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The fifth edition of ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg' will be held in Doha from May 20 to 22 under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.At a press briefing Sunday , the Organizing Committee reflected on five years of the ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg’ and its impact on Qatar and the region, while also sharing what to expect from this year’s edition.Speakers included Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar and Member of the Organizing Committee; HE Mubarak bin Ajlan al-Kuwari, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Member of Organizing Committee; and HE Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi, Representative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Member of Organizing Committee.They emphasized the Forum’s growing role in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030 and positioning Doha as a hub for global dialogue. The Forum this year is held under the theme, “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy.” Underscoring its impact, the officials noted that the Forum has directly contributed over QR 177.5mn to Qatar’s GDP and created more than 900 full-time jobs between 2022 and 2024.Beyond Qatar, it has also delivered measurable results for the nation’s international visibility. In 2024 alone, the Forum reached over 300mn homes, delivered QR 67.6 mn in marketing value, and contributed to an 18 % increase in global positive perception of Qatar.“Since 2021, Media City Qatar has partnered with Bloomberg Media to build the Forum into a global platform for dialogue and cooperation," Jassim Mohamed al-Khori said."In just five years, the ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg’ has positioned Qatar as a trusted convening power, uniting influential voices at a time of global division and uncertainty.”“Qatar has always believed in the power of dialogue to shape progress,” HE Mubarak bin Ajlan al-Kuwari, said. “The Forum reflects that belief by bringing together global voices at a time when common understanding is urgently needed. Each edition builds new bridges, and as organisers, we remain focused on creating a space where real cooperation can take root.”HE Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi said: “The Qatar Economic Forum is where policy, business, and innovation come together to tackle the big questions facing the global economy.”This year’s Forum will bring together over 2,500 global leaders across five key pillars: geopolitics, globalization and trade; energy supplies and security; technology hype and reality; business and investment outlook; and sports and entertainment. The speaker lineup includes prominent figures such as heads of state, ministers, and CEOs.Some confirmed speakers include HE Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance; HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor, Qatar Central Bank, Chairman, Qatar Investment Authority; HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiya, Minister of Municipality; HE Saad bin Ali al- Kharji, Chairman, Qatar Tourism; HE Khalid al- Obaidli, President, Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat, and HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Managing Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Ryan M. Lance, Chairman & CEO of Conoco Phillips; Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President at The Trump Organization; and Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO, Asset & Wealth Management, J.P. Morgan; with Elon Musk joining virtually.

A number of young people have emphasised that reading remains one of the most profound forms of human interaction at a time when technology and digital worlds have become parts of our daily life.Speaking on the sidelines of the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) which concluded Saturday evening, they noted a renewed interest in books, but with a new spirit that combines the smell of paper with the touch of a screen.Library shelves are no longer the sole determining factor in what is read; digital recommendations, influencer opinions, and platform algorithms have also entered the fray, reshaping the tastes of today's readers.Amid this cultural shift, new reading patterns are emerging that reveal much about the priorities of the younger generation. It appears that young people are seeking not only entertainment or escape, but also a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. They note that many of these choices are based on recommendations from social media platforms, where influencers play a pivotal role in guiding readers' tastes.Ahmed Ammar, a regular visitor to the Doha International Book Fair, offered advice to young people on the importance of making reading a daily habit. Not limited to study or work, but rather a fun hobby that contributes to refining character and developing thought.He also emphasised the importance of starting with choosing short novels, which help novice readers build experience and identify their literary inclinations before moving on to more complex books.Turki Ali explained that he enjoys reading political books and military expert analyses of major wars. Noting that this type of book enriches the reader's mind and provides a deeper understanding of historical events.Turki emphasised that paper books still hold a special place among readers, not only for their cognitive value, but also for the integrated mental and psychological experience they provide. He added, "Some old paper books are no longer available in book shops, and electronic versions are now the only way to access them."Abdulaziz al-Abdullah believes that paper books still maintain their place among readers, despite the digital revolution and the significant development in communication methods that now meet users' needs quickly and easily.He explained his preference for paper books by saying that they provide greater comfort for the eyes compared to electronic screens, especially during long reading periods or before bedtime.

Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) announced the launch of two new digital platforms: "Q37" and "Q Business." This is a qualitative step aimed at enhancing Qatar's media presence on the international digital scene and contributing to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 in the areas of social, human, and economic development.The English-language Q37 platform aims to provide media content that reflects Qatari reality in a reliable and authentic manner. Conveying the Qatari narrative to other communities through a modern, creative digital vision. The platform focuses on providing audiovisual content characterized by honesty and objectivity, keeping pace with the aspirations of the modern digital audience.Issa bin Abdullah al-Muhtami, Director of Q37 TV, stated: "We aspire for the platform to be reliable and distinguished in producing and innovating content, presenting a realistic and authentic image of Qatar to other communities. This is achieved by redefining the relationship between media producers and audiences in light of the rapid digital transformations."The Q Business platform is a specialized digital platform focused on covering news on economic and financial developments, presenting its content through short, interactive clips, making specialised topics more accessible and attractive to a wide range of audiences.The launch of the two platforms is part of the QMC's efforts to support national content and keep pace with the technological changes taking place in the contemporary media environment. As well as enhancing Qatar's position as an influential and reliable regional media hub.Through these initiatives, the QMC seeks to build digital media that reflects the country's aspirations for progress and development, and meets the needs of local and international audiences in terms of diversity of presentations and rapid access to information.The Corporation also affirms its commitment to providing content that enhances national identity and supports cultural dialogue between Qatar and the world, through renewed media platforms that adhere to professional standards and innovation in delivering media messages.

Widespread participation at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), held under the theme From Engraving to Writing, reveals the vitality of the cultural scene amid an atmosphere brimming with creativity and knowledge.Taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), the DIBF has become an event where minds and ideas meet and the experiences of publishers, creators, and the public intersect in a space of interaction and enlightenment.Local, Arab, and international publishing houses are presenting their latest publications in various fields, from literature, and science, to children's and young adult books, as well as specialised artistic and educational publications.The diversity extends to the methods of presentation and interaction with the public, reflecting the development of the publishing industry and the trends of readers in this era.This year's exhibition showcases the vibrant cultural landscape in Qatar and the region, reaffirming the importance of books as a tool for building awareness, strengthening identity, and opening up to the world.The crowded pavilions and accompanying activities, which attract a wide audience of all ages, demonstrate the community's passion for reading and its eagerness to acquire knowledge.One such activity was a seminar on "Cultural Footsteps: The Nomas Journey to Malaysia", where a number of students spoke about this unique cultural and educational experience, highlighting the impact the trip had them.A special session was organised for the "Qatar Reads" initiative, aiming to introduce visitors to the initiative's objectives and its most prominent publications.The session was presented by programme development officer Nada Behzad, who noted that "Qatar Reads" does not wait for the public to come to the library, but rather seeks to reach them where they are.The 34th DIBF introduces new features, such as a service added to facilitate the visitor’s tour of the exhibition through smart screens distributed across the Reading Guide service platforms.This helps beneficiaries identify their list of reading interests more quickly, and allows them to receive a list of their favourite books via e-mail after completing a questionnaire.

Among the new and popular publishers in Qatar at the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) Gulf Times interviewed author and publisher, Mohammed Salaan al-Marri, who stated: “Nibras Publishing and Distribution House is participating in the 34th DIBF with 15 titles over the past year, launching seven of them at this year’s edition of the book fair. “All books are written by Qatari authors, with the exception of one by Palestinian author Faten Azzam. All books focus on knowledge, including novels, scientific books, and specialised media works.” Al-Marri added: “The house has programmes that support digital literature, which includes digital books alongside paper books, but the house also explores literary practices and digital books. “Therefore, Nibras House makes all its publications available on its online store for a QR5 subscription for a week. This is intended to promote the global spread of these books, making them easily accessible.” He further said: “The house offers a podcast or bookcast, which are audio summaries of all its publications. As well as the Siraj Cultural Club, a club that brings together young people in Qatar, both citizens and residents, for cultural activities. “The publishing house also provides the Dar Nibras Literary Fund, which subsidises Qatari authors’ publishing costs. This fund is funded by government ministries, contributing to the development and enhancement of the Qatari library with publications by Qatari authors.” Al-Marri commented: “Our most notable publications this year are by Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik, a Qatari, Gulf, and Arab narrator, with two publications: When the Sails Leave, a collection of very short stories, and Meliora, a novel about an air hostess. “We also have a book on children’s libraries, their organisation, and their arrangement by Faten Azzam. A memoir by a Qatari librarian, Supervisor on an Old Shelf, summarises professional practices. Another publication, The Art of Influence, explores the secrets of media campaigns by Mohammed Salaan al-Marri, the owner of Nibras Publishing. We are participating with these titles. “We wish our staff success, this is the first participation in the DIBF for Nibras Publishing and Distribution, which has been in operation for a year.” Al-Marri said that the turnout at the publishing house is excellent, and that attendance at the fair in general has increased significantly, which is truly heartening.

The Qatar Press Center (QPC) published Hadeel Saber's new book, 'Tarweeda', on the occasion of the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF). The book includes a series of political articles discussing Palestine, specifically since October 7 and the developments taking place in Gaza.Saber derived the title of her new book from 'Tarweeda', (a type of Palestinian folk song that spread in the 1930s), a message of resistance in a time of oppression and the voice of freedom when speech is silenced. The Palestinian tarweed first appeared during the British occupation.It was not just a mere melody, but rather a clever tool that Palestinians transformed into a mysterious code that the colonizers could not decipher. It became a means of conveying messages between resistance fighters and between prisoners inside prisons and their families outside bars.The book highlights the repercussions of the war waged by the occupying entity, which cast a shadow over all of Palestine, particularly the Gaza Strip, and how it impacted the humanitarian and social aspects and altered the political landscape. In her articles in 'Tarweeda', journalist Hadeel Saber explained that the current war is a link in a colonial context that began with the 1948 Nakba and has never ceased.The writer's 'Tarweeda' did not neglect sensitive humanitarian issues that have not been addressed amid the accelerating political events, regarding the status of Palestinian women and how feminist organizations and societies have abandoned them.Women in wartime are unique in their human nature. This special status of women in war was present in more than one article, making the writer more present in discussing women in times of war. Considering their privacy, which the occupation has violated by all standards. It has not respected them as mothers, wives, daughters, children, infants, or even fetuses.'Tarweeda', which the QPC has adopted as one of its new publications, includes fifty articles spanning 128 pages. The cover features 'Handala', the icon of cartoonist Naji al-Ali, with lines summarizing the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The National Archives of Qatar announced the launch of the "Ousus" national training programme, which comes within the framework of its strategic efforts to develop an integrated and sustainable national system for document management.It is considered one of the pivotal executive initiatives within the National Archives of Qatar Strategy (2025–2030). The programme aims to build and qualify specialized national competencies and a society aware of documentary practices."Ousus" was designed to serve four interconnected axes, including: developing the capabilities of the National Archives of Qatar personnel, training employees in administrative units involved in document management. As well as providing academic scholarship opportunities in strategic fields such as document and archive management, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.It also organises workshops and knowledge seminars aimed at raising community awareness of the importance of this vital field.In this regard, Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, stated: "We at the National Archives of Qatar believe that building a strong national memory is not achieved solely through document preservation, but also through sustainable investment in national competencies and developing institutional capacities capable of handling documents as a strategic element within the decision-making system."He added: "The 'Ousos' programme is one of the pivotal implementation tracks of the National Archives of Qatar 2025-2030 Strategy and represents a real step toward establishing an integrated national approach to document management."The programme’s impact extends to various institutional and societal groups, working to develop competencies within the National Archives of Qatar, to qualify document management units in government agencies, and provide academic opportunities in related disciplines. While opening the door to the community through awareness workshops and seminars.Dr Ahmed Abdullah al Buainain said, "We view the launch of the programme as a practical beginning to develop a unified national document management system based on an updated legal and regulatory framework. Responding to a realistic need in the government work environment. The programme represents a foundational step toward a comprehensive institutional transformation, through which we aspire to establish a sustainable documentation culture that keeps pace with the requirements of governance and development in the country."Through "Uosus," the National Archives of Qatar aims to support the building of authentic knowledge bases within government agencies and systematically document the country's administrative, legislative, and developmental legacy.The programme serves as a foundation for launching more specialised future initiatives aimed at enhancing agencies' readiness to meet the challenges of digital documentation, data governance, and the integration of the country's information infrastructure.

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.