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The Ministry of Culture has launched the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6 at the Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal Saturday, with the participation of 101 children aged seven to 17.The stories covered Qatari heritage from the north to the south.With professional editing assistance, the young writers were confident while introducing their stories to visitors in a dedicated pavilion for the Children’s Story Designer Programme 6.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the ceremony, Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, the director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, said: “This is the sixth edition of the Children’s Book Designer Programme, in collaboration with the Children’s Literature Centre.”“This programme engages 101 children who have written stories about Qatari culture and identity, focusing on the country’s regions and their tree habitats,” he said. “Each child has chosen a specific area of Qatar. The programme aims to encourage children to write stories, draw, colour, and design.”“They also received training courses on how to interact and communicate with the public, fostering self-confidence,” al-Buainain continued. “It’s a comprehensive programme designed to cultivate a generation of conscious, literate, and cultured individuals.”“Registration opened in August during the summer, and we received applications, interviewed the students, and administered a required test,” the official said. “The programme then launched in September, and we are now reaping the rewards of this effort.”“These books will be published and showcased at the Doha International Book Fair,” al-Buainain added.The National Day 2025 celebrations continued Saturday at Darb Al Saai, under the theme of With You It Rises and From You It Awaits, organised by the Ministry of Culture from December 10-20. 

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.

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrated Qatar National Day with an on-campus event that brought together students, faculty members and staff to honour the nation’s rich heritage and values.The event took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees, and managing director and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company; Dr Abdulatif al-Khal, deputy chief medical officer and director of medical education at Hamad Medical Corporation; and Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president of UDST.**media[390794]**As part of the celebration, UDST “Success Story” book was officially launched which traces the history of UDST, from the leadership’s visionary decision to establish Qatar’s first applied university to the remarkable achievements the institution celebrates today.The book also highlights inspirational stories and university milestones from students, alumni and faculty members, showcasing academic excellence, innovation projects, community engagement initiatives and professional achievements, and reflecting the university’s role in shaping highly skilled graduates who support Qatar’s development. Complementing the book, a curated exhibition brought the “Success Story” theme to life, offering visitors an immersive journey through UDST’s institutional milestones and achievements.Dr Salem Al-Naemi, said: “Qatar National Day is a moment to celebrate how far our country has come and to renew our commitment to the values of unity, resilience and progress. In it, we reaffirm our promise to the values of unity, resilience, and progress under our wise leadership, led by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.”**media[390795]**He added: “We are proud to launch UDST Success Story and to feature an opening word from Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater, Minister of Education and Higher Education in this book, and we are equally honoured by the way she describes UDST. Through the launch of this publication, we aim to document a story that will endure for generations to come. At UDST, we see this day as an opportunity not only to honour our national heritage, but also to recognise the achievements of our students, alumni and partners who contribute to Qatar’s ongoing success.”The event also featured a special segment dedicated to UDST’s champions who excelled at the 10th World Inter Universities Championships in Barcelona. The University’s Wolves teams, who earned multiple medals in swimming and badminton, were recognised on stage for their outstanding performance and their contribution to raising Qatar’s profile in international university sports.The celebration further featured a variety of cultural and educational segments, including student performances, screenings of Qatari-made films, and booths dedicated to showcasing Qatar’s heritage and identity, in addition to a traditional Qatari food corner. 

The events commemorating Qatar National Day (QND) this year will be held at the Darb Al Saai venue in the Umm Salal area from Dec. 10 to 20, the Ministry of Culture has announced.Darb Al Saai will be opening its doors to the public daily from 3pm to 11pm at its permanent premises.The cultural events will feature an integrated experience showcasing the time-honoured Qatari heritage, spotlighting loyalty and belonging bequeathed from forefathers and inherited by the people of Qatar generation after generation, the ministry noted.It highlighted that these events are held under the QND's motto: "With You it Rises, From You it Awaits", offering a space for the gathering of citizens and residents to behold the history of this nation, its values, and identity, through a broad series of cultural, patrimonial, and artistic events on a space of 150,000 square meters at the permanent venue.**media[389254]**This year's events attract a host of entities, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, National Cyber Security Agency, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, The National Archives of Qatar, Doha Forum, Qatar Cultural Center for the Deaf, Qatar Photography Center, Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind, Qatar Reads, and Qatar Islamic Bank.Al Muqtir and Al Izbah Heritage Camps emerge as the most consequential heritage pillars of these events, as contiguous houses represent a vivid simulation of life in the Qatari desert, hosting sessions of poetry and riddle games aimed at developing young people’s skills and familiarizing them with tribal dialects, desert routes, and landmarks.The encampment features several heritage houses, including the Falconry and Hunting House, the Sadu and Weaving House showcasing women's crafts, and the Dairy Production House.Al Izbah Heritage Camp allows children to learn camel riding and camel-handling techniques, providing a living model of the ancestral nomadic lifestyle and their steadfast adherence to traditional customs and practices.Darb Al Saai also boasts of hosting a side event of the maritime heritage through the Al Bidda event, featuring the Majlis Al Bidda, Bait Al Mutawa, the traditional cafe, Majlis Al Nokhatha, Al Nahham, and Akkas Al Freej, showcasing conventional sea‑heritage games, cultural contests, and a maritime museum documenting Qatar's seafaring history.Interestingly, bountiful events will be devoted to children as the organizing committee intends to organize activities in open areas, such as diverse sporting activities, with the main theatre hosting daily cultural events such as symposia and poetry evenings showcasing diverse patriotic and cultural content.His Excellency Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry and General Supervisor of QND celebrations, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, said this year's motto reflects the commitment to maximizing investment in fellow citizens and benefiting from their energies to have a supreme and prosperous nation.**media[389255]**The events of QND are laser-focused on deepening the notion of capacity-building as an institutional and societal culture and making sure that values of innovation, giving, and excellence are propagated, in addition to promoting the notions of responsibility, rights, and duties of institutions and individuals, Dr. al-Ali underlined.He pointed out that the key objective is to translate the vision of the sage leadership into making human beings the lynchpin of development and its aims.He further clarified that the events underscore the importance of concerted efforts between institutions and individuals, enhancing the spirit of initiative and effective participation, advancing national talents, and empowering them in a wide diversity of fields, thereby demonstrating the depth of national belonging and responsibility pursued by the people of this generous homeland.Darb Al Saai-hosted events are an extraordinary case to integrate the past with the present, opening a bright window toward the future, as this event behemoth constitutes a ground where identity grows and the meanings of patriotism of all community members integrate, Dr. al-Ali noted.He elaborated that Darb Al Saai brings the nation's people together around values rooted deep in history, where the fragrance of the past meets present awareness and future aspirations.This place remains a space that inspires and reinforces the values of Qatari identity as visitors to Darb Al Saai draw inspiration from its diverse activities, discovering the stories of those who came before and their will that shaped Qatar's journey, al-Ali pointed out.He stressed that children learn here the meanings of chivalry and dignity, youth test their abilities in participation and giving, while adults see in the eyes of the visitors an appreciation for the legacy of contribution and sacrifices.He reminded that the celebrations will feature the national parade along the Doha Corniche, a major patriotic event showcasing the participation of the various military and security sectors, alongside a number of state institutions.On the other hand, the organising committee indicated that Darb Al Saai will host a diverse and rich array of national, cultural, heritage, artistic, and recreational activities, aimed at strengthening national identity through the participation of all members of the community in this cherished national occasion.The venue will offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds a time-honored educational and heritage experience through the main stage, the Qatari House, the Art Gallery, Sana Qatar, and the main competition, along with other bountiful heritage activities, the committee highlighted.It further noted that the open spaces and exhibits at this venue reflect the work, faith, and vision through which the people of Qatar have built their history, emphasizing that Darb Al Saai remains an inspiring pathway, as Qatar's true strength lies in its people, their values, loyalty, and commitment to preserving heritage while building the future.The committee also highlighted the Ardha patrimonial event to be staged in Lusail, a key feature of the National Day celebrations, embodying loyalty, patriotism, and unity among the Qatari people, while celebrating national pride, heritage, and the legacy of forebears.Noteworthy, Darb Al Saai will be opening its doors to the public daily from 3p.m. to 11p.m. at its permanent premises, which were designed in a style that fuses Qatari architectural heritage with epochal touches, offering top-notch services and facilities that ensure comfortable and secure moments for visitors and participating entities.Pavilions and booths are meticulously distributed, enhancing the visual dimension and highlighting Qatari identity in all its details. 

Years of Culture is joining 'From the Homeland,' an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), to present a cross-cultural exchange celebrating family heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.As part of the upcoming Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, the initiative introduces a series of interactive experiences connecting Qatari traditions with Latin American artistry and shared community values.Taking place from November 12–15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Hall 03, this year’s exhibition explores the power of family and community as the foundation of creativity.The Years of Culture booth highlights how Qatari craftsmanship and cultural heritage intersect with Argentinian and Chilean artistry, promoting mutual understanding and exchange.Key experiences at the exhibition include the Coffee and Mate Exchange corner. This cultural ritual blends Qatari Arabic coffee and Yerba Mate, symbolising hospitality and friendship. Hosted by Norma Rolón, the daily experience features Arabic coffee provided by MSDF alongside Yerba Mate prepared by Argentinian guests.Another highlight is the Makers Meet – Witral Weaving Exchange, led by Chilean artist Lisbeth Pino Westermayer. This experience celebrates Qatari Al Sadu and Chilean Chilean Witral weaving as parallel expressions of native creativity. Visitors can explore visual panels, maps, and materials that highlight each loom’s origin and symbolism while learning about traditional craftsmanship and its cultural significance.Visitors will also be treated to musical performances, including a special instrumental set today, November 14, at 4pm, featuring four violinists and cellists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The exhibition opening hours are: November 14, from 2pm to 9pm; and November 15, from 9am to 9pm.

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.

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.

Six ancient statues have been stolen from the National Museum of Damascus, which is one of the Middle East's oldest cultural institutions and houses a collection showing Syria's archaeological and artistic heritage.A source at the museum told Reuters that a thief broke a glass display case on Monday and apparently stayed inside the building until evening.Authorities have launched an investigation, according to the head of internal security in Damascus, Osama Mohammad Khair Atkeh.Khair Atkeh, quoted by state news agency SANA, said specialised teams were conducting tracking and search operations to arrest those responsible and recover the stolen artefacts.Security guards and officials were being questioned to determine the circumstances of the incident, he added.Established in 1919, the National Museum closed in 2012 because of fighting in the capital at the start of the country's civil war. It partially reopened in 2018, and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after rebels toppled former President Bashar al-Assad.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, has commemorated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the day was celebrated with a series of activities with HE the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, in attendance. The events in Doha underscore the nation's enduring commitment to protecting its intangible heritage and drew a record turnout from enthusiasts, researchers, academics, and students. HE AlKhater inaugurated the heritage photo exhibition, capturing with depth and aesthetic beauty the elements of intangible cultural heritage in Qatar through a curated selection of photographs documenting traditional crafts, performing arts, and social occasions. An artistic exhibition exclusively devoted to school students was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, showcasing artworks inspired by Qatari intangible heritage, demonstrating the new generation's awareness of their heritage and innovation in expressing it in contemporary methods. The exhibition included the participation of Qatar Leadership Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation, and several schools, including Qatar Primary School for Girls, Qatar Secondary School, Umm Hani Primary School for Girls, which contributed with the segment "Girl of Qatar," and Voltaire Qatari-French School. HE Director of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture, Sheikha Najla Faisal al-Thani, highlighted the profound importance of intangible cultural heritage as the vibrant identity of nations and the memory of generations. This year's celebration represents an opportunity to renew national and global obligations to safeguard this invaluable legacy and ensure its transmission to future generations, as intangible heritage is a fundamental factor in promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding, she noted. HE Sheikha Najla further indicated that Qatar gives foremost priority to protecting its intangible cultural heritage as a core pillar of national identity and the mirror of Qatari society's spirit. She noted that the ministry executed several projects to inventory and document the components of Qatari heritage in collaboration with national institutions and the local community, including folk arts, traditional crafts, and literature. The ministry also affirmed its commitment to supporting artisans and folk artists through festivals and training workshops that contribute to imparting skills across generations and advancing them in ways that serve the national cultural economy. On the global stage, HE Sheikha Najla highlighted that Qatar actively engaged in Unesco initiatives and registered several of its heritage elements, including falconry, majlis gatherings, Arabic coffee, the palm tree, and henna, in partnership with Gulf and Arab nations, emphasising the unity of heritage and the interwoven roots of culture in the region. She stressed that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility that contributes to fostering national identity and the nation's standing on the global cultural stage. HE Sheikha Najla further affirmed Qatar's enduring commitment to protecting Qatari heritage in all its components and transmitting it to future generations in a renewed manner that keeps pace with the times while preserving authenticity. Senior cultural expert at the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Dr Khalid Rashid al-Balushi, told Qatar News Agency that the committee serves as the key link between global, regional, and national entities, particularly in the cultural domain, unifying national efforts. He highlighted the close partnership with the Ministry of Culture in registering several intangible cultural heritage elements with Unesco, notably falconry, Arabic coffee, and henna. Qatar currently leads important Arab heritage files, such as the bisht and sambuq (traditional sailing boats), while continuing efforts to prepare additional files for registration, he noted. For his part, Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled, said this celebration honours the living traditions, expressions, and practices that define the region's societal identity and connect generations. He noted that these cultural elements face increasing challenges today due to rapid urban expansion and weak intergenerational transmission. Qatar actively participates in this celebration, represented by the Ministry of Culture and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, through a series of events at the UN House in Doha, in collaboration with key partners such as the Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Group and the College of Education at Qatar University, Khaled noted. Khaled further added that the UN House hosts, until Octo 23, the fourth Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition, featuring 22 participants showcasing over 120 artworks, along with selected pieces from the Ministry of Culture and a dedicated corner for creative products by students of QU's Fine Arts Education Department, reinterpreting Qatari heritage in contemporary forms.

Qatar Museums (QM), under the patronage of HE the Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, and in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and a number of regional and international partners, is preparing to organise the 27th Conference on Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in the Arab World, on October 28-30 in Doha, under the theme *Sustainability of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies for the Future.The QM announced on its Facebook account that the conference is being held as part of efforts to enhance Arab co-operation in the field of protecting and preserving cultural heritage and finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing this vital sector.The QM said that the conference is aimed at highlighting the importance of environmental, technological, and social sustainability of cultural heritage in light of global change, while working to develop future strategies based on scientific methods and innovative practices.It also seeks to enhance the status of heritage as a source of inspiration and knowledge, and a key driver of sustainable development.The conference focuses on key objectives, most notably: addressing environmental and human challenges affecting archaeological and heritage sites in the Arab world; contributing to the development of long-term visions and strategies that ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage; supporting Arab co-operation in the field of heritage preservation and the exchange of expertise between cultural institutions; and ensuring that cultural heritage remains a marker of identity and history, and a source of inspiration and creativity for current and future generations.The conference will address a wide range of vital issues, including concepts, mechanisms, and approaches to sustainability in cultural heritage; the natural, environmental, technological, and human challenges facing heritage sustainability; sustainability strategies and the development of effective approaches to heritage preservation; digital transformation and its role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting it to future generations; the role of cultural tourism in enhancing the sustainability of heritage sites; and the experiences of Arab countries in protecting and sustaining cultural heritage.The concept of contemporary heritage as a bridge linking the past to the future will also be discussed.The conference will include a high-level opening session featuring representatives of the organisation's Arab member states, keynote addresses by ministers and prominent figures from the Arab world and international organisations, and papers from the organising committee and the Young Researchers Forum.On the sidelines of the conference, the QM will organise the Youth Forum on October 26-30 as a key initiative paving the way for the launch of the conference activities.The forum targets young people and university students specialising in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, providing an interactive platform for young researchers to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.This embodies the "Doha Youth Declaration 2025”.The forum will conclude with the launch of the visions and aspirations of the new generation of Arab researchers toward a more sustainable future for cultural heritage.The declaration will represent an open call to unify efforts among cultural and academic institutions in the Arab world, affirming the role of youth in leading future cultural work with a spirit of innovation and responsibility.

A two-day cultural event celebrating Qatar's rich heritage and artistic identity kicked off today in Switzerland, offering visitors a curated immersion into Qatari culture, tradition, and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Katara Hospitality, the event marks the launch of a broader initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Qatar's cultural heritage on the global stage. Through this initiative, Qatari culture becomes an elegant guest within Katara Hospitality's luxury properties worldwide, blending authentic traditions with refined hospitality and contemporary artistic expression. The opening day was dedicated to VIPs and official guests, while the second day will be open to the public, allowing a wider audience to engage with Qatari heritage in an immersive cultural setting. The Ministry of Culture explained that the event provides a multisensory experience, featuring rare manuscripts, traditional books, artworks, cultural artifacts, and fragrances. Visitors can also enjoy live folk performances and sample authentic Qatari cuisine, offering a comprehensive view of Qatar's civilizational depth and its successful fusion of heritage and modernity. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, expressed pride in the partnership with Katara Hospitality. This collaboration reflects Qatar's belief that culture is a bridge for dialogue and a window to the world, he said. This initiative embodies a living dialogue between Qatar's deep-rooted heritage and contemporary artistic expression. It is a call for intercultural exchange and a celebration of beauty in all its forms, he added. Al Ali emphasized the Ministry's strong commitment to promoting Qatari culture in international forums, thanking the working teams from both sides for creating a holistic cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, CEO of Katara Hospitality, Fahad Abdullah Al Mana, echoed this sentiment, expressing honor to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to present this unique cultural event in Switzerland. "Hosting it at Burgenstock, one of our most iconic destinations, reflects the premium value Katara Hospitality places on cultural diplomacy." He added that Katara Hospitality sees its role not merely as a provider of luxury accommodation but as a platform for cultural storytelling. "Our mission is to present Qatari culture to the world as it is — authentic, beautiful, and inclusive. This is not about influencing other cultures, but about offering a genuine encounter that touches the senses and enriches the soul." He noted that the initiative plants cultural seeds that will remain in the hearts of visitors long after they leave, ensuring that Qatar's story continues through human connection and shared memory. His Excellency Qatar's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mohammed bin Jaham Al Kuwari, described the event as more than just a cultural showcase. This is a reflection of Qatar's deep commitment to culture as a bridge between peoples and civilizations, His Excellency said. His Excellency the Ambassador emphasized that for Qatar, development is incomplete without cultural prosperity. Culture is the soul of nations and their living memory, he added, highlighting that Doha has become a global hub for intellectual and cultural dialogue, a beacon of creativity and exchange. Al Kuwari stressed that in a world facing growing challenges, culture remains a powerful unifier. "Qatar rejects the logic of conflict and consistently advocates for dialogue and diversity, believing that culture can achieve what politics often cannot." He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Culture's dedication to spreading authentic Qatari culture globally and noted the many groundbreaking initiatives the ministry has launched over the past years to fulfill this mission.

Nomas Center continues to offer training courses dedicated to teaching the art of sea fishing, one of the most important traditional professions linked to Qatar’s history and rich maritime heritage.This is part of its programmes aimed at instilling authentic values in the hearts of young people and introducing them to the heritage of their forefathers.The course aims to introduce young participants to the basics of marine fishing, starting with knowledge of traditional fishing tools and how to use them, moving on to the art of sailing and safety at sea, and finally to sound environmental practices that ensure the sustainability of marine resources.Trainees also learn the art of casting nets, how to select fishing spots, and how to deal with ocean currents and weather changes.The course pays special attention to practical aspects, with trainees spending time at sea under the supervision of experienced instructors, providing a realistic experience resembling that of fishermen of the past. Theoretical activities are combined with folk stories and narratives that reflect the suffering, patience, and co-operation of ancient fishermen in facing the challenges of the sea.This course is organised in line with Nomas Center’s mission to promote authentic Qatari identity, connect new generations to their national heritage, and instil in them life skills and values such as patience and teamwork.The course witnessed a growing turnout from participants, who emphasised the importance of these programmes in deepening children’s connection to their roots.