Once again Doha gains global attention. This time for organising one-of-the-largest international book fair that is set to begin on January 9. The book fair is reflection of Qatar’s policy of keeping education and spreading the culture of books and education on its top priority.
The popularity of the Doha International Book Fair has ever increased even in its current 30th edition with an increase in the number of publishing houses that even forced the organising committee to reject the participation of some publishers.
As many as 335 publishing houses from 31 countries will participate in this edition. There will be 797 pavilions, in addition to the participation by a number of embassies. It will be held under the slogan “Do you then not ponder?” under the patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
With no hesitation one can confirm the fact that the Fair highlights Qatar's consistent contribution towards spreading the light of knowledge. “In Qatar, there are no intellectual or political restrictions against any book, or any publisher or writer, and we did not reject any book except few books where there is racial abuse or the books which promote racism,” said the Minister of Culture and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali.
Since the Fair coincides with the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, it will give a greater chance for a significant presence of French participants in the fair. It will also help to promote mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between both sovereign nations. France is the guest of honor at fair.
All the government and private institutions in Qatar worked on war footing for making this huge event a reality and this year's Fair will also see the largest Qatari participation from private Qatari publishing houses.
The Embassy of the United States of America, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Palestine, Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, Embassy of the Philippines and Syrian Embassy will participate in the event.
Also, within the framework of exchanges with Gulf exhibitions, pavilions from Kuwait and Oman will also be present at the Book Fair.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a number of various activities will be held that enrich the Fair from various aspects. The activities of the “Qatar School” include a set of various programmes and activities, which combine theatre, and drawing.
