Shura Council Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and Ministers visiting a stall at the 30th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Exhibition Conference Center (DECC), yesterday.
Under the patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali inaugurated yesterday the 30th Doha International Book Fair at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
Held under the slogan ‘Do You Then Not Ponder’, the 10-day Book Fair is witnessing the participation of 335 publishing houses from 31 countries. The Fair will be open from 9am to 9pm, except on Friday when it will open from 3pm to 10pm, and on Thursday from 9am to 10pm.
The opening ceremony was attended by Speaker of Shura Council H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud; Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi; Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraihki; Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation H E Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Mohannadi; President of Planning and Statistics Authority H E Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit, and a number of their excellencies sheikhs and ambassadors accredited by the state.
Speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of the opening ceremony, H E the Speaker of the Shura Council praised the design and the organization of the event this year, expressing appreciation for Qatari publishing houses for their efforts.
He called on the public to visit the book fair and buy many useful books that are available, stressing that there is a special sanctification in buying physical books rather than reading digital copies.
H E the Minister of Culture and Sports said that the Book Fair was organised in to make the visitors think and find out more about the world rather than just to buy books. The Minister said that the event was the first of its kind in the region and a reflection of Qataris’ love for books and reading.
Replying to a question by The Peninsula, H E the Minister of Culture and Sports said: “Qatari publishing houses receive all types of support from the Ministry. Now the movement of printing and publishing books have gained momentum in the country. Private publishing houses are making major contribution in this regards.”
H E the Minister of Education and Higher Education said that the book fair was an important pillar of culture in society, due to the role it plays in promoting reading.
His Excellency stressed the ministry’s commitment to participating every year, as part of its interest in supporting extracurricular activities. The Minister noted that Qatari youth are playing a bigger role in the cultural field, evident by the rise in the number of Qatari publishing houses, as well as the rise in the number of young Qatari authors and researchers. His Excellency praised this year’s slogan, saying that it shows how Islam has always encouraged thinking.
Coinciding with the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture 2020, France is the guest of honour at Doha Book Fair 2020. The Fair will also witness the largest participation from private Qatari publishing houses.
