Culture

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.

Government

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received yesterday copies of the credentials of Ambassador of Canada H E KarimMorcos, Ambassador of Finland H E Juha Mustonen, Ambassador of Iraq H E Mohammed Jaafar Mohammed Baqir Al Sadr, and Ambassador of Egypt H E Walid Fahmy AliAl Faqi. Minister of State with Ambassador of Canada H E KarimMorcos The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the new ambassadors success in performing their duties, assuring them of providing all support to advance bilateral relations between Qatar and their countries to closer cooperation across various fields. Minister of State with Ambassador of Finland H E Juha Mustonen

General

Doha, Qatar: As part of the efforts made by the Qatari government and humanitarian organizations to support the resilience of the people, institutions, and vital sectors of Syria, a high-level delegation from Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) arrived at Damascus International Airport , yesterday. The Qatari delegation arrived at Damascus International Airport aboard a Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) aircraft, carrying 12 tons of critical and sophisticated medical equipment to help Syrian hospitals continue providing quality health care services for patients. The purpose of this humanitarian visit was to deliver a new batch of Qatari aid under the “Take Heart Syria” initiative, containing medical equipment and supplies. These were donated by Sidra Medicine, Al-Tafa’ol Trading Company, United International Trading Company, and Doha Health Care Group, in coordination with QRCS, SARCS, and Syria’s Ministry of Health (MOH). The delegation was headed by President of QRCS, Yousef bin Ali Al-Khater; Secretary-General, Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi; Assistant Secretary-General for Relief and International Development, Mohamed Bader Al-Sada; and Assistant Secretary-General for Communication and Resource Development, Mohamed Ahmed Al-Beshri. They were received by Syria’s Minister of Health H E Dr. Musaab Nazzal Al-Ali; Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Syria Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud; President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARCS), Dr. Mohamed Hazem Bakleh; Director of Damascus Health Directorate Dr. Wael Dagmash; Representative of Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Hisham Dirani and staff of QRCS’s representation office in Türkiye. The Qatari delegation arrived at Damascus International Airport aboard a Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) aircraft, carrying 12 tons of critical and sophisticated medical equipment to help Syrian hospitals continue providing quality health care services for patients. This airlift was preceded by three land aid convoys. On August 28, 2025, 22 aid trucks started to depart from the warehouses of Sidra Medicine and QRCS in Doha in three batches. The convoys travelled through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, ending in Syria, with 78 tons of aid. Thus, the total volume of aid delivered under the initiative totalled 90 tons of medical equipment and supplies, at a value of over QR45m. In his keynote speech during the event, Al-Khater stated, “The aid shipment that arrived today, and the previous ones, are the result of fruitful and appreciated cooperation between Qatar’s MOFA, Sidra Medicine, Syria’s MOH, QRCS, and SARCS. These combined efforts were meant to send a message of solidarity to Syria."