Doha, Qatar: Qatar Reads, an initiative of the Qatar National Library, in collaboration with M7, yesterday inaugurated the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 which showcases Maqamat Al-Hariri through various artistic expressions.
The Maqāmāt al-Harīrī is a collection of fifty tales or maqāmāt written at the end of the 11th or the beginning of the 12th century by al-Harīrī of Basra (1054–1122), a poet and government official of the Seljuk Empire.
This exhibition is hosted at Msheireb M7, which serves as Qatar’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology. The exhibition aims to extend the life of literature, fostering connections and informing community members about our history as a source of cultural and creative innovation.
The exhibition, taking place from September 7 to 20, is part of One Book, One Doha, Qatar Reads’ annual reading initiative that unites community members in a collective reading experience. Each year, a book from the rich realm of Arabic literature is chosen, encouraging everyone to read, contemplate, and participate in a range of campaign activities.
Present at the inauguration ceremony was the Minister of State and President of the Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, along with several esteemed Ambassadors representing various nations in Qatar and other dignitaries and distinguished guests.
Thirty artists and fashion designers are participating in revitalizing the content of this Arabic literary classic. The exhibition features canvas artworks, installations, and fashion designs created by 13 Qatari artists and 17 international artists. A total of 32 artistic and creative pieces are showcased, along with 8 fashion items, celebrating the influence of literature and its enduring wisdom.
In this distinctive art exhibition, artists and collaborators present a novel visual perspective that imbues the narrative with a creative essence and artistic richness. This enhances the content of the book and converts it into a multi-faceted experience. Through their unique contributions, the artists reinterpret the text, expanding its breadth and introducing new layers of significance. The exhibition serves not merely as a depiction of the book; it honours the creative value added by each participating artist, transforming the literary work into a dynamic environment for dialogue where words and images unite in a harmony that merits exploration.
H E Dr. Al-Kawari said, “The collaboration between Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, and M7 is vital in expanding how our community perceives culture. It is a true honor to present this magnificent artistic experience that can enable the society to learn and discover new meanings. The art exhibition emphasizes our role at QNL - thus expanding our efforts beyond the bookshelves. It builds on our heritage and literature to promote imagination and creativity, culturally and technologically.”
He also added: “We always aim to present our history in new, engaging ways to help the new generations absorb wisdom and build on a solid foundation where they can find engaging topics in old books. This exhibition encourages members of the community to engage with literature in different ways, which means leveraging the power of reading to cultivate a reading culture within the community.”
“By merging literacy initiatives with art and fashion, the Fables in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025 demonstrates that reading is part of our future-oriented vision—fuelling creativity, collaboration and cultural dialogue,” he concluded.
Qatar Reads Manager Fatema Al Malki said, “When we selected Maqamat Al-Hariri as Book of the Year, it was based on our conviction that its themes would resonate widely across all segments of the community. The exhibition has been met with great appreciation, as visitors enjoyed the artworks and the remarkable creativity of the participating artists. We are proud of this interactive experience, which highlights art and fashion as powerful tools to reinforce the role of literature in our society, fostering creativity, innovation and cultural enrichment.”
She added:“We extend our gratitude to M7 for hosting the exhibition and for introducing us to the talented fashion designers who contributed to it. This collaboration reflects the importance of reading and its unique ability to inspire creativity and innovation in all its dimensions.”
The event illustrates how reading transcends the confines of the book, evolving into a catalyst for creativity and cultural exchange. In addition to visual exhibits and fashion installations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, youth mentorship initiatives, and workshops focused on innovation that merge literature with digital technologies like augmented reality and interactive design.
