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The Cultural Village Katara organised a special event Saturday, featuring a live broadcast of the grand opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, in cooperation with the Embassy of Egypt in Qatar. The event was attended by Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, and Walid Elfiky, Ambassador of Egypt to Qatar, alongside a large diplomatic and public audience, particularly members of the Egyptian community living in Qatar, who enthusiastically engaged with this historic occasion. **media[376315]** Katara’s organisation of this live broadcast reflects its cultural mission to open new windows of interaction with human achievements across diverse fields, and to highlight the shared values that unite peoples through culture, art, and knowledge. It also demonstrates Katara’s commitment to keeping pace with major global cultural events and shining a light on them. In his speech on this occasion, Ambassador Elfiky expressed his delight at Katara’s participation in this world-class event, which he described as a moment of pride for Egypt and for all humanity. He noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) represents a civilisational bridge linking Egypt’s glorious past with its present and future, embodying Egypt’s vision of its historic role as a beacon of culture and knowledge throughout the ages. **media[376314]** He added that this monumental cultural project reflects the Egyptian leadership’s deep commitment to heritage and identity, affirming that culture and art are among the noblest bridges that bring nations closer and deepen human understanding. He also praised the strong cooperation between the Egyptian Embassy and Katara, expressing his gratitude to Katara’s General Manager and staff, saying: “Katara continues to enrich the cultural scene in Qatar and the Arab region through its outstanding initiatives and contributions, fostering intercultural exchange among nations.” The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Pyramids of Giza, covering an area of approximately 500,000 square meters, making it the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. The building itself spans about 167,000 square meters, housing permanent and temporary exhibition halls, restoration centers, and educational, cultural, and recreational facilities. **media[376316]** The museum contains over 100,000 artifacts from various periods of ancient Egyptian history — from pre-dynastic times, through the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, and up to the Greek and Roman eras. Among its most remarkable treasures is the complete collection of King Tutankhamun, comprising more than 5,000 artifacts displayed together for the first time since their discovery. The architectural design of the museum is itself a masterpiece, inspired by the grandeur of its location overlooking the Giza Pyramids. Its majestic façade is composed of large triangular stone forms that symbolize the temporal continuum of Egyptian civilization—from past to future. The exhibition halls are equipped with advanced technical systems, offering visitors an interactive and immersive experience that connects them deeply with Egypt’s rich and enduring history.

Katara Cultural Village has honoured the top three winners of the inaugural Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites 2024 at a ceremony attended by scholars and cultural figures.The first prize was awarded to Syrian researcher Walid al-Suraqbi, while Egyptian researchers Ahmed Abdelbaset and Ahmed Abdelsattar shared second place. The third prize went to Noha Hussein al-Hefnawi, also from Egypt. The event also recognised members of the award’s judging panel — Dr Omar al-Ajli, Dr Mohammed al-Rahawi and Dr Samir Qaddouri — as well as Abdullah Mohammed Bilal, head of Mauritania’s manuscript house association, for his efforts in preserving Arab manuscript heritage.Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Katara’s General Manager, said the award reflects Katara’s commitment to reviving Arab and Islamic manuscript heritage as an essential part of cultural identity and intellectual history. He added that the initiative complements Katara’s other major literary awards, including those for the novel, Arabic poetry, and the Prophet’s Poet.

Katara Cultural Village has organised a Turkish cultural evening in collaboration with Katara-chaired Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), the Turkish embassy in Doha, and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre.A number of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, an audience from the Turkish community, and lovers of oriental music in Qatar were in attendance.The evening, marking the Turkish Republic Day commemoration, featured interaction from the public, rejoicing to the cultural atmosphere, with Turkish singer Zehra Ozgelik performing heritage and contemporary song compositions that ranged from *muwashshahs to patriotic songs, reflecting the cultural identity of Turkiye and its artistic richness.Addressing the event, Turkish ambassador Dr Mehmet Mustafa Goksu said that everyone celebrates this day as Turkiye approaches its second centennial, at an event elevated by the distinguished presence and patriotic spirit of attendees, creating an unforgettable occasion.Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre (Doha) director Anwar Cidek highlighted that music is a global language that unifies peoples and brings cultures together.He noted that through its programmes, the centre strives to promote cultural exchange between Turkiye and Qatar.The evening is part of a series of joint cultural events that Katara holds with the Turkish embassy and the centre in Doha, manifesting the depth of historic and humanitarian ties between the Qatari and Turkish peoples, aiming to shore up bilateral cultural dialogue through arts and innovation. – QNA

The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) announced that it will hold an award ceremony to honor the winners of the first edition of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites for 2024. The ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 30, in Hall 15.The ceremony will include the unveiling of the winning research papers, which will be published by Katara Publishing House. President of the Mauritanian Association for the Preservation of Arabic Heritage and the Environment and Combating Extremism, Abdullah Mohammed Bilal, will also be honored in recognition of his organization's exhibition of Arabic Manuscripts. The exhibition featured a distinguished collection of literary and historical manuscripts and was held in conjunction with the 10th Katara Festival for Arabic Novels, which ran from October 13–20, 2024.The award committee selected three winners: Syrian researcher Walid Al Saraqbi, who won in first place with a cash prize of USD 20,000 for his verified manuscript titled "Tadhkirat Al Nahhat by Abu Hayyan." Second place went to Egyptian researchers Ahmed Abdel Basset and Ahmed Abdel Sattar with their verified manuscript entitled "Ma Wasala Min Al-Jami' Al-Mustaqsa Fi Fadhail Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa by Ibn Asakir (600 AH)." The two researchers will receive a cash prize of USD 15,000.In third place was Egyptian researcher Nuha Hussein Al Hafnawi for her verified manuscript entitled "Tuhfat Al-Adab Fi Al-Rihlah Min Damietta Ila Al-Sham Wa Halab by Ahmed Al Adhami (1159 AH)," with a cash prize of USD 10,000.The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) launched the first edition of the Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites on March 11, 2024. The award comprises two categories: the first for an investigation of an original, previously unpublished manuscript, and the second for the best research study on archaeological sites or landmarks in the Arab region, subject to specific conditions.This award aims to encourage manuscript owners, experts, and specialists in manuscript editing to share and widely disseminate their collections and research efforts, thereby enhancing Arab and Islamic culture. It also contributes to encouraging Arabic publishing and urging publishers to contribute to the advancement of the Arab mind and enrich Arab culture with new and distinctive content, keeping pace with contemporary issues.

Katara Cultural Village, in collaboration with the embassy of Uruguay, has inaugurated an art exhibition titled “South Wind” by Uruguayan artist Emilio Mederos, marking the bicentennial of Uruguay's independence.The exhibition in Building 47 showcases 17 paintings that oscillate between geometric and abstract expressions, epitomising the artist's distinctive idiom that fuses geometry, art, and creative intuition into a seamless visual harmony.Mederos's works encapsulate his vision of cultural exchange and artistic confluence between South America and the Arab world, employing vibrant hues and intricate compositions laden with shared civilisational and human symbols that transcend geographic boundaries and evoke a profound aesthetic dialogue.Speaking on the occasion, Uruguayan ambassador Marcelo Gerona stressed that the showcase represents an artistic bridge connecting Uruguay and Qatar, manifesting the shared human values between the two nations through the language of art and innovation.The exhibition is part of Katara's persistent efforts to forge people-to-people connections in the realm of arts and to elevate creative dialogue among artists from a wide swath of nations to new heights.

Katara Cultural Village, in co-operation with the Business Forum, held the 25th edition of the Katara Tech Forum under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Education: Opportunities and Challenges."The forum brought together a distinguished group of experts and specialists, including Dr Anas Bouhlal, Regional Programme Specialist for Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Kholoud al-Mannai, Director of E-Learning and Digital Solutions at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE); Dr Shaker Ahmed al-Ashwal, Executive Director of the Global Institute for Studies in partnership with Arkansas State University (USA); and Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq, CEO of AI Qatar.The session was moderated by writer and media personality Issa bin Mohammed al-Ishaq.In his opening remarks, Thamer Al-Qadi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Katara and Chair of the Katara Tech Forum, emphasised that the current technological revolution imposes a shared responsibility on all stakeholders.He pointed out that AI is no longer merely a supportive tool, but a genuine partner in shaping the future of education.He added that AI offers opportunities such as curriculum development, innovative personalised learning methods, and empowering teachers to focus on creativity.However, these opportunities come with challenges related to privacy, ethical use, and human capacity building.Al-Qadi noted that Katara's co-operation with the Business Forum reflects the close link between education, technology, and the economy, stressing that investing in knowledge and technology is an investment in humanity and the future.He underlined that the forum serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, and for turning challenges into opportunities.For his part, Chairman of the Business Forum Saad Mohammed al-Dabbagh said the event's theme aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on human and knowledge-based development.He affirmed that AI has become a national necessity for serving the future, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to harness modern technologies in developing education.Kholoud al-Mannai stated that MoEHE was among the first ministries globally to begin training its teachers on the use of AI since 2022. She stressed that the purpose of the technology is not to replace teachers but to empower them and ease their workloads.She added that the ministry has developed a digital competency framework for both teachers and students tailored to the local context and is currently working on an e-learning governance framework to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital tools in schools.Dr al-Ashwal praised the higher education environment in Qatar, noting that around 60% of universities in the country offer specialised programmes in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.He emphasised the importance of identifying real educational needs and directing AI use toward achieving educational goals.Meanwhile, Dr Bouhlal highlighted Unesco's role in promoting AI ethics, explaining that it is the only international organisation that has developed a comprehensive framework for this field. He also pointed out the cultural specificities of the Arab world, which require a unique approach to dealing with artificial intelligence, emphasising that AI is not a substitute for human intelligence but a tool that broadens educational horizons and enhances inclusivity.Concluding the discussion, Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq stressed that education is undergoing a fundamental transformation thanks to AI, calling for the preservation of values and ethics as the true challenge in this domain.He noted that the issue does not lie in the use of technology itself, but in its outcomes and direction.In closing, participants exchanged views and ideas on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing education and addressing challenges while preserving the cultural and intellectual identity of Arab societies. (QNA)

Katara Cultural Village hosted on Tuesday an event on Malaysia’s flavours and food culture. It showcased a cornucopia of traditional dishes, musical performances, and high-profile presentations, reflecting the diverse ingredients and environments that have shaped Malaysian culture throughout history. Addressing the event, Malaysian ambassador Mohammad Faizal Razali, said that the food culture in Malaysia is a mirror of its identity and cultural diversity. The Malaysian cuisine, he said, weaves together flavours and traditions that embody the spirit of unity and coexistence within the community. Razali highlighted that this event commemorates identity and heritage, as well as people-to-people cultural relations. He emphasised that Malaysian food is a component that brings people together and expresses national harmony as a key feature. The envoy called on the attendees to explore the splendor of Malaysia’s landscape and its diverse culture, noting the collaboration with Katara and national institutions, a move that contributes to promoting cultural and humanitarian rapprochement between the two nations, elevating the exchange of creativity, hospitality, and tourism to new heights.

The activities of the 11th edition of the Katara Arabic Novel Festival have continued for the sixth consecutive day.A discussion session on “The Novel Through Dark Lenses” was held Saturday, featuring writer Kholoud Hamad, the vice-chairperson of the Qatar Cultural Centre for the Blind, and moderated by Mohamed al-Shahwani, head of Katara’s Cultural Literature Department.The speaker stressed that “The Novel Through Dark Lenses” is not about the loss of sight but rather about another form of vision, since writing itself is the light that never goes out.Hamad discussed several key themes, beginning with an introduction to the world of the novel and the reasons we write it.She explained the differences between the novel, the short story, and the vignette, which lie in aspects such as length, time span, the number of characters, plot, language, and ending.Hamad then addressed the difference between the writing of a blind person and that of a sighted person, clarifying that it stems from a difference in perception rather than ability.She described how a blind writer reconstructs space using other senses such as sound, touch, smell, and time, in addition to the technological tools used for writing, including screen readers, Braille, and voice dictation.Hamad also explored how the absence of visual imagery affects language formation and narrative rhythm.She highlighted several Arab blind novelists and their experiences, including Khalil Mohamed Ibrahim from Iraq, author of The Beggars’ State (2014); Abdulhamid Younes from Egypt, known for his works in folklore and popular narrative; and Taha Hussein, the Egyptian pioneer whose novels The Days and The Call of the Curlew are regarded as foundational historical models.Hamad concluded that creativity does not require two eyes but rather a linguistic and human insight.She also spoke about the narrative code of writing “through dark lenses”.On another note, the Workshop on Young Adult Novels and Visual Arts concluded its activities at the Katara Library of Arabic Novels, Building 48.Khalid al-Muhannadi, the director of the Katara Library of Arabic Novels, distributed certificates of appreciation to the participants.The two-day workshop was led by trainer Ilham Mujahid al-Amri.Meanwhile, a puppet theatre performance titled The Novel in Puppet Theatre was held over two days in Hall 12.The performance was an adaptation of The Handkerchief Seller, the novel that won the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel in the Young Adult Fiction category, written by Egyptian novelist Ahmed Tosson.The script and dialogue were written by artist Qais al-Kanzari, with Fatima al-Shurooqi handling editing and musical recording.The play tells the story of a boy who leaves school and runs away from home to work in Cairo.Along the way, he meets a kind man who convinces him to return to his sick father and reminds him that his future lies in education.A seminar on “Heritage Narratives in the Arabic Novel” was held yesterday, featuring speakers Dr Youssef al-Idrisi, academic and critic, and Dr Ali Fathallah, academic and researcher.The session was moderated by journalist and novelist Mohamed Daho, who opened the discussion by emphasising that the Arabic novel, in all its forms and evolutions, has drawn from many sources that give Arabic storytelling its unique flavour, foremost among them being heritage.

The 11th edition of the Katara Festival for Arabic Novel continued Friday.The festival will continue until tomorrow, featuring seminars, discussion panels, and the launch of new publications.A seminar titled "The Novel and the Aesthetics of Translation" was held Friday, discussing the relationship between narrative creativity and linguistic and cultural context, and translation as a bridge between languages.Speaking at the seminar were novelist Mohamed Suleiman al-Shazly, translator Sameh Kroum, and translator Kholoud Amr, and it was moderated by Dr Hanaa al-Bawab.A dialogue session was held with writer Abdel Aziz al-Sayed about his novel *The Carnation Seller, moderated by journalist Mohamed Dahou.A seminar was also held on "The Novel: From Text to Reader: Marketing Mechanisms and the Horizon of Dissemination".Speakers were novelist Jalal Barjas, sales and marketing specialist Aya al-Zein, and digital marketing specialist Jibril Kahlout.The seminar addressed the writers’ relationship with their audience via social media, the role of literary awards in disseminating Arabic books, and the concept of digital marketing.Another seminar highlighted "The Novel and Television Drama in the Gulf: From Written Narration to Spoken Image".Speakers were writer Dr Marzouq Bashir, media personality Mirza al-Khuwailidi, director Rashid Malhas, and writer Mohammed al-Nashmi.The seminar was moderated by Dr Fahd al-Hindal.Meanwhile, the Katara Book Fair, held as part of the 11th Katara Novel Festival, witnessed the launch of the latest publications from some of the participating publishing houses.Katara Publishing House launched the book *Financial Oversight During Crises: A Reading of Lessons Learned from the Coronavirus Crisis" by Dr Salwa Hamed al-Mulla.The book addresses the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the challenges it has posed to the economy and productivity.Dar Rosa launched several of its recent publications, including *Coffee with a Little Fascism by Sheikh Nawaf bin Mubarak al-Thani, a book on digital photography by Abdullah al-Jassim, and *Fresh Thoughts by Jassim Abdulrahman al-Khouri.

The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, inaugurated the art exhibition "From Cuba to Qatar: Horses, Fibers, and Memories" by Cuban artist Yosvany Martinez this evening, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Doha. The opening ceremony was attended by Director General of Katara Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar Jose Enrique Enriquez Rodriguez, and diplomats, cultural figures, and members of the Cuban community in Qatar. Hosted at Building 47 and running until October 20, the exhibition features 29 artworks crafted using diverse techniques, including a sculpture made from natural fibers and plant-based paper. Martinez's pieces are distinguished by their artistic intimacy and reliance on organic materials such as the stalks of Espartio Macho, a native Cuban grass. The artist dries and dyes the fibers with natural pigments before incorporating them into his compositions, which depict horses and iconic landmarks of Havana, Cuba's capital. In his remarks at the opening, the Cuban ambassador expressed gratitude to Katara for its support, stating that this exhibition invites us to transcend geographical boundaries, where horses gallop freely and harmony emerges among the artworks. The recurring presence of horses reflects a shared cultural element between Cuba and Qatar. He added that the exhibition explores the richness of fibers and the cultural connections that unite peoples, contributing to mutual understanding, artistic collaboration, and intercultural dialogue. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador emphasized the strength of cultural ties between Cuba and Qatar, praising the ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Katara and Cuban cultural institutions. He noted that Katara recently hosted a Cuban musical performance, further cementing this partnership. He affirmed that the exhibition "From Cuba to Qatar: Horses, Fibers, and Memories" embodies his collaboration and reflects a shared commitment to fostering cultural and artistic dialogue between the two nations. He stressed that culture remains a vital bridge for human connection and mutual understanding. In a separate statement to QNA, artist Yosvany Martinez explained that he employed a range of artistic techniques in the exhibition, most notably fiber art. He described the fibers as a type of grass native to Cuban fields, which he harvests, dries, and dyes with natural colors before meticulously assembling them into his artworks on cardboard. Each piece begins with a pencil sketch, forming the foundation for his intricate compositions. Martinez further shared that he later expanded his artistic repertoire to include techniques such as oil on canvas and linocut printing, a method involving engraving on linoleum. He explained that he uses a fine carving tool known as a gubia to achieve intricate details, before passing the artwork through a printing press to complete the process. Concluding his remarks, Martinez revealed that several of his oil paintings featured in the exhibition are dedicated to the State of Qatar, as a tribute to the growing cultural ties between the two nations. He emphasized that he paints using a fine brush with individual bristles, allowing him to create textures that mimic the feel of natural fibers, symbolizing the unity of nature, art, and human memory.

Katara Cultural Village hosted the closing event of the 21st High Street Art Exhibition with an interactive evening that marked the end of a series of activities hosted by the exhibition over the past few days, showcasing contemporary, impressionistic, and abstract works that addressed issues of society, and human identity.Throughout the evening Katara provided cultural and artistic platforms that enrich the visual arts scene in Qatar, allowing artists from various backgrounds to showcase their works to the public, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the local scene.The Qatar Fine Arts Society, the co-organiser of the event, ensured that the exhibition was an open space for creativity and artistic dialogue.Artists and members of the public came together in an interactive environment that reflected the status of visual arts as a bridge for human and cultural communication.

Katara Cultural Village launched Saturday the activities of World Space Week 2025 at the Al Thuraya Planetarium (Building 41).The event will run until October 7 from 5pm-8pm, featuring the participation of a number of experts and specialists, as well as a wide audience of enthusiasts and students from various age groups (eight years and above).The event reflects Katara’s commitment to promoting scientific and astronomical culture and raising awareness about space and its sciences through activities that combine knowledge and entertainment.The initiative aims to enrich scientific thinking within the community – particularly among youth – and to encourage innovation and discovery.The programme encompasses workshops, shows, and lectures held over four days.On the first day, activities featured a short film screening and a lecture on “Phases of the Moon”, presented by astronomy expert Dr Bashir Marzouk, in addition to a children’s workshop on “Thunder of the Moon”.On the second day, there will be a lecture on the basics of astrophotography delivered by Rabia al-Kuwari, followed by a presentation on the “Journey of the Photographer”.The third day will feature Dr Jörg Matthias Determann from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, presenting a lecture in English on “Space for Everyone”.This will be followed by a 3D film screening of Polaris, and a storytelling session for children titled Khalifa and Amal’s Journey to Space.The final day will focus on the environment and space, including a lecture on “The Importance of Environmental Preservation and Its Role in Living in Space”, organised in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.The day will also feature the screening of the film Stars – Losing the Dark, a children’s workshop on “Planting a Seed”, and a closing activity called “Message to Space”.Katara stressed that World Space Week is part of its diverse educational programme aimed at connecting the public with modern science and presenting scientific content in an engaging and interactive way.The foundation also noted that the Al Thuraya Planetarium has become a leading scientific destination in Qatar, offering visitors enjoyable and educational experiences.