Doha: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on Thursday. Held under the theme 'From Engraving to Writing’, the fair runs until May 17 and features 522 publishing houses from 43 countries.
The Prime Minister toured various exhibition pavilions, including the special pavilion of the State of Palestine, which is the guest of honour at this year’s fair. The Palestinian exhibit showcases the country’s cultural heritage through books, manuscripts, traditional performances and artistic displays.
During the opening, Sheikh Mohammed also relaunched Doha Magazine, now rebranded as a cultural platform under the Ministry of Culture. The magazine returns in both print and digital formats after a three-year hiatus and will include podcasts and other cultural content.
Minister of State and Qatar National Library President Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari praised the fair as a vital cultural hub, underscoring the enduring value of print media in the digital era. He also highlighted the symbolic importance of honouring Palestine, noting ongoing efforts to preserve Palestinian heritage.
Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali Al Maadheed, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs, emphasised the fair’s role in elevating Qatar’s regional and global cultural standing. He noted that this year’s event sees record participation from Arab and international institutions, along with a rich lineup of literary symposiums, workshops and children’s programming.
Fair Director Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain confirmed this is the largest edition to date and includes over 15 daily events covering writing, calligraphy, publishing technology, and children’s theatre. For the first time, libraries from Syria’s Halabouni Street are participating, continuing the fair’s tradition of spotlighting distinctive Arab literary hubs.
Al Buainain also announced that the winners of the first Doha International Book Fair Award will be revealed during the fair, with plans already in place for its continuation next year.
The Doha International Book Fair remains one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, uniting publishers, writers and readers from across the globe under one roof.