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Qatar National Library (QNL) has launched the Qatar Research Collection, a comprehensive national database designed to document and preserve research and knowledge production related to the State of Qatar for future generations.The launch coincides with the Manara platform for Qatari research surpassing 10,000 published research items, a qualitative milestone that underscores QNL's commitment to strengthening Qatar's scientific research ecosystem and supporting Open Access to knowledge both locally and globally.Qatar National LibraryThis new record level also reflects the high degree of trust placed by researchers and local institutions in the platform, as well as Qatar National Library's dedication to safeguarding and disseminating Qatar's research achievements in accordance with the highest standards of quality and transparency.Qatar National Library explained to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the key distinction between the Qatar Research Collection and the Manara platform lies in their respective roles. Manara serves as a national open repository for preserving and publishing academic and scientific research produced by researchers in Qatar. It hosts traditional research outputs such as journal articles, conference papers, and studies, alongside non-traditional outputs including datasets, software, multimedia content, research posters, and presentations, in both Arabic and English.QNL noted that the primary objective of Manara is to enhance the presence of Qatari research across disciplines, expand its impact and reach, and facilitate global access and visibility.In contrast, the Qatar Research Collection is a unified and comprehensive container for all research content related to Qatar that has already been published worldwide and assigned a unique international digital identifier (DOI), whether traditional or non-traditional, Open Access or subscription-based.In this context, the Library highlighted that the Collection is distinguished by its scale and breadth, comprising nearly 70,000 records, more than 25,000 of which are available through Open Access, making it the largest and most comprehensive database dedicated exclusively to research related to Qatar.QNL added that the Collection links descriptive metadata to full texts or files hosted on publishers' platforms and provides users with an intelligent mechanism to identify and discover free and Open Access versions of research outputs. It also offers advanced filtering tools that allow researchers to sort content by type, publisher, academic discipline, or keywords. Research items are added automatically via the ScienceOpen platform based on precise, predefined criteria.Regarding the practical benefits for researchers and institutions, QNL explained that both platforms open broader horizons for disseminating Qatari research by improving access, searchability, and visibility. Researchers can now access full texts of Open Access publications, benefit from advanced filtering by content type, publisher, and discipline, and enjoy streamlined institutional deposit processes.Qatar National Library emphasized that the most significant advantage lies in the integration and synergy between the two platforms. Together, they facilitate the accessibility, preservation, discovery, and long-term availability of research produced in or related to Qatar, creating a fertile environment for scientific collaboration both locally and internationally.In this regard, QNL confirmed that the Qatar Research Collection rivals leading global databases such as Web of Science and Scopus in terms of the volume of research content related to Qatar, while surpassing them by offering free access. The Collection currently includes approximately 68,200 research items available to the public, compared to around 65,600 items in Web of Science and 72,900 in Scopus, both of which require paid subscriptions.QNL also highlighted the Collection's role in serving Qatar National Library users and researchers through regular updates and advanced search tools, as well as its strategic function in identifying Open Access content suitable for deposit and preservation in the Manara platform to ensure sustainable access to knowledge.Qatar National Library called on researchers and institutions in Qatar to actively participate in building a strong, open national research archive by depositing their work in Manara and engaging with the Qatar Research Collection, stressing that these efforts contribute to enhancing scientific impact, expanding opportunities for collaboration and innovation, and preserving Qatar's intellectual legacy for future generations.The Library continues to simplify deposit procedures by providing clear guidance on copyright and Open Access and working closely with academic institutions to encourage institutional deposit policies.In parallel, Qatar National Library employs discovery tools to identify Open Access versions of research outputs and link them within the Qatar Research Collection, paving the way for their subsequent deposit into Manara, the national open repository for preserving and publishing academic and scientific research produced in Qatar in both Arabic and English, with the goal of strengthening the global presence, reach, and impact of Qatari research.

The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language is Qatar’s gift to the present and future of the Arabic language, His Excellency the Minister of State and president of the Qatar National Library (QNL) Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari has said, lauding the pioneering role played by the nation and its continued support for this pioneering project. “The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language Qatar’s gift to the present and future of the Arabic language,” he wrote on X. “It was a luminous day in the history of the Arabic language, a day that brings solace to the memory and peace to the soul, with the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on the occasion of the announcement of the completion of the Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.” “This great cultural project, long awaited, has arrived today as a testament to the fact that Arabic remains at the heart of attention and care,” HE Dr al-Kawari added. “I was honoured to attend this distinguished occasion and to listen to the speeches that highlighted the greatness of this scholarly achievement and the tireless efforts exerted by the scholars and researchers over many years of rigorous and systematic work.” “They deserve all the honour and appreciation for their invaluable service to the Arabic language, both today and in the future,” he stressed. HE Dr al-Kawari said that the Doha Dictionary is far more than a volume destined for library shelves; it represents the collective memory of Arabic across the ages, tracing the origins of words, the evolution of their meanings, and their journeys through thought, science, and literature. The minister added that by placing Arabic in its rightful position among the world’s major languages, equipped with comprehensive historical and reference dictionaries, the project provides the language with solid scientific foundations, enabling it to engage confidently and effectively with the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital knowledge.He highlighted Qatar’s pioneering role and sustained support for this landmark initiative, praising the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies for the significant institutional and scholarly effort behind it. The institute, HE Dr al-Kawari noted, has set a distinguished example by successfully uniting cultural vision, rigorous academic work, and long-term strategic planning.“A salute to Qatar and its wise leadership for this great achievement, which has transformed the Arabic language into a project for the future, not merely a legacy of the past,” he said. “A salute to every scholar and researcher who contributed to this enduring work, which will remain a shining beacon in the history of Arabic and a cornerstone in strengthening its global standing and future.” 

Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted the "Equity for All" campaign to raise awareness about inclusivity and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.The campaign emphasized the importance of building an inclusive society during a thought-provoking discussion, followed by an accessibility fair designed to engage and empower participants, encouraging them to contribute fully to society."We are proud to support this initiative, which not only sheds light on the experiences of people with disabilities but also champions the values of equity, accessibility, and inclusivity," said Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library Hanan Zaidan‏.She added, "These principles are essential to the growth of a thriving society and align with our mission to promote lifelong learning and personal development." The event featured Ahmed Al Shahrani, a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest wheelchair crossing of Qatar.The event provided QNL with an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to creating a space where every individual, regardless of background or ability, feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to society.

Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library (QNL), has partnered with Qatar Museums to launch "Cultural Crossroads: Qatar, Argentina, and Chile 2025," a new collaboration under the Years of Culture program.The cultural exchange program aims to foster mutual understanding between nations through a focus on shared heritage, literature, art, creative industries, and innovation.Through Qatar Reads Family Reading Program, the collaboration invites children and families across Qatar to explore the vibrant cultures of both Argentina and Chile, highlighting their distinct histories, artistic traditions, and storytelling heritage, from Argentina's literary legacy and tango influences to Chile's celebrated poetry and folklore.Among the materials developed for this collaboration are new cultural stories and reading resources inspired by the traditions, art, and landscapes of Argentina and Chile, encouraging young readers to discover connections between Qatar and these countries through storytelling.The Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, Guillermo Nicolás noted that the collaboration reflects a shared belief in the power of culture and literature to unite people. He said the initiative introduces Argentinian and Chilean stories and art to children in Qatar, helping to build "a future where understanding and mutual respect thrive.""Stories are bridges between cultures. Through initiatives like this, we introduce children to the beauty of Argentina's and Chile's heritage while also deepening their understanding of Qatar's role in celebrating global diversity. The Years of Culture program is proud to support projects that inspire empathy, friendship, and curiosity from an early age," said Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America Mohammed Al Kuwari.Adding to this, Qatar Reads Manager Fatema Al Malki emphasized that the initiative continues Qatar Reads' efforts to make reading an adventure for every family. "Partnering with the embassies of Argentina and Chile, along with Years of Culture, allows us to open new cultural horizons for families in Qatar," she said. "These stories remind us how books can bring the world closer to every child's home."To conclude the month-long celebration, Qatar Reads, in collaboration with the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Years of Culture, will host a closing cultural event on Nov.1, 2025. The event will welcome 100 children for hands-on activities inspired by Argentinian and Chilean heritage, celebrating the creativity, storytelling, and traditions of both nations.The Cultural Crossroads theme highlights the power of storytelling in connecting communities across continents. Through ongoing partnerships with embassies, museums, and cultural institutions, Qatar Reads continues to champion creativity, literacy, and intercultural dialogue.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) is organising the “My Family and I” today and tomorrow, from 9am to 11.30am, via Microsoft Teams.The forum features a group of specialists and experts in the fields of motherhood, childhood, child health, and parenting, the QNL website said.The forum aims to provide an educational and interactive platform that brings together mothers, fathers, and educators with specialists through training sessions and dialogues that highlight the most prominent issues related to maternal and child health and the daily challenges facing families.It also provides practical advice and scientific tips that will support families in building a healthy and safe environment for children.The QNL announced that participation in the forum is open to everyone.Electronic certificates of attendance will be awarded to participants at the conclusion of the forum.