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Qatar National Library (QNL) announced that it will organize a series of diverse cultural activities and events during the month of December to celebrate Qatar National Day, bringing the community together to honor the country's heritage and values.QNL said that highlights include the 'Dakka' and 'Our Heritage, Our Pride' festivals, a heritage seminar, and family-friendly events that reflect Qatar's rich history and its forward-looking vision.The celebrations kick off on Dec. 6 with the Dakka Festival, a vibrant tribute to QNL inspired by the traditional Dakka, a long seat symbolizing unity and togetherness.The library invited families to enjoy cultural performances and interactive activities as part of the Cultural Mosaic series, which highlights the beauty of Islamic culture and the global diversity that enriches the cultural landscape.On Dec. 8, QNL's Heritage Library will host a special seminar, 'The History of Qatar and the Arabian Gulf Through Archival Documents.' The event will explore key moments in Qatar's history and its cultural influence in the Gulf and Arab world. An elite of historians will speak at the seminar, including Dr. Hamad Al Ghadeed from Qatar University, Dr. Philippe Petriat from Sorbonne University, and Dr. Abdulrahman Alebrahim from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, as they will analyze archival records to shed light on pivotal events in Qatar's past.The National Day celebrations continue on Dec. 13 with Our Heritage, Our Pride, an outdoor family event that celebrates Qatari culture, where visitors will be able to experience cultural tents, interactive workshops, and traditional storytelling. Children will also have the chance to meet Ramli, the Library's beloved mascot.On Dec. 14, architect Fatma Ibrahim Al Sahlawi will present An Architectural Vision Through Innovative Qatari Eyes, discussing Qatar's urban transformations and a future-focused vision centered on innovation and architectural excellence.On Dec. 15, artist Haifa Al Khuzai will lead Cultural Mosaic: Qatari Identity Through Art, a hands-on workshop that uses creative expression to explore Qatari heritage and identity. Participants will create artistic pieces that blend traditional and contemporary styles in a celebration of cultural craftsmanship.In addition to National Day events, QNL will offer a range of activities throughout December. QNL's Winter Camp, running from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, will offer children and young adults a mix of storytelling, creative workshops, STEM programs, and 3D modeling sessions designed to inspire curiosity and learning over the winter break.

The 36th Annual Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) will begin Sunday, at the Qatar National Library.The three-day conference, themed "Digital Justice and Arab Information Institutions: Strengthening Partnership, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation," will see wide participation from academic institutions, national and public libraries, and information professionals from across the Arab world.This year's conference aims to enhance the role of libraries in supporting equitable access to information, expand Arab cooperation, and bolster initiatives that unify efforts in digitization and sustainability. It also seeks to encourage Arab researchers to present rigorous and insightful studies that examine the region's experiences in achieving digital justice.The conference will address the digital divide related to language and culture through a comprehensive analysis of its challenges and opportunities. These studies will contribute to evaluating current efforts in the Arab world, offering practical recommendations to enhance Arabic digital content, solidify the principles of digital justice, and support the development of artificial intelligence applications that meet the growing needs of Arab societies.The conference is the largest annual Arab gathering of library and information professionals, bringing together experts, academics, and leaders of knowledge institutions to discuss the future of information and scientific research in the Arab world. More than 20 scientific sessions and workshops will showcase leading Arab experiences in artificial intelligence, open science, heritage digitization, and data governance.The first day of the conference includes an official opening ceremony followed by keynote sessions discussing the prospects for Arab publishing, achieving digital justice, and the transformation of information institutions toward the digital future. The accompanying exhibition, featuring organizations and institutions from various Arab countries, will also open.The event will feature 22 scientific sessions covering key themes in digital justice and the development of knowledge environments. Among these sessions are "Digital Justice and Universal Access to Knowledge in Information Institutions" and "Arab Efforts in Collecting and Making Intellectual Output Available and Developing Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks."It will feature presentations on digital justice experiences and practices through initiatives presented by the Qatar office, as well as a dedicated scientific session entitled "Sustainable Practices for Achieving Digital Justice," which will highlight mechanisms for ensuring sustainability in digital transformation projects and information equity practices.The conference will also include the presentation of the annual report of the AFLI, followed by the Federation's elections, as part of its concluding agenda aimed at strengthening professional governance and developing the framework for joint Arab action in the library and information sector.  

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing co-operation in the fields of environmental and climate knowledge exchange. The MoU was signed in the presence of HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie. The initiative is part of the national efforts to promote environmental culture within the community and support the goals of sustainable development. The MoU was signed by MoECC Under-Secretary engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud and QNL executive director Tan Huism in the presence of officials from both sides. The MoU, aside from supporting joint co-operation in organising community initiatives and events, also seeks to explore opportunities for developing educational and research content, exchanging educational and scientific materials, and collaborating in the areas of public relations, marketing, and joint promotion of programmes and projects. Under the MoU, the QNL will provide the MoECC with lists of available environmental books and references in all languages, as well as access to selected electronic resources for use within the library that is planned to be established at the ministry’s headquarters. The agreement includes organising orientation tours for ministry employees to introduce them to the QNL’s services and facilities. The MoU further provides for co-operation in capacity building through specialised workshops for MoECC employees on how to utilise the QNL’s printed and electronic resources. It covers the exchange of publications and the provision of technical consultations in the areas of restoration and digitisation of environmental manuscripts and documents, as well as preserving electronic copies of them. The QNL will also be given priority access to duplicate works available at the ministry. Al-Mahmoud stressed that the signing of the MoU with the QNL is an important step toward expanding institutional co-operation among national entities. He noted that this partnership contributes to documenting and disseminating environmental knowledge and enhancing scientific research that supports the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. The official said that the signing of the MoU comes at a time when environmental challenges are increasing both locally and globally, reflecting Qatar’s firm commitment to supporting environmental culture and sustainable development efforts. He affirmed that through this partnership, the MoECC seeks to make knowledge and experience exchange a central pillar of co-operation with the QNL, in order to develop research capabilities and foster innovation in environmental fields.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) organised a panel discussion on Tuesday that brought together scholars to explore the often overlooked yet vital role women have played in shaping cultural and social ties amid some of the Islamic world’s most significant upheavals.Held under the theme of Women in Al Andalus and Palestine: From Marginalisation to Influence, the panel featured Dr Fadwa al-Haziti, professor of higher education at Hassan II University in Casablanca and an expert in cross-cultural and post-colonial studies, and Dr Basma Dajani, professor of Arabic language and literature at the University of Jordan, renowned for her research on women patrons in Arab-Islamic civilisation.The panel explored how women cultivated values of steadfastness and sacrifice, emerging as pillars of resistance and guardians of collective memory despite enduring displacement, marginalisation, and loss."The seminar focuses on Arab and Muslim women throughout history with particular emphasis on the experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women,” said Dr al-Haziti.“Our nation has faced challenges throughout its history similar to those we face today, such as the post-Andalusian period,” she continued. “This discussion aims to highlight the reality of Palestinian women, affirm their right to preserve their memory and identity, and shed light on their suffering under occupation, including violence, siege, famine, and genocide.""Invoking Andalusia in the context of Palestine is not about making comparisons, but about reflection and broadening perspectives,” Dr al-Haziti stressed. “From this perspective, we explore the shared experiences of Andalusian and Palestinian women, with a focus on their influence and marginalisation.”"The primary goal of this gathering is to reinforce awareness of the Palestinian cause, not only in terms of supporting the Palestinian people, but also recognizing that Palestine’s struggle is central to the Arab and Islamic world," she added."At a time when moral values are eroding, Gaza, with its women and children, serves as a moral compass, reminding us that belief in truth, commitment to homeland, and preservation of dignity are at the core of our humanity,” said Dr Dajani. “When dignity is stripped away, life itself loses its justification.”"Thus, revisiting pivotal moments in our Arab-Islamic history is not a retreat into the past, but a call for resilience, collective action, and cultural responsibility to confront the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine and to ensure that humanity and dignity remain at the forefront of global consciousness," she added."At the QNL, we are committed to preserving and disseminating our cultural heritage,” said QNL engagement specialist Ikhlas Ahmed. “This panel sheds essential light on the profound contributions of women in bridging cultures and preserving identity across the Arab world. Their central role in the social fabric of our region underscores the vital impact women have on society."

Qatar National Library (QNL) hosted on Saturday the second edition of 'Write to Inspire: Books and Authors' program, bringing together publishers, authors, and industry professionals. The program explored current state of publishing and authorship in Qatar, with a focus on strengthening collaboration between local publishers and authors while providing them with an opportunity to connect with the wider community.The initiative aligns with Qatar National Library's mission to establish itself as a hub for learning, culture, and dialogue.This year's edition focused on deepening understanding of Qatar's publishing and distribution ecosystem, providing a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, highlight challenges, and explore growth prospects. One of the program's key outcomes was enabling publishers and authors to directly engage with the public.The event also welcomed representatives from Al-Nour Center, who gave a presentation on Braille printing in Qatar. They highlighted that most Braille publications are limited to school textbooks and stressed the need for more diverse reading materials for people with visual impairments.The event also showcased literature and writing prizes in Qatar, celebrating the achievements of local authors.On this occasion, Senior Information Services Librarian at Qatar National Library, Haya Abdulla Al Sheeb, said the event serves as a platform for nurturing Qatari talent and promoting a culture of collaboration within the local publishing industry.She added that bringing together authors, publishers, and readers, this program creates meaningful connections that support local creativity and contribute to a thriving cultural landscape. Al Sheed also underlined that Qatar National Library is working to encourage publishers and writers to devote greater attention to producing Braille books, enriching the availability of such works in Qatar and better serving the needs of the visually impaired.

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.

Qatar Reads, an initiative under the Qatar National Library (QNL), and M7 have launched the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 to illustrate the book Maqamat Al-Hariri in diverse artistic formats. Held in Msheireb M7, Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech, the exhibition expands the life of literature to connect and inform community members about our past as a source of cultural and creative innovation. The exhibition, which runs until September 20, is part of “One Book, One Doha”, Qatar Reads' annual reading campaign that brings community members together in a shared reading experience. Each year a book from Arabic literature is selected, inviting everyone to read, reflect and engage through a variety of campaign activities. A total of 30 artists and fashion designers are participating in reviving the content of this Arabic literary masterpiece. The exhibition includes canvas works, installations and fashion designs that were produced by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists. Thirty-two artistic and creative works are on display, in addition to eight fashion pieces to celebrate the power of literature and timeless wisdom. In this art exhibition, artists and collaborators bring a fresh visual perspective that infuses the narrative with a creative spirit and artistic depth. This enriches the book's content and transforms it into a multi-dimensional experience. Through their original contributions, the artists reimagine the text, broadening its scope and adding new levels of meaning. The exhibition is not just a representation of the book, it celebrates the creative added value brought by each participating artist, turning the literary work into a vibrant space for dialogue where words and images come together in a harmony worth exploring. HE the Minister of State and QNL president Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari said: “It is a true honour to present this magnificent artistic experience that can enable the society to learn and discover new meanings.” “The art exhibition emphasises our role at the QNL – thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves,” he said. “It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically.” “We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books,” HE Dr al-Kawari added. “This exhibition encourages members of the community to engage with literature in different ways, which means leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community.” “By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision – fueling creativity, collaboration and cultural dialogue,” he concluded. “When we selected Maqamat Al-Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community,” said Qatar Reads manager Fatema al-Malki, said. “We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as powerful tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural enrichment.”

Qatar National Library (QNL) organised an event under the title ‘In the Footsteps of an Ottoman Traveller: Retracing the Routes of Evliya Celebi’, hosted by Turkish travel writer Seymen Bozaslan. This event is part of QNL’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Islamic cultural heritage as well as to bring the legacy of 17th-century Ottoman explorer Evliya Celebi to life.Bozaslan shared insights from his years-long journey across Turkiye, during which he followed the path of Celebi, connecting historical accounts with modern-day observations and imagery. A highlight of the event was the presentation of a 4-metre-long manuscript map of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, attributed to Celebi himself. The manuscript, preserved in the library’s Heritage Collection, was reproduced as a fold-out facsimile in Bozaslan’s latest publication.Commenting on the event, Information Service Librarian at QNL Huseyin Sen said that QNL’s Heritage Library is committed to showcasing the enduring connections between past and present. “By hosting Bozaslan and showcasing unique works like the Evliya Celebi map, we continue to engage our community in meaningful dialogue about the Islamic world’s intellectual and cultural heritage,” Sen added.

Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced the launch of its annual September Membership Campaign, inviting new members to enjoy the Library's world-class facilities, resources, and services, with the added opportunity to win an iPad.The campaign reflects QNL's ongoing commitment to its guiding principle, 'QNL4ALL,' which ensures equitable access to knowledge for everyone in the community.QNL membership is free for everyone living in Qatar and provides access to more than one million physical books in 20 languages, a rich collection of digital resources, and state-of-the-art Innovation Stations, including music studios and green-screen rooms. The Library also offers dedicated study and media rooms, as well as a vibrant Children's Library with interactive learning tools and engaging programs for young readers."QNL4ALL is more than just a slogan; it is our promise to the community," said Director of Research and Learning Services at QNL Katia Medawar. "Our aim is to make knowledge accessible to all, whether you are a student, researcher, creative professional, or simply someone with a passion for learning," she added.Members also benefit from expert support for academic and professional development, alongside the option of free institutional membership for workplaces and organizations in Qatar.Membership can be obtained by downloading the QNL mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple's App Store, through the website, or by visiting the Library's User Services Desk.By joining Qatar National Library this September, community members can explore an unparalleled world of knowledge, creativity, and cultural engagement, and enjoy the chance to win exciting prizes.