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The Ministry of Culture is participating in the sixth edition of the Iraq International Book Fair, which is being held from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13.The participation comes as part of the Ministry of Culture's commitment to enhancing the State of Qatar's presence in international cultural forums, reflecting the stature of Qatari culture, its openness to the Arab and global cultural scene, and supporting the country's efforts to build bridges of cultural communication among peoples.The Qatari pavilion features a collection of recent literary and intellectual publications issued by the Ministry of Culture and several Qatari publishing houses, highlighting the diversity of national cultural production and the richness of Qatar's creative movement.Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, said in a statement that the ministry's participation in the Iraq International Book Fair is a continuation of its presence at major Arab and international cultural exhibitions. He said that the Qatari participation aims to showcase Qatar's cultural landscape and exchange expertise with international cultural institutions.He added that Qatar's presence in such events reflects the ministry's vision to support the book and publishing industry, as well as to encourage Qatari writers and creatives to reach a wider audience in the Arab world and internationally.He noted that through its international participation, the Ministry of Culture is keen to strengthen cultural relations with brotherly and friendly countries, and to introduce Qatari cultural production as part of Qatar's civilizational and human presence on the global stage.This edition of the exhibition features a wide range of local, Arab, and international publishing houses, with the attendance of hundreds of publishers and cultural institutions, reinforcing the fair's position as a prominent platform for new publications and a venue that brings together authors, creators, and those interested in publishing and reading under specialized programs.The exhibition program includes a variety of cultural activities such as book signing sessions, literary evenings, intellectual seminars, and workshops focused on the publishing industry, in addition to events aimed at youth and students, and programs designed to support reading and develop cultural skills among the public.

An event on cultural exchange and creativity was held at La Moneda Cultural Center (CCLM) in Santiago, Chile, with the participation of more than 120 first-grade students, as part of the Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture.This event is jointly organized by the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar National Library (QNL), CCLM, and Trama Cultura Foundation.The event gave students a glimpse into different aspects of Qatari culture through an interactive combination of storytelling, art, and cultural exploration.The book of fables, 'Kalila wa Dimna' played a pivotal role in this event, as it contains a collection of famous tales dating back over a thousand years, recently translated into Spanish, and has been integrated into educational activities in several countries participating in the Years of Culture partnership.The event revived the tales of 'Kalila wa Dimna' through an entertaining performance by a Chilean band, which encouraged children to contemplate the universal human messages that these stories carry.Following the storytelling session, the students participated in an art workshop where they collaborated to paint a mural inspired by the sea that connects the two countries. Through this, the children learned about the concepts of communication and cultural exchange, emphasizing the ability of storytelling to transcend borders between places, languages, and cultures.In this context, QNL's Qatar Reads initiative presented a special art exhibition of Kalila wa Dimna at the Ricardo Guiraldes Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The exhibition included twelve original works by the Qatari artist and writer Wadha Al Athba.Commenting on this collaboration, Manager of Qatar Reads initiative Fatema Al Malki highlighted the importance for children to learn that, regardless of how different they may seem, cultures can share the same values, symbols and interests. Throughout the centuries, tales have conveyed lessons about empathy, cooperation and the meaning of humanity, she added.She noted that the inclusion of an influential book like 'Kalila wa Dimna' serves as a reminder that these lessons can resonate in Qatar and around the globe.The style of artworks was inspired by Islamic miniatures, embodying the spirit of humor, wisdom, and cultural depth in the original tales.These artworks appeared in the Spanish version of Kalila wa Dimna, written and illustrated by the artist Wadha Al Athba, and published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press.This initiative aims to promote respect between diverse cultures, encourage people to unite, strengthen ties, and promote dialogue. 

In collaboration with Qatar Museums, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), Chile's National Centre for World Heritage Sites, and the World Heritage Site Municipal Corporation of Valparaiso, and Trama Cultura, Years of Culture is hosting a regional workshop in Valparaiso, Chile, from November 24 to 28, 2025, dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in safeguarding heritage.As part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, experts from Qatar Museums' Cultural Heritage Protection Department will work alongside Chilean and international specialists in a five-day program titled "Enhancing the Effectiveness of World Heritage Management." The initiative aims to pass on knowledge, share lived experiences and set up international expert networks between those entrusted with the world's most precious cultural legacies.Abdullatif Al Jasmi, Director of Cultural Heritage Protection at Qatar Museums, said: "This collaboration with Chile reflects our shared responsibility to protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations. Through the Years of Culture initiative, we are building meaningful platforms for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration that strengthen the management and resilience of World Heritage sites."Working together allows us to advance expertise and promote a deeper sense of cultural cooperation, preserving the stories and places that shape our shared human legacy," he added.Throughout the week, participants will explore how to sustain the values and authenticity of World Heritage sites through improved governance, legal frameworks, and management planning. The sessions will weave together global best practices with local perspectives, translating the lessons learned in Qatar's desert landscapes into strategies for Chile's coastal heritage.Practical sessions at the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaiso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transform the city itself into a living classroom. Participants will engage in fieldwork, risk assessments, and peer-to-peer exchanges that tackle real-world conservation challenges, fostering both technical skills and a spirit of shared stewardship.

Doha will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, offering a renewed opportunity to deepen ties among Arab nations and reaffirming that the tournament's significance extends far beyond the football pitch.Bringing together 16 Arab national teams in the finals and 14 in the preliminary qualifiers, the event stands as a vibrant platform for strengthening cultural and historical connections among Arab peoples. It underscores sport's role as a unifying force that reinforces shared identity, values, and traditions, and reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to cultural and sporting cooperation that nurtures a deeper sense of belonging to a unified Arab world.Since hosting the previous edition in 2021, Qatar has positioned the Arab Cup as a meaningful space for renewing inter-Arab bonds and building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding.The tournament has gained added significance under Qatar's hosting, as the country has become a model for staging major global events. Qatar offers an environment that celebrates Arab identity, honors heritage and history, and provides world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating an event of this scale -- uniting nations bound by a shared past and a common future.Notably, Qatar succeeded in bringing the Arab Cup under the official FIFA umbrella for the first time in 2021, transforming it from a traditional regional competition into a comprehensive Arab gathering. The tournament brings together fans from across the region not only to support their national teams but also to celebrate the richness of Arab culture -- through language, dress, music, customs, and traditions. These scenes of unity, vividly reflected in Qatari stadiums, highlight the strong bonds shared by the peoples of the region despite geographical and social differences.The 2025 edition will further reinforce Arab identity through a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Planned events include musical and artistic performances, fan zones showcasing diverse elements of Arab culture, and interactive spaces that bring communities together.The organizing committee said fans across the country will enjoy a rich program of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the tournament, supported by seamless transportation services ensuring easy access to all stadiums and venues.One of the tournament's most distinctive features is its enthusiastic fan engagement. Stadiums and fan zones become vibrant meeting points where Arabs interact, wear traditional attire, exchange chants and songs, and share their national and cultural expressions. This festive atmosphere has become as central to the event as the matches themselves.This unique cultural exchange strengthens social bonds among Arab fans and adds a profound human dimension to the tournament. The experience extends beyond football, creating shared memories that will endure in the collective Arab consciousness for years to come.The State of Qatar is always keen to utilize its capabilities to deliver impressive organizational standards. Following the 2022 World Cup and, before that, the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021, Qatar is set to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held from Dec.1-18.Qatar's commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties among Arab peoples has been evident in the upcoming edition of the Arab Cup and was reflected in statments made by HE Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani who emphasized that the tournament holds a special place in the region and carries significance that extends beyond football matches.In his remarks about the tournament, His Excellency said that the tournament, "celebrates the positive values of Arab football and once again highlights sport's ability to bring people together and build bridges of communication."His Excellency added that the Arab Cup is a platform that brings together players and fans alike, a forum for entrenching the values of unity and solidarity, and enhancing feelings of belonging and a shared identity. It also reflects the Arab youth's passion for sport.HE Minister of Sports and Youth said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 carries a message calling for Arab unity and represents a window for introducing our authentic culture and ancient heritage. It is also a platform to highlight the unlimited potential of Arab youth in sports and various other fields.For his part, Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, a player for Al-Shamal SC, affirmed that the significance of the Arab Cup extends beyond competition on the pitch. He stressed the tournament's value in introducing the world's people to Arab and Islamic culture and in promoting Arab identity on the global sports stage.Bounedjah said in statements published by the tournament's organizing committee the Arab Cup is a grand celebration that reflects the unity of the Arab peoples and their passion for football, while also highlighting the region's capabilities and its ability to host world-class sporting events.For his part, Jordan national team star Yazan Al Naimat praised the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as a gathering that celebrates Arab talent.The Al-Arabi SC player said the event contributes to the development of football in the Arab world and introduces nations to the region's passion for the sport. He also commended the remarkable success of the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which provided a major opportunity for Arab players to appear on the global stage.The Arab Cup has not only attracted regional attention. It is also followed by audiences from around the world. Hosting the tournament in Doha reaffirms Qatar's pivotal role in uniting the Arab world both athletically and culturally, and its ability to present an honorable Arab model in tournament organization, one that reflects the civilized image of the Arab world before the international community.For Arab fans, the Arab Cup is no longer just a sporting competition. It is a message of unity, solidarity, peace, and connection. It affirms the shared heritage and deep-rooted history of all Arab peoples and offers an opportunity to strengthen historical bonds across generations, highlighting the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation to leave a positive impact on the cultural, sporting, and social levels across the Arab world.

With one month remaining before submissions close, Visit Qatar is calling on content creators across the country to participate in ‘Qatar Through Your Lens’, a competition celebrating the nation’s culture, lifestyle, and unique character. The initiative invites locals and residents to share their creative interpretation of Qatar, with entries accepted until December 20.Participants are invited to submit either a short video of 30–60 seconds or a single photograph that captures one of the competition’s themes, which include Qatar by Night, Beach and Coastal, Arts and Culture, Heritage, Sports Events, and Culinary. All entries must be original, culturally appropriate, and shared on Instagram using the hashtags #QatarThroughYourLens and #ViewQatar, while tagging the official Visit Qatar account.Winners will be announced during the first week of January 2026. Prizes across the video and photo categories total up to QR600,000, with additional rewards including staycations, exclusive access to Visit Qatar events, and opportunities for future creative collaborations.

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a public awareness campaign in the Sealine area to promote traffic safety culture among car and motorcycle sports enthusiasts. The campaign included a visit to the Sealine Car Track and meetings with supervisors, participants and spectators to highlight safety procedures and the importance of following them. It also featured awareness activities, interactive competitions and the distribution of educational materials to help raise awareness among young people and reduce risks. **media[382254]** Lt. Col. Hadi Mohammed al-Hajri, media and communications officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said during the campaign that the directorate is committed to the safety of visitors to the Sealine area and to promoting traffic awareness across all segments of the community. He noted that the awareness messages rely on being physically present among the target audience to ensure clarity and impact. Lt. Col. al-Hajri stressed the importance of protecting the lives of racers and motorsport enthusiasts by adhering to safety rules and requirements, adding that they should set an example for other young people. He also praised the efforts of the Qatar Traffic Safety Society and the organisers of the Sealine track, commending their co-operation in providing a safe environment that enables young people to pursue their interests within well-regulated guidelines.

Years of Culture is joining 'From the Homeland,' an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), to present a cross-cultural exchange celebrating family heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.As part of the upcoming Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, the initiative introduces a series of interactive experiences connecting Qatari traditions with Latin American artistry and shared community values.Taking place from November 12–15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Hall 03, this year’s exhibition explores the power of family and community as the foundation of creativity.The Years of Culture booth highlights how Qatari craftsmanship and cultural heritage intersect with Argentinian and Chilean artistry, promoting mutual understanding and exchange.Key experiences at the exhibition include the Coffee and Mate Exchange corner. This cultural ritual blends Qatari Arabic coffee and Yerba Mate, symbolising hospitality and friendship. Hosted by Norma Rolón, the daily experience features Arabic coffee provided by MSDF alongside Yerba Mate prepared by Argentinian guests.Another highlight is the Makers Meet – Witral Weaving Exchange, led by Chilean artist Lisbeth Pino Westermayer. This experience celebrates Qatari Al Sadu and Chilean Chilean Witral weaving as parallel expressions of native creativity. Visitors can explore visual panels, maps, and materials that highlight each loom’s origin and symbolism while learning about traditional craftsmanship and its cultural significance.Visitors will also be treated to musical performances, including a special instrumental set today, November 14, at 4pm, featuring four violinists and cellists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The exhibition opening hours are: November 14, from 2pm to 9pm; and November 15, from 9am to 9pm.

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.

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.

The Years of Culture initiative unveiled the next stage of its global collaboration with Formula One (F1) driver Pierre Gasly of the BWT Alpine F1 Team: a new racing helmet designed by acclaimed Brazilian illustrator and street artist Fernando Chamarelli, inspired by the legacy of the Qatar-Brazil 2014 Year of Culture.Uniting art and sport on a global stage, Gasly is debuting two new helmet designs at Grand Prix races in The Netherlands and Brazil, each created in partnership with artists inspired by the mission of Years of Culture to build dialogue and mutual understanding through cross-cultural exchange. Transforming one of F1's most visible symbols, this partnership engages fans worldwide through the creative visions of artists from diverse international backgrounds.Chamarelli explained that the falcon is the main symbolic figure, representing Qatar's strength and culture. The colours of the Brazilian flag are woven throughout the design, merging with the maroon tone of Qatar's flag to create harmony between both nations. The shapes evoke the dunes of the Qatari desert and the green of the Brazilian rainforest, symbolising the connection between nature and land. Indigenous patterns and the sun represent energy and life, culminating in a colourful composition that celebrates the union of two cultures through art and symbolism.Pierre Gasly said: "Racing is a global stage that brings people and cultures together. Partnering with Years of Culture allows me to share the creativity and stories of artists from around the world. Each helmet I wear carries a piece of that dialogue."Gasly debuted the first helmet of the series on Aug. 31 at Circuit Zandvoort in The Netherlands. Created by Dutch artist Johan Moorman, the design reinterpreted Amsterdam's iconic façades and the palettes of the Dutch and French flags, integrating Gasly's personal heritage into the motif. Since its inception in 2012, Years of Culture has built lasting bridges between Qatar and nations across the world, building understanding through creativity, dialogue, and collaboration.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the second edition of the Fereej Art and Design Festival on Monday. The festival, organised by the ministry’s Visual Arts Center, will run until Nov 14 at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, with wide Arab and international participation.The opening ceremony was attended by HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice; Dr Ahmed Hano, Minister of Culture of Egypt; Dr Mustafa al-Rawashdeh, Minister of Culture of Jordan; Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Culture of Syria; HE Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, Chairman of the General Tax Authority; a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Culture; and several ambassadors accredited to Qatar.HE the Minister of Culture toured the festival, where he viewed a number of the participating events and exhibitions. On this occasion, HE Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, affirmed that the festival represents a fundamental pillar in the ministry’s strategy to support and showcase local talent. He noted that the main objective is to promote Qatari art and support Qatari artists across various art forms.He explained that the festival aims to reinforce Qatar’s position as a centre of cultural and artistic influence in the region. This year, the festival has witnessed a significant expansion in the number of art galleries, exhibitions, and workshops, with the participation of more than 120 artists representing over 20 countries.He noted that the festival aims to attract leading artists and art institutions from both within and outside the country, thus fostering cultural and creative exchange. He highlighted the key features of this year’s festival, explaining that it includes exhibitions by pioneering Qatari artists such as Yousef Ahmed, Salman al-Malik, and Mohammed al-Jaida, among others, in addition to a unique digital exhibition titled “Sana Qatar Sana Art”.The festival features more than 12 art exhibitions and 14 workshops, including seven international workshops in diverse fields such as Japanese Bingata art, Kuwaiti glass melting, creating colours from Australian nature, a Spanish gilding workshop, a fabric printing workshop from India, a floral plate workshop from Russia, and a live performance workshop from Kuwait. These and other experiences blend artistic heritage with modernity.The festival houses six main art spaces: the Exhibition House, the Art Workshops House, the Calligraphy House, the Ceramics House, the Artists’ Studios House, and the Seminars House, in addition to the Art and Design Market and the Children’s Courtyard area.The festival celebrates Arabic calligraphy, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as the creativity of young people in design, anime, and digital art. The festival programme also includes art activities for children, such as paint-pouring workshops, art school workshops, and a free drawing area.Furthermore, there are panel discussions and art seminars that bring together artists, critics, and the public, as well as live drawing sessions held in an interactive, open atmosphere.