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 The Ministry of Culture will host the Russian Cultural Week at Darb Al Saai on Wednesday. The hosting of the Russian Cultural Week, which will run until February 14, comes within the framework of Qatar's vision to promote civilisational dialogue, broaden cultural exchange with countries around the world, and reinforce culture as a shared space for human interaction.The Russian Cultural Week represents a significant milestone in the course of bilateral relations between Qatar and the Russian Federation, reflecting the positive development witnessed in these relations, particularly in the cultural field, which serves as one of the most prominent bridges of rapprochement and mutual understanding between peoples.The programme of the Russian Cultural Week includes a diverse range of activities showcasing the richness and diversity of Russian culture. Russian artistic and folk troupes will present heritage and musical performances, alongside exhibitions of artworks and handicrafts, workshops in drawing and visual arts, as well as live culinary experiences highlighting the uniqueness and diversity of Russian cuisine.These events provide the public in Qatar with an opportunity to closely engage with Russian cultural heritage and explore aspects of Russia's artistic and social identity, in an atmosphere that fosters cultural exchange and deepens dialogue between people.The Ministry of Culture affirmed its keenness for the Cultural Weeks season to serve as an effective platform for cultural openness and to reinforce Qatar's position as a hub for international cultural dialogue, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations with friendly and partner countries, and employing culture as a tool of cultural diplomacy to build bridges of communication and understanding among different cultures. 

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) will host the activities of the Tajikistan Cultural Week Sunday, as part of Qatar’s vision to promote civilisational dialogue, expand cultural exchange with various countries, and to establish culture as a shared space for human interaction. The Tajikistan Cultural Week will continue until February 10, offering an exceptional experience in the realms of Tajik culture and arts. The Tajikistan Cultural Week represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Qatar and Tajikistan, reflecting the positive developments in these relations, particularly in the cultural field, which is one of the most prominent bridges of understanding and closeness between the two friendly countries. The week’s programme includes a diverse array of events showcasing the richness and variety of Tajik culture, including traditional fashion shows, musical evenings, handicraft exhibitions, visual arts contributions, and other various activities. These cultural weeks are part of a continuous cultural journey that has achieved notable prominence in recent years. The current season continues this approach by hosting Tajikistan, followed by the Russian Cultural Week next Wednesday, highlighting the diversity of cultural partnerships and the expanding openness to different cultures.  

The Ministry of Culture, through its pavilion at the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), held a seminar discussing the book The History of Book Fairs in the State of Qatar by author Mishari Ali al-Namlan.At the outset of the seminar, al-Namlan explained that the book –published under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture – traces the beginnings of book fairs in Qatar and the circumstances surrounding the emergence of the idea, starting with the Doha International Book Fair, which was launched in 1972.He highlighted the fair's symbolic, cultural, and historical significance, emphasising that the Doha International Book Fair, inaugurated more than five decades ago, is considered the first book fair in the Gulf region and the third Arab book fair, following those of Cairo and Beirut.He noted that the launch of the Doha International Book Fair was preceded by an active cultural and intellectual publishing movement in Qatar.This movement began when the founder of the State, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, personally financed the printing of a number of books, including poetry collections, jurisprudence texts, Hadith compilations, and works on Qur’anic sciences and interpretation.Al-Namlan described this initiative as the foundational nucleus of Qatar's modern history in fostering interest in books through publishing, printing, distribution, and gifting to scholars and students of knowledge.He added that the presence of such intellectual activity prior to the establishment of the book fair ensured the strong success of the first edition of the Doha International Book Fair.He further said that the existence of public libraries in Qatar contributed to nurturing cultural engagement and attachment to books, beginning with the establishment of the Qatar National Library's predecessor, which originated from Al-Maaref Library and the Doha Public Library before their merger into this longstanding cultural institution.  

The Ministry of Culture has announced the opening of nominations for the Doha International Book Fair Award, from Jan. 17 to 1 March.The award aimes to shed light on the role played by the Doha International Book Fair in fostering the publishing industry at both local and international levels. It also aims to encourage publishing houses to place greater emphasis on knowledge-based content, cultural diversity, and high standards of artistic and technical production, while also motivating authors to pursue further creativity across various fields of knowledge. In addition, the award is designed to support young authors and to foster a spirit of competition, dialogue, and exchange among them.The terms and criteria for nomination across the various categories require publishing houses and authors to comply with intellectual property laws and to submit their publications in digital format through the award's official website. Submissions must demonstrate excellence in artistic production and reflect diversity in cultural, literary, and scientific content, in accordance with the approved regulations for each category.The award comprises eight categories. The first category, the Qatar Publishing Excellence Award, is open to applicants who hold a valid Qatari publishing license and are members of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum. A recent letter confirming membership and compliance with intellectual property laws is required. The publisher must have released no fewer than twenty new and diverse titles during the 2025-2026 nomination year. A list of participating Arabic-language, non-translated books, including International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs), must be submitted, and recent publications must be uploaded to the award website in PDF format. Applicants are also required to present a clear vision for the development of the publishing industry, with publications distinguished by high-quality artistic production and diverse cultural, literary, and scientific content. The prize value for this category is QAR 30,000.The second category, the International Publishing Excellence Award, requires applicants to hold a valid publishing license in their country and to be members of their national publishers' association or the Arab Publishers Association. A recent letter from the relevant publishers' union confirming membership and compliance with intellectual property laws must be provided. The publisher must have released at least thirty new and diverse titles during the 2025-2026 nomination year. A list of Arabic-language, non-translated books with ISBNs must be submitted, and the publications must be uploaded in PDF format to the award website. Applicants must demonstrate a clear vision for advancing the publishing industry, and the submitted works must be distinguished by excellence in artistic production and diversity of cultural, literary, and scientific content. The prize value is QAR 30,000.The third category, the Distinguished Qatari Publisher for Children's Books Award, is dedicated to Qatari publishers specializing in children's and young adult literature. Applicants must hold a Qatari publishing license and be members of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, supported by a recent letter confirming membership and compliance with intellectual property laws. The publisher must have released at least five new Arabic-language titles in children's and young adult literature during the 2025-2026 nomination year. Submissions must be uploaded in PDF format via the award website, along with a list of participating Arabic-language, non-translated titles including ISBNs. The publications must demonstrate excellence in artistic production and diversity of cultural, literary, and scientific content. The prize value is QAR 30,000.The fourth category, the Distinguished International Publisher for Children's Books Award, is open to international publishers specializing in children's and young adult literature. Applicants must hold a valid publishing license in their country and be members of their national publishers' association or the Arab Publishers Association, with a recent letter confirming membership and compliance with intellectual property laws. The publisher must have released at least ten new Arabic-language titles in children's and young adult literature during the 2025-2026 nomination year. The publications must be submitted in PDF format, accompanied by a list of Arabic-language, non-translated titles including ISBNs, and must demonstrate excellence in artistic production and diversity of cultural, literary, and scientific content. The prize value is QAR 30,000.The fifth category, the Distinguished Publisher for Translation Award, recognizes excellence in translation. Applicants must hold a Qatari publishing license and be members of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum. The translated works must be produced by the Qatari publishing house and reflect its output of translations from Arabic into other languages across all categories and subject areas over a three-year period. The submitted works must demonstrate high standards of artistic production and a rich diversity of cultural, literary, and scientific content. The prize value is QAR 30,000.The sixth category, the Creative Writer Award, is open to authors who submit the publisher's consent for participation, along with the author's curriculum vitae and a synopsis of the submitted book. Each author may participate with one individually authored book only, written in Arabic and not previously translated. The total word count must be no fewer than 20,000 words for Qatari authors and 25,000 words for international authors. The book must be uploaded in PDF format to the award website, accompanied by copies of personal identification and passport documents, with full compliance with intellectual property laws. The author must be alive at the time of nomination. The prize value is QAR 20,000.The seventh category, the Creative Young Qatari Writer Award, is limited to young Qatari authors. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae, a synopsis of the book, and the publisher's consent for participation. Each author may submit one individually authored, Arabic-language, non-translated book with a minimum of 20,000 words. The book must be uploaded in PDF format to the award website, along with copies of personal identification or passport documents, and compliance with intellectual property rights is required. The author must be alive at the time of nomination. The prize value is QAR 20,000.The eighth and final category, the Best Pavilion Award at the 35th Doha International Book Fair, honors the pavilion distinguished by its unique design and its ability to offer a comprehensive and immersive cultural experience. The prize value for this category is QAR 40,000. 

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 Qatar National Day 2025 celebrations at Darb Al Saai in the Umm Salal area continue to attract a large turnout, with families making up the most prominent presence. Held under the slogan “With you we rise, and from you we anticipate” and organised by the Ministry of Culture until December 20, the event features heritage and entertainment shows, competitions, and arts, among other cultural activations.**media[392623]**The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is taking part with a specially designed pavilion shaped as a comprehensive “security village.” It showcases the Ministry’s modern security ecosystem and its broad community engagement, with the participation of around 15 specialised departments and units.**media[392621]**The pavilion offers a unique blend of security education, direct public services, and innovative interactive activities tailoured for all age groups. MoI aims to strengthen community partnership, foster direct communication with the public, highlight its vital role in maintaining national security and stability, and introduce younger generations to Qatar’s heritage and values that underpin security and community work.The General Directorate of Civil Defence presents live demonstrations and simulations of firefighting and rescue operations, along with essential educational materials on public safety and fire prevention.**media[392624]**Qatar Archives is also participating this year with a distinctive pavilion at Darb Al Saai aimed at introducing the public to its mission. Mohammed Hassan al-Shahrani, head of the Private Archives Department, said that this year’s participation features a renewed approach, with the pavilion designed to align with the identity of the State of Qatar’s emblem and highlight its historical evolution in a simple, audience-friendly way.The “Al Bidaa” activity at Darb Al Saai 2025 presents an advanced model of maritime heritage showcasing, through a specially designed space that reintroduces Qatar’s maritime professions with a modern vision rooted in live documentation and interactive experiences.**media[392626]**Nayef Malallah Al-Muhannadi, head of Al-Maha Folk Arts Group, said their participation adds significant value to the maritime arts segment. This is the first year the group participates with a large number of Qatari nahham performers (maritime chanters), giving the performance a distinct presence.**media[392622]**The Maritime Museum at Darb Al Saai is one of the most popular stops, offering an immersive experience that showcases Qatar’s maritime history and its role in shaping national identity. The museum includes original heritage items such as diving and pearling tools, old navigation maps and routes, and models of traditional vessels used by ancestors. It documents maritime professions and their evolution across eras.

The Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Children's Literature Center, launched the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme. It aims to train participants in creating and executing comics that combine writing and illustration in a modern storytelling style.The programme is part of the "Children's Story Designer" initiative, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy skills among the younger generation, striving to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a learning and sustainable society based on knowledge and creativity.The "Comics" programme is designed for participants aged 12-16 and targets 15 participants. The project will run for three weeks. During the programme, participants will learn the stages of comic book design, starting with writing, then scene layout, character design, and full scene illustration. They then add effects and text, and finally, colour and inking, continuing to produce their stories until the final production stage.Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, explained the importance of the "Comics" programme, emphasizing that it is not limited to training children but is a genuine investment in the cultural future of Qatar. He stressed that the programme primarily aims to build a generation of authors and designers capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.**media[381079]**The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum explained that this initiative opens up broad horizons for children, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of authorship in its various stages. Instead of being mere readers, children themselves begin writing stories from their own pure imagination and illustrating their comics, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.Writer Asma al-Kuwari, director of the Children's Literature Center, said that the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the center in cooperation with the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum to promote reading and develop writing and literary and artistic production skills among children and young adults.She emphasized that the "Comics" programme aims to train participants in innovation and the creation of illustrated stories that combine writing and graphic design in a modern storytelling style. It also contributes to developing aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express themselves both in writing and visually. She explained that the final products will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.The "Children's Story Designer" programme is an innovative approach to teaching children and young adults the entire book-making process. Participants learn to write, illustrate, design, and market their stories independently, culminating in their publication in Qatari and Arab markets.

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, represented by the Ministry of Culture (MoC), took part Tuesday in the preparatory meeting of the General Cultural Committee of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), held under the chairmanship of Kuwait.This meeting is a precursor to the gathering of the undersecretaries of culture ministries in GCC member states, scheduled to convene ahead of the 29th session of GCC ministers of culture, set to take place tomorrow.The Qatar delegation to the preparatory meeting was led by the MoC’s director of the Department of Culture and Arts Abdulrahman Abdullah al-Dulaimi.The meeting featured a comprehensive review of the agenda, which included 14 items spanning various domains of culture, arts, and heritage, aimed at strengthening joint cultural co-operation.

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has been awarded the European Certificate of Excellence (Two-Star Level) by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) following its successful completion of a comprehensive institutional assessment based on the latest EFQM 2025 Excellence Model.The MoC is the first ministry in Qatar – and the first cultural ministry in the Gulf region and the Middle East – to receive this recognition under the new EFQM 2025 model.This milestone, an official statement said Monday, reflects the ministry’s commitment to institutional excellence and reinforces its leadership in promoting a culture of quality and innovation within the public sector.The ministry attributed this achievement to its strategic response to the findings of its initial performance report, issued by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau as part of the inaugural Qatar Government Excellence Award.That report, the statement said, served as a catalyst for the ministry’s institutional development strategy.The MoC expressed deep appreciation for the substantial support provided by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau through training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, which it said played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional readiness and achieving this distinguished international recognition.This certification represents a strategic step forward in aligning institutional performance with global best practices.It also underscores the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of cultural services in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to the development of a vibrant cultural sector that safeguards national identity and supports sustainable development.

The Ministry of Culture offered a unique experience for visitors to the Baghdad International Book Fair through the ‘Reading Guide’ service available at its pavilion. The service aims to guide readers in choosing appropriate books that align with their interests, providing them with a unique and enriching cultural experience.The ‘Reading Guide’ service is one of the initiatives launched by the ministry, enabling visitors to identify their interests and reading preferences, then suggesting the most appropriate books. The questionnaire also provides detailed information about book prices and the publishing houses responsible for them, facilitating visitors’ search and purchasing at the fair and saving them time and effort in discovering new titles. In this context, the fair’s audience praised the ministry’s efforts, affirming their continued follow-up of all its initiatives through social media. They considered the ‘Reading Guide’ service to be one of the most impressive initiatives at the exhibition, particularly the ability to use a questionnaire that guides readers step by step toward precise choices tailored to their level of interest, making their experience at the exhibition easier and more enjoyable.

Fifteen calligraphers from around the world are competing in the finals of the international competition for Arabic calligraphy, the 'Ethics Award', organised by the Ministry of Culture, being held from September 1-8 in Doha. The finalists, selected from among more than 250 participants, will face a sophisticated artistic challenge for prizes totaling nearly half a million Qatari riyals.This event at the Rosewood Hotel in Doha, reflects the Ministry of Culture's vision of promoting Arab and Islamic arts and highlighting the aesthetic and ethical values of Arabic calligraphy.A group of leading calligraphers and experts are to oversee the judging process, ensuring evaluation according to the highest artistic standards. The competitions are accompanied by a diverse programme that includes specialized seminars and interactive workshops, allowing attendees to explore the various international art schools in this field.This enriches Arabic calligraphers, introduces them to the most prominent trends in the local cultural scene, and opens up broader horizons for communication between creative artists. The event is to conclude with a grand ceremony held in the theatre of the new Ministry of Culture building, during which the winners will be honoured and their creations showcased to the public. This celebration reflects the status of Arabic calligraphy in the hearts of generations and emphasizes its role as one of the most important components of the cultural and artistic identity of the Arab and Islamic nation.