Books, even before technology took over, has played a major role in the community we're in as they are written by people who have observed closely the repeated patterns in their lives and the world around. These bundles of paper with information and stories printed on them have helped each one of us understand the cultures and their evolution over time.
Most importantly, books make us better personas as they teach us norms of the society. This is one of the many life lessons that book festivals such as the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) wants to impart to the younger generations and beyond.
Now on its 29th edition, the DIBF is set to run for 10 days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) starting this Thursday (November 29) till the 8th of December.
Fresh from its successful hosting of various-themed conventions and festivals such as Milipol 2018, Hospitality Qatar, Qatar Entrepreneurship Convention and Conference, and the recently-concluded Index Qatar 2018, the DECC is once again metamorphosing into a shape we've never seen before—this time into a grand library!
The DIBF 2018 is truly a bookworm gathering to watch out for in Qatar before the year ends and these 5 reasons that we've listed below will tell you why!
But before we dive into the list, let's watch first the highlight video from the press conference held recently by playing the play button in the video below!
The record number of publishing houses to participate this year is 427, a far cry from last year's 355, according to DIBF 2018 director Jassem Al Buainain. The relatively-high number for the fair's 29th edition is mainly due to the 30 countries who are participating three days from now. “The number of booked stalls at the fair stands at 975, while there were 760 stalls in the previous edition,” he added.
The theme for this year’s fair is ‘Doha, A City of Knowledge and Conscience’. It seeks to emphasize that through our minds and hearts, we can benefit and address the issues by taking guidance from books.
“The Ministry purchases important books for Qatari publishing houses to distribute them in many regions, including refugee camps in some poor countries. In addition, the Ministry has always supported the Qatari publishing houses. The exhibition fees have also been exempted from the exhibition,” Director Jassem shared.
Through this patriotic initiative, it becomes clear that the DIBF 2018 is not just a market for book sales and trading, it is also a powerful platform for promoting intercultural exchange, and dedicated human values, and community development in a time when Qatar is facing misunderstandings with its GCC neighbours who cut off ties with it more than a year ago.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, many cultural events will also be held including seminars, lectures, and workshops. All geared towards DIFB's heart—kids and families. In addition, scheduled within the cultural events are several performances with the number of extra-curricular activities reaching 272 this year.
Another thing to watch out for is the so-called 'poetry evenings' by selected Qatari and Arab poets.
Since 2010, the DIBF is selecting one country as ‘Guest of Honour’ of the exhibition and so far, the United States, France, Turkey, Iran, Japan, Brazil and Germany have had the privilege of snagging the key role in the fair. This time, the torch will be lit by Russia—in celebration of the Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture.
The Russian booth in the Book Fair will be providing lots of activities for the raving bookworms while presenting the largest and most well-known Russian book publishers.
Al Buainain pointed out that the role that Russia will play for this year's DIBF is going to be crucial and pivotal as it is through this distinctively designed pavilion where many activities for the 10-day fair will be held. "Visitors will know more about Russian literature through a presentation of the most prominent publishers of Russian books. They will also be introduced to classical Russian literature, art and culture.”
For the first time since almost 10 years ago, the fair's official website was launched, where interested spectators can check out more details about the fair such as an in-depth understanding of its Cultural Movement, Media Center, map of the location, and relevant emergency numbers. The launch coincided with the announcement of the start of the renovation of the Dar Al Kutub—the oldest public library in the Gulf region since its establishment in 1962.
The 29th edition of DIBF will be open from 9 AM till 9 PM daily (except on Thursdays and Fridays when it will be open from 9 AM till 10 PM and from 4 pm till 10 pm, respectively).
The event is organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and will be held under the patronage of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
To know the Top 5 bookstores in Qatar, click HERE!
To know more about the Doha International Book Fair 2018, check out their website and social media links below!
Are you a Qatar-based bookworm who got excited upon learning that the Doha International Book Fair is coming back for its 29th epic edition? If yes, drop us a line in the comments and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!
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