Qatar’s Pavilion at Riyadh International Book Fair Draws Visitors with Rare Heritage Books and Handicrafts

Qatar pavilion, the guest of honor at the Riyadh International Book Fair this year, showcases Qatari heritage and a collection of old and rare books published by the Ministry of Culture in Qatar. Featuring 12 titles from a diverse collection of old books published by the Qatari ministry, some over 50 years old, the pavilion highlights initiatives, like "Qatar Reads", that promote reading. Events such as "One Book, One Doha" are also part of endeavors to that end, and feature various activities throughout the year. The pavilion also includes artistic pieces mirroring facets of Qatari heritage, and highlighting the opulence and diversity of Qatari traditions. The pavilion also features a section showcasing traditional Qatari crafts and a range of Qatari publications. A publication taking pride of place is a collection of Qatari folk poetry, accompanied by photos taken by Qatari photographers and designs inspired by Qatari heritage. Pavilion supervisor and Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture in Qatar Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain expressed satisfaction with Qatar being the guest of honor, and emphasized the strong cultural ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He said the ministry of culture participates in the fair with the pavilion to showcase Qatar's intellectual output and the ministry's publications, and to give a glimpse at the initiatives and engagements it undertakes in the cultural domain to 'promote reading and disseminate knowledge". Qatar's presence as the guest of honor aims to showcase its cultural impact in the Gulf and Arab world, along with its historical ties to the Kingdom. The fair is a platform where Qatari achievements in culture, art, and literature are on display, and where one can get familiarized with Qatari cultural figures and literary works. Source: Saudi Press Agency