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Doha: A panel discussion hosted by the Arab Book Award has highlighted the important role cultural awards play in supporting research, creativity, and high-quality intellectual production across the Arab world. The event was organized as part of the award’s participation in the 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair, held from May 14 to 23, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with writers and researchers and to promote the award’s mission of serving Arab culture and encouraging serious scholarly work. The session was attended by Dr. Naji Al-Sharif, Executive Director of the award, and featured contributions from Dr. Mahmoud Al-Ashiri, winner of the award’s second edition, as well as Dr. Ahmad Sanobar and Muhannad Halwah, founder and director of Kunooz Al-Ma’rifa Publishing House, both winners in the third edition. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Khaled Al-Rahawi. Speakers emphasized the importance of books as the product of integrated intellectual and academic effort, while underscoring the role cultural awards play in showcasing serious scholarly achievements and encouraging researchers and publishers to produce distinguished works that enrich the Arab library. Discussing his book The Audible Linguistic Corpus, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Ashiri explained that the project was built on teamwork and collaboration among researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, which contributed to a comprehensive and rigorous study worthy of recognition. He said the award had provided strong motivation to continue his academic and scientific work, stressing that winning marked the beginning of a broader intellectual journey rather than a final destination. For his part, Dr. Ahmad Sanobar spoke about his book 'Authority and Its Impact on the Narration and Criticism of Hadith', noting that the work relied on a precise scientific methodology based on statistical analysis and historical research, offering new insights in the field. He added that following previous award-winning works had inspired him to further develop his research project, emphasizing that cultural awards provide valuable moral recognition that encourages scholars to continue contributing to academic knowledge. Addressing the publishing industry, Muhannad Halwah outlined the philosophy of Kunooz Al-Ma’rifa Publishing House in selecting books for publication. He explained that the publishing house prioritizes content quality, originality of ideas, linguistic accuracy, and the intellectual value of each work, in addition to ensuring alignment with the institution’s cultural and intellectual vision. He also highlighted the importance of academic and linguistic review processes, respect for intellectual property rights, and evaluating a book’s potential for distribution and participation in exhibitions and cultural awards. Participants agreed that the Doha International Book Fair has become a leading cultural platform bringing together writers, publishers, and researchers from various countries, helping to facilitate the exchange of expertise and strengthen Arab cultural activity. They also stressed that the Arab Book Award has become a distinguished initiative in supporting Arab thought and authentic intellectual production. The award continues to receive submissions for its fourth edition until May 28. This year’s categories include linguistic and critical studies, with a focus on grammar and morphology as well as critical studies in narrative and theater. In social and philosophical studies, the current edition is dedicated to Arab-Islamic philosophy and psychology. Historical studies are limited to research on the history of the Arab and Islamic world from the 12th Hijri century to the present day. The Sharia studies category focuses on Quranic sciences and the principles of interpretation, alongside dictionaries, encyclopedias, and critical editions of texts. This edition also includes the editing and study of works on Islamic creed, theology, Islamic philosophy, and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence.

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Frankfurt: Visit Qatar has concluded its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world's leading trade exhibitions for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The participation included a series of strategic meetings with prominent international event organisers and industry decision-makers, aimed at reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading destination for global business events. Read Also Amir holds phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Airport scanner mistakes spice mix for suspected drugs, leaving Indian businessman jailed for 57 days Ethiopian Airlines' passenger numbers rise 80 pct in 8 years During the exhibition, Visit Qatar highlighted the country's advanced tourism and events infrastructure, including more than 41,000 hotel rooms and over 15 major event venues, most notably the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) and the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The destination also showcased its recent achievements in the business events sector, having secured several international bids in 2025 to host major conferences and events scheduled for 2026 and 2027, reflecting growing international confidence in Qatar's organisational and logistical capabilities. Qatar is set to host a series of major international conferences and events in the coming years, including, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Annual Meeting 2026, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026, Mobile World Congress 2026, Web Summit Qatar 2027, and the INTERPOL General Assembly 2027. These international events complement Qatar's year-round calendar of major exhibitions and conferences, including the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, the International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX), the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), the Doha Forum, the Qatar Economic Forum, Project Qatar, and Cityscape Qatar. Through its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, Visit Qatar continues to strengthen strategic global partnerships and reinforce Qatar's position as a trusted destination for business events, conferences and exhibitions, while supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism sector and the national economy.

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Doha, Qatar: The 35th Doha International Book Fair hosted a symposium titled ''The Memory of Literature and Living Text'' in tribute to the late writer and media figure Ahmed Abdul Malik, one of the most prominent contributors to the cultural landscape in Qatar and the Gulf region. The event featured reflections on his intellectual and humanitarian journey spanning several decades. Read Also Ethiopian Airlines' passenger numbers rise 80 pct in 8 years Thousands gather in Serbian capital to call for elections Prime Minister holds phone call with UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs The symposium traced Abdul Malik's early beginnings in the 1960s, a period that coincided with the emergence of Qatar's cultural movement and laid the foundation for his later contributions to media and literature. Participants highlighted his active involvement in Qatar's theatrical and cultural scene from an early age, noting how this engagement evolved into a distinguished career in both media and literary fields. Writer and researcher in drama and media Dr. Marzouq Bashir shared personal recollections of his longstanding relationship with the late author, which began in their youth and deepened during their years of study abroad. He explained that their intellectual exchanges continued throughout different stages of their academic journeys, including during his doctoral studies in media in the United States. Dr. Bashir noted that their relationship extended beyond academic ties, developing into a rich intellectual and human connection centered on dialogue and the exchange of ideas on media, literature, and broader cultural issues. He said this was reflected in Abdul Malik's enduring presence in the Qatari and Arab cultural spheres as a thinker with a clear vision and intellectual project. For his part, Head of the Media Department at the International University of Kuwait and representative of Platinum Publishing and Distribution House, Dr. Ahmed Al Haidar, said the late author was widely known for supporting emerging writers and maintaining a strong presence at cultural events and book fairs. He added that Abdul Malik left a lasting mark on the Gulf cultural scene. Writer and media personality Amal Ahmed Abdul Malik also spoke about her father's character, highlighting his commitment to language, precision, and organization. She described writing as a responsibility he approached with seriousness and dedication, noting his passion for mentoring young writers and reviewing their work with a thoughtful critical perspective. Participants concluded that Ahmed Abdul Malik's legacy extends beyond his published works, representing a comprehensive cultural experience that has secured his place in Gulf and Arab literary memory. Meanwhile, the fair's main stage hosted a lecture titled Reflection and Introspection: A Journey in Reading Events and Drawing Lessons, delivered by faculty member at the College of Education at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ya'n Allah Al Qarni. Dr. Al Qarni stressed that reflection is essential to understanding life and learning from daily experiences, noting that many people repeat the same mistakes because they fail to pause and reflect on the situations they encounter. The lecture also explored the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking, as well as the role of reflection in fostering intellectual maturity and supporting more informed decision-making in everyday life.