Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurated the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Thursday.

The exhibition, running under the theme ‘From Engraving to Writing,’ will run until May 17. It will be open daily from 9am to 10pm, and on Fridays from 3pm to 10pm.

Sheikh Mohammed visited the exhibition pavilions, which includes 522 publishing houses from 43 countries. He also launched the Doha Magazine, returning to publication in a new look, as a cultural platform affiliated with Qatar’s Ministry of Culture. The ongoing exhibition is the largest in history, in terms of participation.

Officials said Palestine was taking part in the exhibition this year as a guest of honour, reflecting Qatar’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, particularly in the cultural sphere.

Qatar’s Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari described DIBF as a gathering point for authors, publishers, and reading enthusiasts. He opined that printed books would remain resilient despite challenges posed by digital transformation.

“Each year, publishers and readers eagerly anticipate DIBF, thanks to broad participation from Arab and international publishing houses. Its program is distinguished by cultural depth, addressing important topics worthy of discussion, which enriches the fair,” he said.

Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali Al Maadheed, Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the fair was a key component to solidifying Qatar’s cultural standing and enhance its leadership regionally and globally.

“This year’s cultural programme is rich and diverse, featuring authors, books and intellectual symposiums. There will also be special events at the main theater, cultural salon, and a dedicated children’s programme, alongside new publishing houses specializing in children’s literature,” he said.

Al Maadheed said artificial intelligence played a prominent role this year, from designing the fair’s theme ‘From Engraving to Writing’ to hosting interactive activities and events. This move reflects the ministry’s commitment to embracing technological advancements in the service of culture.

He expressed pride in Doha magazine's return after a three-year hiatus. The magazine will be published in both print and digital formats and feature a variety of cultural programs, including podcasts, which align with the ministry’s comprehensive cultural vision.

DIBF Director Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain said this year’s cultural program included more than 15 daily events, ranging from interactive workshops on writing, calligraphy, and technology to theatrical performances and special shows for children in the main theatre.

He added that this year, the fair welcomed around 15 libraries from Halabouni Street in Syria for the first time. These libraries are among the most prestigious in the Arab world.

This is part of a longstanding annual tradition where the fair highlights a distinctive cultural experience from an Arab country. In the past two editions, they had hosted Al Mutanabbi Street in Iraq and Al Azbakeya Wall in Egypt.

Al Buainain also announced the launch of a new initiative focused on translation, aimed at enhancing the presence of Qatari books in global markets. Several international translation agencies are participating to facilitate agreements with Qatari publishers on translation rights and intellectual property, expanding the global reach of Qatari literature.

The fair’s catalog features 166,000 titles, complemented by numerous cultural and artistic events presented by leading intellectuals from across the Arab world.

DIF is one of the oldest and largest book fairs in the region, attracting strong participation from Gulf and Arab nations, as well as other countries worldwide.

The fair’s first edition was held in 1972, under the supervision of Qatar National Library, and was organized biennially until 2002, when it transitioned to an annual format.

The fair gained international stature after successfully attracting leading global publishing houses. Initially, 20 publishing houses participated, while the 33rd edition saw a record 515 publishers from 42 countries take part.

Since 2010, the Doha International Book Fair has annually selected a guest of honour country, beginning with the United States, followed by Turkey, Iran, Japan, Britain, Germany, Russia, France, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

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