Doha, April 30 (QNA) - The Ministry of Culture has announced that the 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) will open on May 14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

35th DIBF, which will run until May 23, will feature 36 participating countries, 515 publishing houses and other entities, and 910 booths. It will also showcase a number of publications and include participation from ministries, government institutions, and embassies of friendly and allied nations.

Regarding this year's edition of the fair, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali emphasized its significance as a milestone in the country's cultural development. He stated that it embodies a national vision focused on human development and intellectual growth. He added that the fair serves as a vital platform, bringing together diverse perspectives and creative talents, and providing ample opportunities for cultural exchange and exposure to varied intellectual experiences, thus reinforcing the book's role as a fundamental element in shaping societal awareness.

His Excellency affirmed Ministry of Culture's commitment to organizing high-quality events that contribute to consolidating cultural values ​​and keeping pace with global transformations, thereby supporting development and strengthening national identity. He further explained that the continuation of this cultural event reflects the state's commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate the cultural landscape and provide a stimulating environment for creativity and innovation, especially since investing in knowledge remains the most important option for a more prosperous future.

He also expressed the Doha International Book Fair's keenness to continue solidifying its position as a leading platform for disseminating knowledge and promoting cultural activity, particularly given the great attention the State of Qatar pays to the fair despite the current circumstances in the region, due to its significant role in spreading culture and knowledge. He pointed to the importance of community engagement with its events and benefiting from its diverse programs, which contribute to broadening intellectual horizons, establishing a culture of reading, and enhancing the role of such events as a key pillar in building a conscious and cultured society capable of keeping pace with developments and confidently shaping its future.

For his part, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain stated that the 35th DIBF comes at a pivotal moment in the region's history, under exceptional circumstances that have only strengthened the organizers' resolve to uphold its cultural mission. He explained that holding the fair today transcends being merely a periodic cultural event, becoming a message of resilience that affirms that the State of Qatar, both its leadership and its people, places knowledge above all else. The book is a weapon that never fails its owner, and reading is the bridge to a more secure and stable future, ensuring that Doha remains an inextinguishable cultural beacon.

"Culture is the impregnable shield in times of crisis. We are aware of the magnitude of the current challenges, and we at the Ministry of Culture believe that the true response to violence lies in spreading enlightenment, deepening awareness, and elevating human thought," he added.

Al Buainain called upon everyone to participate in this cultural celebration, affirming that Doha will remain an unyielding platform for enlightenment, especially as the fair embodies Qatar's vision, which sees educated individuals as the cornerstone of protecting the nation and building its renaissance.

This edition of DIBF is of particular importance as it serves as practical proof that the cultural scene in Qatar continues to thrive, and that the exhibition is a meeting place reflecting the cohesion of society and its unity around its national identity in the face of all challenges, Al Buainain explained.

Several carefully curated cultural events will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition, including cultural seminars, lectures, and workshops in various fields, as well as the Doha International Book Fair Award for Qatari and international publishers and authors.

The Doha International Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest international book fairs in the region, and enjoys a distinguished reputation due to the large number of visitors it attracts from the Gulf, Arab, and other countries around the world. It pays particular attention to children and young adults, dedicating a large space in each edition to prominent children's book publishers, in addition to organizing interactive events and activities to showcase children's talents and encourage them to read.

The first Doha International Book Fair was launched in 1972 under the auspices of the Qatar National Library. It was held biennially until 2002, after which it became an annual event.

DIBF will be open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except on Fridays when it will be open from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It will feature numerous cultural events addressing diverse topics of interest to the community and visitors.

The fair gained international prominence after successfully attracting the largest and most important international publishing houses. Its first edition featured 20 publishing houses, while the 33rd edition witnessed the largest international participation in its history, attracting more than 515 publishing houses from 42 countries, in addition to participation from embassies of sister and friendly nations. Held in an area of ​​29,000 square meters, the fair has, since 2010, selected a different country each year as its guest of honor. The first guest of honor was the US, followed by Turkiye, Iran, Japan, UK, Germany, Russia, France, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Palestine. (QNA)