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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.

Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club organised a lecture titled “Our Ethics and Life: Values in a Time of Transformations,” presented by Dr Kamal Aslan, a visiting professor at Qatar University who holds a PhD in Ethics with honours and has contributed to numerous research projects for the Al Jazeera Center for Studies.The lecture was moderated by writer Hanan Badie, who welcomed Dr Aslan and the attendees, emphasising the importance of ethics in building a sustainable society and providing individuals with a sense of security and the ability to face challenges.During the lecture, Dr Aslan raised several fundamental questions about the need for values and ethics, the impact of their absence on society, the causes of the current ethical crisis, and the means of instilling values and building sound behaviour.He pointed out that rapid transformations in various fields necessitate ethical awareness and the ability to adapt without compromising core values, warning against succumbing to a utilitarian ethics that justifies any means, regardless of their violation of religion, customs, and traditions.He explained that the absence of ethics has had repercussions on multiple levels, including the economic sphere with its prevalence of fraud, exploitation, and monopolies. As well as the social sphere with its disintegration of families and deviance; the political sphere with its corruption and hypocrisy; the intellectual sphere with its theft of other peoples' efforts and the dissemination of corrupt ideologies; and the media sphere with its misinformation and deception.This is compounded by deficiencies in the educational system, which has failed to instill values in schools and colleges. He added that knowledge alone is insufficient; it must be translated into practical behaviour.

The Wijdan Cultural Center, operating under the Ministry of Culture, organised a workshop on Wednesday on how community values contribute to building sustainability.It was convened in collaboration with Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF) and explored core concepts related to community values, the foundations of sustainability, and the components of national identity.Head of the Institutional Communication and Training Department at Wijdan Cultural Center, Omar Shamseddine highlighted that the workshop represented the first milestone of the partnership with Earthna, aiming to activate societal values in environmental and sustainability issues as part of Qatar Sustainability Week.The workshop sought to familiarise participants with the notion of values and their direct corollary to sustainable behaviour, he pointed out, emphasising that sustainable thinking must be gestated as a daily conscious practice, rather than merely commemorated on specific occasions, reflecting an acute awareness of environmental challenges and the outgrowth of national efforts in this domain.Shamseddine further noted that the workshop drew inspiration from Qatar National Vision 2030, a robust model supporting sustainability across all dimensions.He stressed the pivotal role of cultural and societal institutions in contributing to the successful realisation of this vision through the promotion of community awareness and plenty of participatory engagement.

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

Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, will participate in the Sharjah Stamp Exhibition, to be held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from Oct. 29-Nov. 2. The event is organized by the Emirates Philatelic Association in cooperation with Mega Mall Sharjah, with the participation of philatelic associations from the Gulf and Arab countries. The exhibition is held annually, and the Qatari center is always keen to take part in this cultural event that brings together stamp enthusiasts from across the region. The Center will be represented by a delegation that includes stamp and coin collectors from Qatar, as well as several members affiliated with the Center. The Center is dedicated to promoting and supporting the hobby of stamp and coin collecting, advancing it through scientific and artistic means, and providing suitable conditions for its development. The Center also works to facilitate engagement among its members and to strengthen cooperation and connections between philatelic and numismatic enthusiasts in Qatar and other countries.

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.

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.