Doha, Qatar: Minister of Culture H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, yesterday recognized a pantheon of writers and authors during an annual ceremony organised by the Qatari Forum for Authors, which also saw the launch of a package of new cultural projects and events aimed at supporting authors, nurturing literary talent, developing services provided to members, and fostering a culture of reading and knowledge across society.
Upholding the motto that a pen elevates its bearer, the ceremony honoured the writers in recognition of their incredible efforts and contributions to enriching the Forum’s path and promoting its cultural action, reflecting their belief in the crucial role thought and literature undertake in building society and advancing the national cultural theatre.
The Minister of Culture honoured writers Saleh Gharib, Rawda Al Hammadi, Rawda Al Amri, Aisha Al Muftah, Aisha Al Henzab, Nora Al Marri, Badriya Hamad, Shamma Shaheen Al Kuwari, Dhuha Al Malki Al Juhani, Rawda Al Nuaimi, and Hassan Abdulrazzaq Al Sayed.
Forum Director Iman Al Kaabi spoke with Qatar News Agency (QNA) about the theme of the event, highlighting that the pen is a cherished tool that enhances awareness and thought.
She affirmed the axiom that culture is a bedrock of nations’ advancement and progress, recalling that the record turnout of Forum members from different generations at the ceremony suggests their commitment to elevating Qatar’s cultural theatre.
Regarding the foremost initiatives and projects the Forum will undertake to advance the cultural landscape, Al Kaabi asserted that they include launching the cultural corner events, which aim to make culture accessible to everyone through agreements with multiple cultural cafes nationwide to distribute cultural publications at those venues, as one of the means of encouraging reading among cafe patrons.
Al Kaabi further pointed to the launch of the second seeds of knowledge initiative, a major cultural project that will bring new writers on board, enabling researchers to turn their academic research and studies into cultural publications targeting broader segments of readers.
