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Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Cultural" (59 articles)

Mosanada CEO Mark Cooke.
Business

Supporting Qatar’s major venues: Mosanada CEO reflects on decade of operations ahead of QSE listing

Mosanada has been closely involved in the operation of many of Qatar’s major sporting venues since its establishment in 2013, with its work extending across cultural sites, public facilities, and large-scale event environments.Over the years, the company has developed an operating presence across assets that form part of the country’s everyday infrastructure and national events calendar. On December 15, Mosanada will take its next step by listing on the Qatar Stock Exchange, formalising its position within the public market.Chief executive officer Mark Cooke has played a central role in shaping the organisation’s operating approach and guiding its progression across different facility types. As Mosanada prepares for this transition, Cooke reflects on the company’s development, the nature of its work, and how the move to the public market aligns with its long-term direction. Mosanada has been operating for more than a decade. Why was this the right moment to list the company? Mosanada has reached a level of operational maturity where a public listing is a natural step. Our work now spans national assets, major public venues, and complex environments that demand strong governance, long-term planning, and consistent performance.After more than ten years of predictable operations and disciplined financial management, moving to the public market widens participation while maintaining continuity. The founders remain committed shareholders, and the company enters the market with a proven track record and a stable operating base. Many readers may not be familiar with what “specialised facility management” actually involves. How would you explain Mosanada’s role in simple terms? Our job is to keep large public, sports, cultural, and infrastructure assets running safely and reliably. These are high-footfall environments where even a minor disruption can have a major impact.We oversee technical systems, manage planned and reactive maintenance, coordinate contractors, and ensure that facilities operate without interruption. Depending on the project, we either serve as the managing agent or deliver integrated FM services ourselves. When the public does not have to think about what is happening behind the scenes, that usually means our teams have delivered what is expected of them. Mosanada was founded within the Aspire Zone Foundation and Qatar Olympic Committee ecosystem. How has that shaped the company’s development? It placed us directly inside an ecosystem where reliability and precision are essential. Working on national sports venues, major public facilities, and international events shaped the discipline with which we operate.Our exposure across Aspire Zone, the Ministry of Sports and Youth sports facilities, Katara, Qatari Diar, Expo 2023, and others gave us a range of operational experience that is uncommon in the sector. That foundation continues to influence how we plan, structure teams, and manage complex assets. What distinguishes Mosanada’s operating model from traditional FM companies? A large part of our work sits at the strategic layer of facility management. We manage portfolios of assets that require integrated systems, structured vendor governance, performance monitoring, and long-term maintenance planning.This specialised agency model is asset-light, which contributes to financial resilience, and it is well-suited to large facilities with demanding operational requirements. Our teams apply organised performance frameworks across all projects, and that discipline underpins our results. The company supported some of Qatar’s most visible national projects, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Expo 2023. What did these experiences add to Mosanada’s capabilities? Major events condense a tremendous amount of operational pressure into short timelines. You learn to anticipate issues early, coordinate diverse technical teams, and maintain operational control under strict deadlines.During the World Cup, our work across key assets required real-time responsiveness and adherence to precise standards. Expo 2023 demanded end-to-end involvement from planning to handover to ongoing support. These experiences strengthened our systems, broadened our technical depth, and reinforced the operational discipline that guides our daily work. Mosanada reports strong cash generation and a debt-free balance sheet. What underpins that strength? It’s the structure of the business. We operate under long-duration contracts that create predictability. Our model is asset-light, so we do not rely on heavy capital expenditure. And we apply tight operational controls supported by digital tools and measurable performance standards.This combination has supported consistent results over many years. For the financial year 2024, shareholders approved a dividend of QR42mn, equal to QR0.60 per share, payable to shareholders of record on February 8, 2026. It reflects the financial outcome of that year and the company’s underlying cash position. Trading in Mosanada’s shares begins on 15 December 2025. What should readers know as the company enters the market? Trading begins at 9.30am on December 15 through the direct listing mechanism on the Qatar Stock Exchange Main Market. All eligible investors with an active NIN will be able to purchase shares directly in the market.All shares carry the same rights, and the company’s founders retain 75% of the share capital with a one-year lock-up. More than 100 new investors now hold the remaining 25%, which supports liquidity from the first day of trading. It is a straightforward and transparent entry to the market. Looking ahead, what areas of the FM sector are evolving most rapidly, and how is Mosanada positioning itself within those changes? Facility management is becoming increasingly data-driven, with digital systems shaping how assets are monitored, maintained, and prioritised. Technical capabilities, compliance, and workforce development will also continue to be central themes across the industry.For Mosanada, these are areas we already work with closely. Much of our operating model relies on integrated systems, structured planning, and measurable outcomes. In the coming period, we will continue to evaluate strategic options that align with its operational strengths and long-term mandate.Our focus is straightforward: maintain the standards expected of the facilities we support, strengthen our teams, and apply technology where it meaningfully improves reliability and efficiency. As Mosanada enters this new phase as a listed company, what message would you share with your teams, partners, and new shareholders? This milestone is first and foremost a recognition of the people inside the company. Our teams support facilities that operate seven days a week, often behind the scenes, and their work is the foundation of Mosanada’s reputation.For our partners and clients, our priorities remain unchanged: disciplined operations, technical capability, and consistent delivery across every site. For new shareholders, the listing provides a transparent framework through which to follow the company’s progress. Mosanada has grown deliberately, and the same principles that shaped its first decade will guide its next chapter. 

Agarwal with some of the artists at the QIAF 2025 fashion show Thursday. Artists from various countries presented their designs at the show.
Qatar

Designs inspired by traditions unveiled at QIAF fashion show

The Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) 2025 staged a fashion show at Katara Cultural Village Thursday, turning the runway into a platform for cultural expression as artists unveiled designs inspired by national traditions and personal creative narratives. Among the participants was Martina Siladi of Slovakia, representing Unity Art Nations, a collective of artists from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Switzerland.**media[392609]**She said the group used its mannequin draping to highlight shared cultural symbols, including mountains and national floral motifs common to all four countries. Siladi described the QIAF as a platform where artists meet “with one vision – peace, friendship and understanding”.**media[392610]**“Art connects people of all nations, cultures and nationalities because that is what art is good for,” she said, introducing the abstract painters, sculptors and ink artists who form her multicultural group. Vedran Bukovina of Croatia presented a striking dress rooted in the symbolism of his heritage. Serving as Croatia’s brand ambassador, he introduced a young creative team of graduates and artists who helped bring the piece to life.**media[392611]**The design featured Croatia’s heart motif, a national symbol protected by Unesco. “The heart represents who we are. It is simple as wool and rich as lace, full of tradition and history,” the artist said, adding that the artwork stood as a reminder of how fashion can preserve identity while inviting the world to appreciate it. The showcase also welcomed the delicate and deeply personal work of Vishakha Lad, a Fine Arts Master’s graduate from Sir J J School of Arts in Mumbai.**media[392612]**Lad is known for her intricate eco-conscious leaf artwork, a tradition pioneered by her father in 1957 and carried forward today with immense pride. “My work blends culture and nature,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the QIAF and to Imagine Art Gallery Spain for giving her the platform to share her craft. She described the festival as more than an exhibition, calling it a warm, organised and inspiring gathering where participants enjoy workshops, fashion shows and shared experiences that become lifelong memories. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Japanese fruits tasting event offers exclusive culinary bridge between Qatar and Japan 

The Japanese fruits tasting event in Doha on December 8 provided an opportunity for visitors to experience the exceptional quality of Japan’s premium seasonal produce, while strengthening cultural and commercial ties with Qatar.The event, organised by the Japanese embassy in Qatar over two days, showcased a curated selection of high-end Japanese fruits sourced from various prefectures across Japan. It highlighted the sophistication of Japanese agriculture and reflects the growing interest in deepening bilateral relations between the two countries through food, culture, and trade.**media[392134]**The first day of the event took place at the Four Seasons Doha, where business leaders, diplomats, and select guests gathered for an intimate tasting session. Japanese ambassador Naoto Hisajima guided guests through the tasting experience while explaining the unique cultivation methods behind Japanese fruits. “To introduce high-quality products from Japan will surely lead to a better and deeper understanding of Japanese culture and society among the people in Qatar,” he told Gulf Times.The envoy added that Japanese fruits, grown with meticulous care by dedicated farmers, offer more than flavour alone: “Through the tasting of fruits, people in Qatar will know Japan in a deeper way.”Speaking about the local market, Hisajima expressed optimism, saying: “I believe people in Qatar will love Japanese fruits. They are sweet, complex in taste, and good for health. I hope and I am sure that more Japanese fruits will be available in Qatar so everyone can enjoy them”.**media[392133]**Yusuke Ito, representative of Musashi International, a Japanese food ingredients distributor operating in Qatar since 2007, underlined the craftsmanship behind the produce. “Japanese fruits come from many different prefectures, each with unique weather conditions. We spend a lot of time and effort growing them, which is why their shape, presentation, and taste are distinctive,” he said.Ito noted that while Japanese fruits are still relatively unknown in the Qatari market, their premium quality presents strong potential. “Because they are unique and not common, they can become special gifts in Qatar. That is where we see real opportunity,” he added.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar marks cultural milestone with successful listing of Arab Bisht on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage

The State of Qatar is taking part in the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), convened in India from Dec. 8 to 13.The Qatar delegation was headed by HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani. The session witnessed the inscription of the Arab bisht on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking the first joint Arab file led by the State of Qatar with the participation of nine Arab countries.This cultural milestone reflects the preeminent standing of Gulf and Arab heritage and its enduring ability to articulate collective identity and shared civilizational memory. This milestone is the result of the Ministry's efforts to project the local legacy and safeguard traditional crafts, foremost among them the craft of bisht-making in Qatar, which represents one of the most significant crafts tied to social identity and national symbolism.The inscription of the file affirms Qatar's commitment to protecting this time-honored craft, enhancing its presence in the cultural consciousness, and transmitting it to emerging generations amid rapid economic and social transformations.Addressing the session, HE the Minister affirmed that the file showcases the Arab bisht as a cross-generational cultural element, serving as a symbol tied to social life, explaining that it was worn by Qatari forebears during celebrations and educational settings and has remained a witness to the history of the region.HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani draped Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team and winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in the Qatari bisht. This noble gesture reflected the prestigious status of the bisht in Qatari culture, the Minister highlighted.He asserted that the bisht would not be the last cultural heritage file that Qatar seeks to inscribe on UNESCO's Representative List. In essence, the bisht has become a symbol of prestige, social standing, and dignity. For over a century and a half, its craftsmanship has flourished. The inscription of the bisht file on UNESCO's Representative List marks a significant milestone in the path toward safeguarding Qatari and Arab heritage.The step underscores Qatar's commitment to protecting its heritage components and ensuring their transmission to future generations. This listing also reflects the success of the Ministry's 2023 initiative to register the Arab bisht as intangible heritage, thereby constituting a global recognition of its cultural and social value.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QIAF 2025 presents diverse works, connects artists from various countries

Katara Cultural Village’s Hall 12 has been transformed into a vibrant global space brimming with artistic expression, as the 7th Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF 2025) continues. The festival brings together a distinguished group of international artists in a creative celebration that reinforces Katara’s role as a cultural bridge connecting the world through art and diversity.Running until Dec 12, the festival features the participation of more than 500 artists from 83 countries, representing various artistic schools and creative styles. The event offers a rich visual panorama that reflects the power of individual experiences and the convergence of cultures. Iraqi visual artist Jaafar Diaa of the Ashnon Arts Foundation said he is presenting two surrealist works titled 'The Fate of the Book in the Modern Age and Transcending Time', noting that the festival “is wonderful and features strong works from diverse artistic schools, making it a truly unique experience.”Indian artist Sugandha expressed her delight at participating for the first time, saying: “I am thoroughly enjoying this experience. The festival is large and gives us the opportunity to connect with artists from different countries. I was happy to meet artists from all over the world.”Ana de Negri from Spain explained that this is her second participation “after the success of last year’s edition,” noting that the Spanish delegation includes a large group of artists and two dedicated pavilions. She also expressed her pride in representing Spain again.Iraqi artist Tina Arfali stated that this is her first participation in Qatar, adding: “The opening was wonderful. My work combines Arabic calligraphy with photography using mixed media techniques to add depth and unique artistic texture.”Meanwhile, Iranian artist and university professor Mansoureh Valikhan said she is delighted to return for a second year, emphasising that her work received significant appreciation.She explained that the theme of her participation centres on Iranian folklore, using colours and patterns inspired by Iranian heritage. QIAF 2025 continues to host a daily programme of artistic performances, workshops, and public activities, reaffirming its position as one of the most prominent creative platforms in the region and a global event celebrating art in all its forms and expressions. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

National Day 'offers opportunity to instill values in younger generations'

General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti has emphasised that the National Day embodies the highest meanings of pride and loyalty to the homeland and highlights the values upon which Qatar was founded since its establishment, such as the values of sincere loyalty to the wise leadership and dedication to the nation’s progress and prosperity.The general manager of Katara said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) said theg National Day is an occasion on which we renew our pledge of loyalty to the leader of the nation His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and recall the great efforts made by the founding fathers in building this nation. This occasion is also an opportunity to instill national values in the emerging generations and deepen their connection to the history and authentic cultural identity of their country, he added.He explained that this year's National Day slogan, 'With You It Rises, From You It Awaits," expresses in depth the essence of these values, as it reflects the close relationship between the leadership and the people, and emphasise that Qatar’s renaissance and advancement are achieved through the dedication and efforts of its sons and daughters, whose contributions elevates the nation which looks to them for hardwork and sacrifice. He added that this slogan inspires all of them in Katara and in the various state institutions to move forward in a spirit of co-operation and responsibility to build a prosperous nation worthy of its deep-rooted history and solid identity.Regarding the contribution of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to reinforcing national identity and consolidating National Day values in society, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti noted that since its establishment, Katara has been a leading cultural beacon and a national landmark that effectively contributes to strengthening Qatari identity and enhancing values of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and leadership.He said that Katara believes that culture is the foundation upon which identity is built, and the most profound means of embedding it in the conscience of society. Therefore, at Katara, it is made sure that all programmes and initiatives are an authentic reflection of the components of the Qatari personality, such as its cultural heritage, value-based traditions, and creative aspirations.Through literary, artistic, and heritage events, as well as major festivals organised by Katara throughout the year, they work to enhance the spirit of citizenship, connect the younger generations with their cultural roots, and introduce them to the honourable civilisational achievements of their state.He pointed out that Katara pays special attention to children and youth, considering them the pillars of the future and carriers of national values, adding that the Cultural Village provides the youth with an environment that stimulates creativity and spaces to express their love for their country through art, literature, and theatre, contributing to building a generation that is aware of its identity and is loyal to its homeland.While speaking about the most prominent artistic events, initiatives, or exhibitions organised by Katara to accompany this year’s National Day celebrations, the general manager stressed that the Cultural Village is keen every year to present a comprehensive celebratory programme that reflects the spirit of the National Day and translates its lofty meanings into artistic and cultural experiences that delight the public and enriches national sentiment.  

The Arab Book Award, headed by Dr Hanan al-Fayyad, the award's media adviser, and including Dr Imtinan al-Samadi, a member of the media committee, participated in one of the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair's cultural events with a critical session titled: "Literary Awards: Between Honoring Creativity and Building Presence."
Qatar

Arab Book Award Arrives at 48th Kuwait International Book Fair

The Arab Book Award, headed by Dr Hanan al-Fayyad, the award's media adviser, and including Dr Imtinan al-Samadi, a member of the media committee, participated in one of the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair's cultural events with a critical session titled: "Literary Awards: Between Honoring Creativity and Building Presence."Dr al-Samadi pointed out that literary awards are not merely a matter of honoring and recognising an individual, but extend to a broader and more far-reaching framework, transcending mere celebration to exert a real influence on the cultural landscape.She explained that the most important question is not simply, "Who won the award?" but rather, "What is their impact on culture?" She emphasised that awards confer significant power, generating fame, adding financial value, and facilitating translation, thus making their impact deeper and more profound than what can be directly observed. She added that awards face the challenge of maintaining their presence, because their demise means a loss of value, highlighting the importance of keeping them vibrant and dynamic.As for Dr Hanan al-Fayyad explained that creative individuals constantly experience a state of creative anxiety, and that one of their characteristics is that they are not easily satisfied with their work. They also face suspicion when they boast about their work without hesitation. This is where awards play a crucial role in shifting the creative individual from anxiety to conscious confidence, based on rigorous standards that are free from deception or favoritism. This is achieved by placing the work against its artistic foundations. If it passes this test, the creative individual gains legitimacy that qualifies them to influence their society.Al-Fayyad pointed out that the Arab Book Award provides a platform that celebrates outstanding works and grants creators greater opportunities for dissemination and influence. She added that the award not only honors authors but also contributes to building new pathways for the flourishing of writing through the transfer of knowledge and the exchange of ideas, making it a vital contributor to strengthening intercultural communication. Al-Fayyad further explained that the Arab Book Award continues to play its role in elevating the Arab cultural landscape by honoring works of high intellectual value and encouraging knowledge creators to produce content that raises public awareness and enriches the Arab cultural scene. She considered the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and the Arab Book Award to be two of the most important Qatari cultural prizes, alongside the many other state awards with institutional affiliations. These awards, she noted, represent two essential pillars in supporting Arab creativity and enhancing its role in enriching human culture.Al-Fayyad concluded by pointing out that the awards do indeed contribute to reducing cultural isolation and encourage marginalized cultures to participate. She explained that the difference between the awards lies in their ability to open doors to openness without discrimination, clarifying that some awards have remained confined to a single culture, while others have been able to mark a significant step towards openness to the entire world. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Minister of Culture meets Costa Rican Minister of Culture, Youth

His Excellency Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani met on Thursday with the Minister of Culture and Youth of the Republic of Costa Rica Jorge Rodriguez Vives. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and develop them in the cultural field.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar pioneers digital cultural innovation with NMoQ Metaverse Project

Qatar Museums (QM) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) announced the launch of the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, marking a major step in digital cultural innovation.This initiative, developed in collaboration with Cisco, and in turn, with Web3 implementation partner droppGroup, presents a live and intelligent museum experience that integrates immersive 3D environments, augmented and extended reality, and artificial intelligence.The project aims to place Qatar at the forefront of integrating metaverse and AI technologies to enhance museum engagement, while exploring new technologies intended to promote access to culture.By embracing innovation, QM demonstrates its role as a pioneer in cultural transformation and experimentation while supporting the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.The platform also introduces new opportunities for accessibility and remote learning, allowing students, researchers, and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.In a press statement, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani said: “With the NMoQ Metaverse Pilot Project, we are extending this mission into the digital realm, allowing audiences everywhere to walk through our galleries, engage with our collections, and encounter Qatar’s history in immersive and interactive new ways.“This initiative ensures that NMoQ continues to be not only a guardian of heritage, but also a frontrunner in shaping how museums engage with the world.”QM noted that this project is part of Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme in Qatar. Active in Qatar since 2019, CDA is Cisco’s strategic programme designed to accelerate the nation's digitalisation agenda and generate new value for its citizens, businesses, and the country as a whole.Through public and private partnerships, the programme focuses on leveraging innovative digital solutions to address national challenges across key sectors such as national infrastructure, education, and smart communities.Through the pilot, visitors can explore digital twins of three galleries: The Archaeology of Qatar, The People of Qatar, and Life in Al Barr (The Desert). Twenty-two curated objects are presented with interactive augmented reality features, detailed descriptions, and direct links to the museum’s online collection.The experience is enhanced by Murjana, NMoQ’s customised digital mascot, who provides bilingual narration in Arabic and English with intelligent, personalised guidance. Accessible on mobile devices, desktops, tablets, and VR headsets, the platform also introduces new opportunities for remote learning, allowing students and educators to engage with Qatar’s cultural heritage in new ways.“QM has consistently demonstrated strategic vision in leveraging technology to advance cultural preservation and global engagement, in alignment with Qatar's national digital ambitions. This initiative is a direct testament to that forward-thinking approach,” said Cisco Qatar general manager Hasan Khan.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Katara opens Syrian Corner with Minaret of the Bride model

Katara Cultural Village inaugurated Tuesday the Syrian Corner in the vicinity of the Golden Masjid, with the opening of a model of the 'Minaret of the Bride' inspired by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, designed by the visual artist Zaina Abara.The work embodies one of the most important architectural symbols in Islamic history and Damascene memory, as the Minaret of the Bride is the oldest minaret of the Umayyad Mosque, and constitutes a spiritual and architectural symbol that has been linked to the city's conscience for centuries.The model was executed in a contemporary artistic style that preserved the spirit of Damascene architecture and its decorations, while the presence of jasmine stands out as a symbol of identity and nostalgia, giving the work an emotional dimension that expresses the relationship of Syrians with their history and aesthetic memory.In his remarks, General Manager of Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said that the opening of the Syrian corner falls within Katara's vision to enhance the presence of arts and cultural symbols in the public space of the Cultural Village, and to make human heritage available to the public in an interactive way, which contributes to strengthening bridges of communication and cultural dialogue between peoples.Charge d'Affaires at the Syrian embassy in Doha Dr. Bilal Turkiya emphasised that the artwork embodies a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual value in the history of Syria, as the Minaret of the Bride is not only an architectural landmark that the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus boasts of, but also a symbol of the oldest continuously inhabited capital that has carried throughout its history a message of intellectual and cultural radiance whose impact has extended from Damascus to the capitals of the world.He added that the presence of this model in Katara represents a cultural bridge connecting Damascus and Doha, and allows the public to learn about the depth of Syrian heritage and its authentic aesthetics, expressing his gratitude to Katara for embracing this work that embodies the memory of a people and the identity of a city.In turn, artist Abara said that the Minaret of the Bride is a historical, spiritual, and cultural symbol linked to the city of Damascus for centuries, expressing her hope that the artwork will serve as a bridge between memory, nostalgia, and hope. She noted that reinterpreting the minaret in this artistic form aims to preserve its authenticity and keep it alive in the collective consciousness of future generations.The sculpture represents an artistic restoration of the oldest minarets of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, which were built in the Umayyad era and then witnessed successive architectural touches throughout the ages. The work is based on highlighting the geometric and decorative details that characterize the Damascene architecture, with a contemporary treatment that enhances the symbolic dimension of the minaret as a cultural radiance.Abara, who resides in Qatar, is a member of the Qatar Fine Arts Society. Her work focuses on documenting and reformulating the Arab visual identity in a contemporary aesthetic language. She has participated in local and international exhibitions and held a solo exhibition in Katara in 2018.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Forum highlights efforts to protect manuscript intellectual heritage

The Fourth Forum on Cultural Heritage Management, entitled "Manuscript Heritage in Light of Legal Frameworks, Preservation, and Digital Transformation," opened on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO). Organised by ICESCO in cooperation with the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development, the forum will end today. The forum, which brings together a select group of experts and specialists, aims to highlight institutional and international efforts in the areas of legislation, preservation, and digitisation to protect manuscript intellectual heritage. Director-General of ICESCO Dr Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik noted the organisation's expertise in manuscript preservation and raising awareness of issues related to this heritage. **media[381086]** He emphasised the need to utilise modern technologies in physical preservation, develop intelligent handwriting recognition, and leverage spectral imaging and its analysis, in addition to employing big data to provide detailed information about this heritage. Director General of the Arab Organisation for Administrative Development, Nasser al-Hatlan al-Qahtani, emphasised the importance of institutional partnerships in building capacity and developing legal frameworks for manuscript protection. He called for aligning national legislation with international standards, strengthening cooperation between libraries and archives, investing in digitisation infrastructure, and developing qualified personnel. The forum's programme includes four scientific sessions addressing manuscript protection and mechanisms for implementing legal legislation, analyses of the foundations and content of Arab laws pertaining to manuscripts, a review of experiences in preservation and maintenance by repositories and centres, and the digital transformation, preservation of heritage, and sustainability of manuscripts in the age of artificial intelligence.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Katara's culinary culture event celebrates Peru

Katara Cultural Village hosted an event on Tuesday on the culinary culture of Peru, spotlighting the rich culinary heritage of the South American nation. The event featured presentations that highlighted the environmental and natural resources that have shaped Peruvian lifestyles across various historical eras. **media[381056]** Peru's ambassador to Qatar, Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica, praised the collaboration with Katara, describing it as a distinguished platform for cultural exchange and a vital bridge connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. He expressed his appreciation for organising the event, which celebrated iconic elements of Peruvian cuisine, most notably Ceviche, a dish inscribed by Unesco in 2023 on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. **media[381057]** The ambassador emphasised that Ceviche is a key cultural symbol, reflecting Peruvians' deep connection to the ocean, rivers, and land. He noted that the dish embodies Peru's geographic and ethnic diversity and its rich cultural fusion, while also representing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge through fishing practices, market traditions, festive rituals, and communal values.