Doha, May 17 (QNA) - The head of the Cultural Committee at the Doha International Book Fair, Dalal Al Dosari, affirmed that the 35th edition of the fair was presented with a renewed vision encompassing cultural, national, and intellectual dimensions. This reflected the fair's mission as a platform for dialogue, knowledge, and cultural documentation, with a focus on national identity and openness to diverse intellectual and human experiences.

Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ms. Al Dosari stated that the cultural program for this edition was distinguished by several high-quality initiatives. Among the most prominent was the hosting of the "This is Qatar" project as the fair's guest of honor, in addition to the launch of the "Qatar Speaks" platform. This platform hosts a select group of national leaders in various vital and developmental fields, aiming to document their experiences and highlight their role in building the nation.

The "Qatar Speaks" platform stemmed from the belief that achievements have a voice that must be heard by future generations, and that successful national experiences represent a lasting legacy that can be learned from and emulated, she added.

The cultural program was not limited to traditional intellectual seminars, but rather included daily events that combined thought, literature, arts, heritage, and contemporary issues, with dedicated space for discussion on the role of intellectuals amidst the crises and transformations witnessed by the region and the world,she pointed.

Al Dosari noted that the event featured a distinguished lineup of thinkers, writers, and specialists, alongside a focus on interactive activities aimed at children and various age groups, ensuring broader public participation and enhancing engagement with cultural activities.

She further emphasized that the cultural program was developed from the outset based on a comprehensive vision reflecting the richness of society and the diversity of its interests. She stressed the exhibition's commitment to hosting experiences from diverse intellectual and cultural schools, embodying the spirit of dialogue and openness upon which the exhibition is founded.

Regarding the balance between its popular appeal and its elite focus, Al Dosari stated that the cultural program successfully presented content accessible to the public without compromising its intellectual depth.

She said that the seminars addressed intellectual topics in a simplified and engaging manner, while maintaining their scholarly value. This provided a space for intellectuals and the general public to meet within a single cultural experience. The committee's vision is based on the principle that "culture is for everyone," and that it only bears fruit when presented in a language that is understandable and accessible to the public. This, she said, was reflected in the large public attendance at the seminars and events.

Regarding naming the "This is Qatar" project as the guest of honor for this session, Ms. Dalal Al Dosari described this step as a "unique experience," given that the guest of honor is not a country or a traditional institution, but rather a comprehensive cultural, national, and intellectual project. She emphasized that the project represents a documentary cultural encyclopedia that tells the story of Qatar to the world through a blend of knowledge, documentation, and visual creativity. It carries significant national significance due to its documentation of Qatar's history, memory, and identity.

She noted that the project is not limited to printed books, but also includes audiobooks and more than 300 documentaries, in addition to a wealth of visual materials such as photographs, maps, and documents that chronicle the character of Qatar's places and people.

She explained that hosting the "This is Qatar" project directly influenced the nature of the seminars and sessions accompanying the exhibition, with events dedicated to addressing issues of national identity, historical documentation, and collective memory.

The "Qatar Speaks" platform contributed to highlighting inspiring Qatari experiences in the intellectual, economic, medical, and legal fields through direct encounters with experts, giving young people the opportunity to learn from these role models and benefit from their experiences, she added .

Al Dosari emphasized that the "This is Qatar" project presents a contemporary model for cultural and intellectual documentation, combining cultural narrative with visual and intellectual documentation, while utilizing modern media to convey the cultural message.

She explained that the project reflects a global trend in engaging with diverse cultures, as its content has been translated into five languages, with documentaries dubbed into those same languages. She added that there are future plans for expansion, making it a cultural window that conveys Qatar's message to the world, and described it as "a nation's memory and a bridge connecting the past with the present."

The Head of the Cultural Committee at the Doha International Book Fair, emphasized that the fair represents one of the most important platforms supporting national cultural identity by showcasing Qatari intellectual and creative output and highlighting Qatari writers.

She stated that the fair also celebrates national heritage, encourages dialogue about national values, and supports reading as an essential part of building societal awareness, while ensuring the consolidation of national identity among children and future generations.

Ms. Dalal Al Dosari affirmed that cultural events are no longer merely a complementary element of the fair, but have become a vital part of its core structure, given their role in building bridges of communication between generations and opening a window onto national memory.

In this regard, she noted that hosting national leaders and influential figures allows new generations to learn about experiences that may be unfamiliar to them, connecting the past and present and offering a future vision based on dialogue and interaction.

On the selection process for seminars topics and guests, she explained that the choice is based on a set of criteria, most notably the importance of the topic and its relevance to current events, along with diversity and comprehensiveness. Guests with significant intellectual experiences and the ability to offer a genuine contribution to the audience are also selected, while ensuring they keep pace with intellectual and cultural shifts and present topics that address people's realities and futures.

She emphasized that culture today cannot be separated from politics, economics, or thought, as they are all intertwined elements that shape the overall landscape. This is reflected in the nature of the seminars and participating guests. She noted that this year's cultural program focused on several key issues, including cultural identity, digital transformation, content creation, preserving national memory, as well as literature, arts, and translation.

She pointed out that the program paid particular attention to the role of intellectuals during times of crisis and the importance of translation as a bridge for communication between peoples, while also striving to give the seminars deeper intellectual and cultural dimensions.

Al Dosari affirmed that Qatar's experience in managing major cultural events has garnered frequent praise from participants, intellectuals, and the public, thanks to its professional organization and clear cultural vision. She noted that Qatar has successfully combined a local focus with global engagement, investing in culture as a fundamental element of development and human capacity building.

She considered the Doha International Book Fair to be part of Qatar's soft power, pointing out that it is the oldest in the region and one of the most prominent Arab cultural events.

The increasing participation year after year reflects the fair's growing stature and its role in enhancing Qatar's global cultural presence and attracting major publishing houses and intellectuals from around the world.

Regarding the presence of new arts and digital media, she explained that the Doha Book Fair was among the first Arab book fairs to integrate modern technology into cultural events. She highlighted the use of technologies such as "Reader Guide" and artificial intelligence in education and interaction, in addition to organizing seminars discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on writing and authorship. 

Dalal Al Dosari, head of the cultural committee at the exhibition, emphasized at the end of her interview with QNA that the committee’s vision stems from the fact that culture is renewed by renewing its tools, and that the goal is to present content that is both profound and close to the public at the same time, based on the principle that “culture is for everyone.”(QNA)