After having been selected as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2010, Doha has been awarded another top recognition.

In a keenly awaited announcement, the Islamic Youth Forum for Dialogue and Co-operation, the youth wing of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), declared it had chosen Doha as the Capital of the Islamic Youth for 2019, according to Gulf Times.

Qatar’s capital city was chosen for the prestigious position in recognition of the country’s efforts in supporting and empowering Islamic youth. The selection took place yesterday night in Istanbul, Turkey, after activities of Al Quds as the capital of Islamic youth for the year 2018 came to a close, reported The Peninsula.

Doha was unanimously chosen as the Capital of Islamic Youth.

Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali was all praise for the efforts of Qatari youth at the world stage. He said the ministry had been working hard to empower youth and strengthen their role at the local and international levels.

The minister said the decision to unanimously choose Doha reflected the confidence of Islamic countries in Qatar, which has taken concrete steps in the field of youth empowerment as the capital of the future and the centre of investment. 

“The youth in the Islamic world will have the opportunity to further build this creative force that’s sufficiently aware of the requirements of the present and future. It has a deep vision for the society we want and a lifestyle we desire in the context of our contemporary civilisation,” he was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

The announcement was preceded by the third meeting of the General Assembly of the OIC Youth Forum for Dialogue and Co-operation.