Berlin, October 16 (QNA) - Preparations have been completed for the fourth Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair in Berlin, which opens on Friday with the participation of more than 110 publishing houses from the Arab world and Germany.

Dr Lawrence Hanawi, director of the Arab Cultural House "Al Diwan", told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that all exhibition stands were ready, with books, publications and other materials arranged for visitors.

He said this year's fair would offer a rich program of intellectual and cultural activities, bringing together Arab and international writers and artists while showcasing a diverse range of literary and academic works.

The event aims to build bridges between cultures and encourage audiences to discover one another through literary and creative expression, Hannawi said. The program includes seminars, discussions and literary meetings focusing on publishing, translation and cultural exchange.

Qatari writers and cultural figures will feature prominently in the program. Novelist and writer Shamma Shaheen Al Kuwari, winner of the Katara Prize for Arabic Novel and the State Award for Children's Literature, will participate in a seminar on digital literature and contemporary publishing.

Poet Abdulrahman Al Dulaimi, director of the Department of Culture and Arts at Qatar's Ministry of Culture, will take part in a poetry evening. Ibrahim Al Buhashim Al Sayed, director-general of Qatar National Library, will participate in a discussion on cultural institutions as bridges for dialogue and understanding between societies.

The program will also highlight Qatar's maritime heritage through a seminar, featuring researcher Mohammed Al Sayegh, who specializes in documenting maritime heritage at the Ministry of Culture, and traditional artist Omar Bu Saqer, an expert in traditional maritime arts.

Hanawi said the fair offered Arabs living in Germany an opportunity to maintain ties with their cultural heritage. He noted that families had brought children to previous editions to introduce them to Arabic culture and acquire books to help young people learn the Arabic language.

Running from October 16 to 18, the fair will bring together Arab and German publishers alongside representatives of German cultural institutions.

The opening day will feature the presentation of the 2026 Riwaq Prize for Science and Culture, organized by Diwan in cooperation with the Orient Institute Beirut. The award will honor three researchers for outstanding academic publications in the humanities relating to Arab cultures and societies.

Other sessions will explore Arabic-German translation, the role of book fairs in promoting cultural exchange, Arabic fiction in the Gulf region, Arabic manuscripts, digital literature and the contribution of cultural institutions to intercultural dialogue.

The fair is part of Diwan's efforts to expand the presence of Arabic books and culture in Germany, strengthen links between publishers and cultural institutions, and encourage dialogue between Arab and German communities.

The exhibition will open on Friday from 3pm to 8pm, on Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm, local time. (QNA)