step aims to facilitate access to Qatari content for readers around the world and to create a lively and continuous interaction between authors, readers, and the publishing house.Because technology has become an integral part of the cultural experience, the publishing house introduced the concept of speed reading on its website in a contemporary style that suits modern reading styles.It also launched the "Bookcast" experience, a series of audio book summaries that combines audio and knowledge, suitable for podcast audiences and digital readers.To enrich its digital cultural presence, the publishing house launched the "Siraj Digital Newsletter," which provides fresh interactive content about local culture and highlights new releases, activities, and initiatives that reflect the vitality of the cultural project adopted by Nibras Publishing House.Under the leadership of its founder and director, Mohammed bin Salaan al-Marri, Nibras Publishing House continues to consolidate its new approach to publishing culture in Qatar, which is based on a vision that believes knowledge is a common right and that literature can be a lively, interactive experience, not just a book on a shelf.

The Maze, a new fiction from the Qatari Novel Library is to be launched by the Qatari author Abdulrahim al-Siddiqi at the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF).The author of The Maze, which is scheduled to be signed and officially released on the sidelines of the upcoming DIBF, spoke about its humanistic philosophy, the challenges of writing it, and his future projects.Regarding the reason for choosing The Maze as the title for his latest book, Al-Siddiqi said that the Maze is not just a place, but rather a mental and emotional state experienced by the hero, which is reflected in everyone around him.Al-Siddiqi explained that the novel represents a person's journey within themselves, lost between memory and reality, love and betrayal, truth and doubt.He continued: "The novel tells the story of Talal, who experiences a psychological struggle with his fragmented past and a mind filled with gaps."He pointed to the interweaving of scenes of love, betrayal, murder, and Alzheimer's disease in a circular narrative that raises questions about who is the victim. Who is the killer? And is the Maze located outside or inside? Regarding the novel's broad outlines, Al-Siddiqi emphasised that his new novel is built on two axes: memory and identity. He noted that it poses an existential question: What if it's your memory that has betrayed you, not your feelings?He emphasised that the novel's message is that nothing is as it seems; the Maze may be more within us than it is on the city streets.Al-Siddiqi explained that there are personal motivations behind this novel, indicating that the first is artistic, represented by the desire to break with the traditional pattern of narrative fiction. The second is human, represented by writing about those we judge without understanding them. He pointed to the character of Talal, which he described as a character charged with connotations, belonging to the "gray area."

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) organised a symposium titled "Journalists in Gaza: Martyrs and Witnesses" as part of the Press Council sessions.The session was held to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. Palestinian journalist Tamer al-Mashal, known for his investigative reports, spoke about the reality of journalistic work in Gaza and the conditions journalists face under the occupation and recurring wars. The session was moderated by journalist Abdullah al-Musalmani.Tamer al-Mashal emphasised that what is happening in Gaza is a redefinition of the concept of press freedom, the journalist, and the ethics and standards of the profession. He pointed out that what has been happening in Gaza for more than 18 months is nothing short of a massacre. Some 216 Palestinian journalists have been killed and assassinated, and 409 Palestinian journalists have been injured.He added: "The Israeli occupation has arrested 48 Palestinian journalists who remain missing in prisons, with nothing known about their conditions except for what leaks from some released prisoners."He said: "The Israeli occupation forces annihilated 28 families of journalists, in addition to directly targeting and completely destroying 44 homes of journalists."Regarding the issue of press and media institutions, Al-Mashal confirmed that 23 digital media outlets, 11 radio stations, 16 satellite channel headquarters, and 27 other media institutions were destroyed in Gaza.Al-Mashal questioned the celebration of media freedom and the double standards in light of what is happening in Gaza. He said: "The occupation seeks to turn Gaza into a graveyard for journalists."Al-Mashal spoke about the Israeli forces' sniper fire on all the surveillance cameras installed in front of the Al Jazeera office building in central Gaza, preventing any images from being released.Al-Mashal recalled the targeting of colleagues Wael al-Dahdouh, Samer Abu Daqqa, Ahmed al-Louh, Hussam Shabat, and their families, emphasizing that assassination is a crime, but the greater crime is justifying the assassination.Al-Mashal explained that the world is witnessing complex crimes that justify the assassination of journalists who do not belong to armed groups, noting that the occupation's fabrications reflect incitement and justification for its ongoing crimes.He emphasised that Gaza's journalists are heroes who have redefined the concept of journalism, because the occupying power has been unable to prevent the spread of images, information, and truth.Al-Mashal said: "Unfortunately, the United Nations has not protected the people in order to protect journalists in Gaza." He emphasised that Gaza is a very serious wound. People are being killed in tents and on live television, with no support.Al-Mashal said: "The targeting of journalists, people, and stones did not begin on October 7, but rather began with the occupation. People in Gaza have been without food or drink for weeks. Elderly people are being killed right in front of their tents." He emphasised that this is not humane. "Now, in this war, we are facing a test of conscience, humanity, morals, journalism, and freedom of the press."He said: "We realise that the pulse of the people, the pulse of the street, and the pulse of the free people of the world is with Palestine. Al Jazeera has done a tremendous job in conveying the truth to the world, despite the great sacrifices."

The increasing demand for Qatar School of Science and Technology reflects a noticeable shift in students' orientation towards scientific and technological disciplines.The school provides a modern educational environment that supports innovation and creativity, providing students with opportunities to explore fields such as programming, robotics, engineering, and the natural sciences, with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.The increase in the number of applicants for the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys reflects the success of awareness-raising efforts to encourage students to pursue scientific careers. Some 590 students are taking the admission tests for the new academic year 2025-2026.Experts believe this demand calls for greater investment in developing science schools, increasing enrollment capacity, and expanding the establishment of specialised educational institutions to meet the growing demand. They emphasised that strengthening these pathways represents a fundamental step towards achieving sustainable development, building a knowledge-based economy, and enriching the labour market.The Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys is a leading educational institution that aims to prepare a generation of outstanding students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).The school accepts Qatari students entering the ninth grade and offers them a specialised educational programme focused on developing their scientific and technical skills.The school is an interactive learning environment that fosters innovation and creativity, providing students with opportunities to explore diverse fields.It relies on modern curricula that focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for future academic and professional success.For the 2024-2025 academic year, 450 students applied for admission to the school, and 64 were selected after passing various assessment stages, including tests in mathematics, English, and higher-order skills, as well as personal interviews.The school places great importance on excellence and leadership. This is because it has won the Sheikha Hessa Salem Al-Sabah Award for Educational Leadership at the Gulf level, reflecting its commitment to providing quality education that keeps pace with global developments.The Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys is a role model in specialised education, contributing to the preparation of a generation capable of competing in the global labour market and contributing to the development of society.

InterNations, a travel analytics platform, has released a list of the world’s friendliest cities for expats. On the top of the list is the Spanish city of Malaga, Doha is among the 15 friendliest cities in the world for expats alongside Mexico City, Alicante, Valencia, Ras Al Khaimah, Bangkok, Madrid, Panama City, Nairobi, Muscat, Dubai, Riyadh, Melbourne, Australia, and Abu Dhabi.The platform asked expats around the world to rate their city based on how welcoming it was, how friendly the locals were, and how easy it was to make friends. Expats were asked if they had found a personal support network in their new home, whether they were happy with their social life, and how easy it was to make local friends.Malaga, located on Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, has officially topped the list of the world’s most welcoming destinations for expats. Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, came in next on the list.Doha was named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, a remarkable achievement for Qatar, cementing its prominent position on the global tourism map. By offering exceptional hospitality and exemplary treatment to its guests, Qatar has demonstrated to the world its authenticity, heritage, and celebration of diverse cultures and unique experiences. As well as its ability to organise major events, such as the FIFA World Cup.

In a special episode of Wojouh Mina Alkhaleej (Faces from the Gulf), Alaraby 2 TV features Qatari novelist Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud in an in-depth conversation that reveals hidden chapters of his creative and intellectual journey.Al-Mahmoud — recognised as one of the leading literary figures in the Gulf — revisits formative experiences from his life.Beginning with his upbringing in Qatar under the guidance of his grandfather, a prominent religious figure of his era. The episode traces his evolution from studying aerospace engineering to his eventual transition into journalism and literature.The interview also offers exclusive insights into al-Mahmoud’s interactions with influential political figures in the Islamic world. Among them: his behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent a boycott of the Islamic Conference held in Doha. Including a revealing conversation with a senior political leader, whose identity al-Mahmoud discloses during the episode.The conversation also explores his bold line of questioning in an interview with an Arab president later overthrown by popular uprising.Hosted by Omani novelist and academic Dr Mohammed Alyahyai, the episode explores the intersection of historical knowledge and literary craft.Highlighting al-Mahmoud’s deep passion for history and the way it enlightens his novels. He also criticises the scarcity of high-quality literary translations in the Arab world and the challenges this poses to readers seeking access to global literature.This episode is part of Faces from the Gulf, the weekly series that documents the living memory of the Gulf region through the voices of its cultural, artistic, and intellectual pioneers. Each episode invites viewers into the personal narratives of remarkable individuals whose stories reflect the broader transformations of the region.The episode featuring Abdulaziz al-Mahmoud is to air Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 19:00 Doha time on Alaraby 2 TV.

The “History of Computers” exhibition continues at Katara Cultural Village in Hall 2 of Building 18.The exhibition, which features collections from researcher and Al-Sunaidi Computer Museum owner Abdulrahman al-Sunaidi, documents the history of computers and their development over the decades and highlights the major transformations witnessed by this technology, which has become an integral part of our daily lives.The exhibition, which runs until May 6, aims to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of technological development in the field of computing and to explore the transformations this industry has undergone, leading up to the era of vast digital space and the Internet.Visitors will find various models of old and new computers, along with documents and artifacts that chronicle the history of the introduction of computers to Qatar.The role of early Qatari pioneers in establishing a computer culture and spreading its use, both within institutions and among individuals, are also featured, complete with brief biographies.Al-Sunaidi said that this exhibition features all things related to computers, both software and hardware, and publications.He added that the exhibition also features rare displays from companies that had a name and reputation in the field of computers.Al-Sunaidi thanked Katara for hosting this exhibition.

The first International Orientalism Conference concluded Sunday in Doha.The conference was organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Qatar Debate Centre, in partnership with the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), and in co-operation with academic institutions including Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, along with leading international institutions such as Leiden University of the Netherlands, the Institute for Advanced Studies in Sarajevo, and Dagestan State University.HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, who is also the conference chair, said that the conference's vision seeks to create a safe space for in-depth and serious intellectual discussions, free from sensitivities.It also emphasised the importance of breaking free from the nihilistic polemic between East and West, which it describes as a war, deconstructing the East-West dichotomy, and approaching the human experience from different civilisational dimensions.In an effort to enrich the intellectual landscape surrounding Orientalism, the conference aims to re-read and analyse the concept of Orientalism from a contemporary perspective, not as an ancient field of knowledge, but as a present and influential intellectual framework, although in its various forms.The conference focused on promoting dialogue between civilisations, dismantling prevailing stereotypes, and posing thorny questions to move Orientalism from the sphere of ideological tensions and preconceived biases to the realm of sound scholarly debate and research.The inaugural conference was attended by an elite group of thinkers, researchers, and specialists in Orientalism, numbering more than 300 participants representing 50 countries.High-profile figures included Turkish thinker and politician Dr Ibrahim Kalin, Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé, Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Dr Mamadou Tangara, and Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tarek Mitri.The conference also opened its doors to 1,300 people who interacted and enriched the discussions in the conference sessions over the course of two days.Qatar's hosting of this conference is the culmination of its pioneering efforts to promote cultural and civilisational dialogue among the world's peoples.It reinforces its position as a global beacon of thought, culture, and education, and a bridge of communication between cultures and peoples, at a historic moment when humanity needs to build bridges of understanding and co-operation more than ever.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, have stressed the need to end the war in Gaza and support stability in Syria.This came during a joint press conference at the conclusion of talks held by Fidan in Doha Sunday.HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed that Qatar cannot accept the starvation of the Palestinian people or the use of starvation as a weapon, emphasising the continuation of mediation to end the war.He pointed out that "the goal of the current negotiations on Gaza is to release prisoners and end the war." He explained that he discussed with his Turkish counterpart Israel's resumption of its aggression on the Gaza Strip.Noting that Qatar will continue its efforts with its partners to end the war in the Strip, he said: "We have been working with Egypt as a single team since the beginning of the crisis in Gaza and are constantly in contact with them."We worked in our mediation to bring viewpoints closer together, but we were met with a torrent of malicious rumours."He noted that "Qatar is transparent in its dealings, and the facts have proven the allegations against it to be false."HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister pointed out that Hamas has repeatedly and publicly affirmed its willingness to return all hostages, adding, "We are exerting our efforts to bring the parties back to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza."He said Israel wants the release of all prisoners with no prospect of ending the war on Gaza, noting that "Hamas is ready to release all hostages in exchange for the release of prisoners, subject to conditions that Israel may reject."HE Sheikh Mohammed said: "Last Thursday, we noticed some progress in the positions of the parties regarding the ceasefire negotiations," noting that "when Doha announced its suspension of its role in the negotiations last November, it was with the aim of halting the provocation against it."He welcomed Oman's efforts in mediating between Iran and the United States.HE Sheikh Mohammed also affirmed that Qatar will continue its efforts to support peace and the reconstruction process in Syria.Allegations against Qatar are nothing but propaganda: PMAnswering a question from Gulf Times Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka about allegations that Qatar was behind the protests on American campuses and Netanyahu’s statements and the ‘Qatargate’ issue, HE the prime minister said: "All talk about Qatar being behind the student demonstrations in the United States is nonsense."HE Sheikh Mohammed said: ""Our relationship with American universities is limited to educational institutions located in Doha, and any funding provided by Qatar to educational or research institutions is open to everyone and within transparency.""What the press has dubbed 'Qatargate' is nothing more than a propaganda term used for political purposes and has no basis in truth.""We have been working with our brothers in Egypt as one team since the beginning of the crisis in Gaza, and we are in constant contact and coordination with our brothers in Egypt.""Some marginal politicians who spread lies about Qatar have forgotten that Qatar itself helped secure the release of over 100 hostages in Gaza, achieved a ceasefire, and consistently works to promote international peace and security.""We are a peace-loving nation and a genuine Arab Gulf state. We will not break out of this mould, no matter how many accusations are hurled at us."HE Sheikh Mohammed also noted that "Qatar's contracts with an American telecommunications company aim to counter a public relations campaign against us in Israel."For his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the strategic partnership with Qatar contributes to supporting regional stability, noting that Qatar has made significant efforts which are commendable, emphasising that the entire region is indebted to it.He said: "We will continue to maintain close dialogue and co-ordination with Qatar," noting that "Turkiye is co-ordinating with the Qatari side to achieve stability in Syria and rid it of terrorism."He also noted that his country "will continue its efforts to ensure that the Palestinian and Israeli people live in security and safety based on the two-state solution," adding, "the key to a just peace in the region is the two-state solution."He said that Turkish efforts in Qatar complement Qatari-Egyptian efforts to end the war on Gaza, stressing that "Hamas will accept any agreement that includes a two-state solution."He continued, "Our priority is to revive the ceasefire and see food aid reach the Gaza Strip," noting that the Palestinian side has expressed its agreement to a ceasefire in Gaza, but Israel is being stubborn and refusing.Regarding Syria, Fidan said that the current sanctions are hindering stability there, stressing that efforts are being made with his country's partners to lift the sanctions.He said in this regard, "There are those who want to exploit the current situation in Syria, and we stand in the way of those who want to do so." He noted that his country "wants to see an environment that grants equal rights to all ethnic and religious components of the Syrian people."He also emphasized that "Turkiye will not accept any interference that violates Syrian sovereignty, and we reject any party bearing arms outside the framework of the state." He noted that his country "waits for the Kurdistan Workers' Party to heed the call to lay down its arms and stop destabilising the region."

The inaugural edition of the International Conference on Orientalism kicked off yesterday in Doha under the theme “Towards a Balanced Civilizational Dialogue”.Bringing together a select group of leading orientalists, intellectuals, and researchers from around the globe, the conference marks a pivotal moment in the field of Oriental studies. It transcends traditional frameworks, envisioning a contemporary approach that fosters profound civilisational dialogue.Organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and QatarDebate Center, in partnership with the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event is held in collaboration with prominent academic institutions, including Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. It also features partnerships with leading international institutions such as Leiden University (Netherlands), the Institute for Advanced Studies (Sarajevo), and Dagestan State University (Russia).In her opening address, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, also the Chair of the Conference, articulated the intellectual vision guiding the event, stating: “Today, we gather to create a safe space for profound and candid intellectual discussions without sensitivities. Through our dialogues, we aspire to achieve the enchanting balance that Tolstoy masterfully depicted in his epic War and Peace, by striking a thoughtful balance between popular sentiment and specialised literary critique.”She further elaborated on the intriguing connection between the conference and the literary masterpiece by Russian author Leo Tolstoy.The conference also featured an address by Guest of Honour, Professor Ibrahim Kalin, a distinguished Turkish academic and political figure, followed by an exclusive, high-level dialogue session moderated by renowned journalist Sami Zeidan.As part of the conference activities, a prominent panel discussion entitled “Towards a Balanced Civilizational Dialogue” was held, featuring: Former Minister of Culture of Lebanon, Professor Ghassan Salame; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of The Gambia, Dr Mamadou Tangara; and Director of the Middle East Centre at the University of Oxford, Professor Eugene Rogan. The session was moderated by journalist Jamal Elshayyal and addressed critical questions surrounding the session’s theme, exploring ways to preserve cultural values while avoiding conflict.To Page 4The discussion offered a valuable opportunity to open essential conversations about balanced civilizational communication and its role in building stronger relationships across sectors.In his statement, Professor Mahmoud Hamza, Chair of the Scientific Committee, emphasized: “This is the first conference of its kind in the Arab world, focusing primarily on ‘New Orientalism,’ a trend that has emerged over the past five decades. It moves beyond the classical Orientalist focus on religion, culture, and history, to include the study of political, economic, and social issues in the East, particularly the Arab world.”Offering a rich programme that combines academic depth with humanistic engagement, the conference includes specialized scholarly sessions, alongside cultural events celebrating the diversity and richness of participant backgrounds. Youth dialogue sessions, amplifying the voice of the future, aim to actively involve the next generation in civilizational dialogue and cross-cultural engagement.More than 300 researchers from 50 countries are participating in the conference, including prominent figures such as Dr. Jose Puerta (Spain); Dr. Paolo Branca (Italy); Dr. George Gregory (Romania); Dr. Dmitry Mikulsky (Russia); and Dr. Said Mailzi (China) in addition to eminent scholars from Qatari universities and institutions.With its goal of reshaping the intellectual landscape surrounding Orientalism, the conference seeks to reinterpret and analyze the concept through a contemporary lens; focusing on fostering dialogue between civilizations and dismantling persistent stereotypes. By promoting open scholarly encounters, it aims to move beyond ideological tensions and biases towards a more rigorous scientific inquiry, building constructive communication among human societies.Hosting this conference is a testament to Qatar’s leading role in promoting cultural and civilizational dialogue across the globe, affirming its position as an international hub for thought, culture, and education.

The Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) celebrated the graduation of its 12th cohort (Class of 2025) on Monday under the patronage of the chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.The batch included 142 national graduates, both male and female, representing various government and private entities in the country.The ceremony witnessed the graduation of 127 participants from the National Leadership Programmes, in addition to 15 graduates from the Executive Master's Programme in Leadership.The ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, senior officials, faculty members, and families of the graduates, led by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa and QLC vice-president and managing director HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud al-Thani.In her speech, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa addressed the role of the QLC in supporting the state's vision towards a knowledge-based economy by establishing a model of ethical and inspiring leadership.She said that this celebration is not merely an individual tribute, but an embodiment of a national vision that believes in the importance of building leaders."Leadership is not a position, but rather an inspiration for others to dream, learn, and work,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said. “Qatar believes in you and awaits your creativity."She also emphasised the values of leadership."Leadership is integrity in one's stance, courage in change, steadfastness in times of crisis, and humility in success,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said.She affirmed that this year's graduates represent an extension of Qatar's development journey, and stressed their role in preserving the country's gains and actively contributing to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.HE Sheikha Al Mayassa highlighted the country's achievements in the fields of education, economy, and diplomacy, as well as its leadership in launching innovative initiatives.She spoke about Qatar's efforts to empower the Arab voice in the media, arts, and culture to be present and influential on the global stage.Founded in 2008 at the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the QLC is a national platform for leadership development, working in partnership with leading international universities and institutes to prepare future leaders and enhance Qatar's global standing.

Under the theme “You made us enjoy our Eid” the “Hour and Hour” programme, in co-operation with United Development Company and the Youth Department of Al-Sailiya Sports Club, organised an Eid al-Fitr event at Porto Arabia-Pearl Island.The event was attended by a large crowd, and visitors enjoyed a variety of heritage, cultural, and artistic activities that reflected the joy and atmosphere of Eid. The event was attended by Erika Bernhard, ambassador of Austria; Lancin-Anne Toure, former ambassador of Guinea; Fabien Chauvin, representative of the French Language in the World, Qatar Branch, and President of the Francophone Chamber in Qatar; and Farhan Sheikh al-Sayed, founder and patron of Arts, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy, Founder and Member of the Executive Committee of the Doha Ambassadors Football Club; Rodica Grigorita, wife of the ambassador of Moldova to Qatar; Kristina Libaric, a diplomat from North Macedonia and Dr Mervat Ibrahim, Qatar’s ambassador of Peace and CEO of Ready Future, a technology and educational consultancy.The event, held on the third day of Eid, focused on the social, religious, and heritage aspects of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, in addition to focusing on voluntary work. The event witnessed many distinguished performances, as the programme began with the Qatari Ardha, followed by artistic performances about Eid presented by the students. In addition to the Spacetoon songs choral performances and the anime musical piece, the “Think and Answer” cultural competition, also attracted significant audience interaction. The puppet show presented the story Haya’s Embroidered Dress.The event included a musical piece titled The Oud and Violin Melody, presented by the Music Affairs Center, as well as a unit featuring the characters from the series Siraj.Tamani al-Yafei, CEO of the Hour and Hour programme, expressed her happiness with the event’s success, saying: “We were keen to provide a comprehensive experience for this event that blends folk arts, family entertainment, and cultural and interactive activities. In partnership with a number of leading entities in the cultural, artistic and heritage fields.”She added, “Our goal was to revive Eid traditions, focusing on all its religious, heritage, and social aspects by spreading a festive atmosphere that enhances the spirit of communication among members of the community. We are delighted with the great interaction we witnessed from visitors.”Al-Yafei expressed her pride in co-operating with all participating entities, saying: “We are proud of the great support provided by various institutions and centres to make this event a success. We also appreciate the prominent role played by the Tamm Volunteer Network – Nama Center. I would also like to point out that this is our first collaboration with United Development Company and The Pearl Island, which opened their doors to us and hosted this event. We thank them for their great support, which contributed to attracting a large number of visitors and adding a special touch to the Eid celebrations.” Al-Yafei expressed her hope that this celebration had brought joy to families and spread happiness in everyone’s hearts, and she looked forward to more meaningful events in the future.

As part of Oryx FM Radio’s programming for the holy month of Ramadan, through its Environment Magazine, the radio station addressed the importance of environmental preservation in Islam.The radio programme hosted Dr Muhammad al-Hajj, a specialist in Arabic-Islamic language and civilisation, who reviewed the principles of Islam related to the environmental aspect on the Environment Magazine weekly programme, which is prepared and presented by environmental journalist Dr Nebri Losak.During his segment, Dr al-Hajj emphasised the importance that Islam places on protecting the physical environment in which one lives.He stressed the great reward for those who strive to perform positive actions that preserve the environment.Dr al-Hajj cited examples from the Qur’an and the Prophet (PBUH)’s hadith, which highlight the forms of environmental tampering and the necessity of maintaining balance within it.He emphasised the special status Islam places on preserving the environment and its water, plants, animals, and other resources.The Environment Magazine programme is one of the oldest programmes presented by the Oryx FM Radio station, spanning 10 years across its various programming cycles.The radio station devotes slots to programmes related to environmental conservation through advocacy segments and readings on jurisprudential opinions, which cover laws that must be followed and applied during assessments, and through other programmes related to discovering and preserving the environment around us.

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.