File photo: Qatar National Library
Doha: Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, brought the richness of classical Arabic literature to life at the One Book, One Doha Festival 2025. This year’s vibrant and interactive edition spotlighted Maqamat Al-Hariri, a literary masterpiece celebrated for its linguistic artistry, sharp humor, and cultural depth.
Held from November 2 to 15, 2025 at Katara Building 18, the event provides an unparalleled educational and cultural experience, connecting readers across all generations by turning the classical text into an engaging, immersive public forum. The festival demonstrates the power of culture and education in bringing people together.
The festival’s concept highlights Al-Hariri’s literary and linguistic brilliance, encouraging appreciation for the Arabic language through creative exploration, and promoting reading as a vital cultural practice.
Executive Director of Qatar National Library, Tan Huism emphasised the festival’s national significance. “The One Book, One Doha Festival serves as a dynamic catalyst for engaging with our rich Arab intellectual heritage, proving that our classical texts are both timeless and directly relevant to today’s generation,” she noted.
“By making the festival interactive, we did more than celebrate a book; we highlighted the beauty of the Arabic language and invited all citizens and residents to join this cultural and educational discovery.”
The festival’s extensive program features several interactive zones designed for families, students, educators, and the general public. The Desert of Knowledge, for instance, serves as a central hub for activities that encourage linguistic creativity and teamwork, including the “Dotless Arabic Challenge” and “Proverbs of Al-Hariri” reconstruction in both Arabic and English.
The Secrets of the Maqamat (an Escape Room), sponsored by Seashore Group, is another engaging challenge inspired by the protagonist’s wit and adventures. It merges literary puzzle-solving with a focus on modern sustainability and environmental awareness, reflecting the Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility alongside cultural enrichment.
The Literary Souq zone of the festival offers a cultural marketplace featuring publishers, namely Dar Nabjah, HBKU Press, and Dar Basma. Meanwhile, the Qatar Reads booth serves as a key platform to connect with the community, offering reading packages through the Family Reading Program memberships. An interactive Debate Wall also invites visitors of all ages to reflect on and vote for contemporary, thought-provoking questions.
