Berlin, October 18 (QNA) – Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain stated that Al Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair in Berlin has contributed to strengthening the presence of Arabic literature and deepening cultural exchange. This was achieved by showcasing Qatari intellectual and literary works, as well as publications from Qatari publishing houses, and by expanding the scope of cultural cooperation with various nations around the world.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of the fair’s fourth edition, which concluded on Sunday, Al Buainain noted that the Ministry of Culture’s participation reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing its presence in international cultural forums, particularly in non-Arabic-speaking countries. Such engagement helps introduce Qatari intellectual output to a diverse global audience.

He praised the progress Al Diwan fair has made year after year in terms of participation, noting that this reflects the growing reach of the cultural event. He also highlighted the keen interest shown by the German public, as well as members of the resident Arab community, in learning about other cultures.

Al Buainain explained that Qatar’s participation included showcasing Qatari intellectual works and publications from local publishing houses, in addition to contributing to the fair’s cultural program through a series of intellectual and literary seminars.

Furthermore, Al Buainain emphasized the importance of international cultural partnerships and the pivotal role book fairs play in supporting the publishing industry. He noted that these events open new horizons for collaboration among publishers, authors, and cultural institutions, underscoring that the Ministry of Culture’s participation reaffirms the State of Qatar’s dedication to supporting Arabic culture and bolstering its presence on the global stage. He noted that the Arab cultural landscape, both in general and in Qatar specifically, witnessed significant development in recent years. This progress necessitates the creation of more platforms to facilitate the access of Arabic books to readers worldwide, while also helping to showcase Arab intellectual and creative output, as well as the region’s cultural heritage, all of which reflect the richness of Arab civilization and the diversity of its human experiences.

He further explained that Berlin’s hosting of this event, a city distinguished by its cultural and civilizational diversity, underscores the significance of culture as a universal language capable of building bridges of understanding, fostering dialogue, and embedding values of mutual respect among peoples. He emphasized that a book is not merely a vessel for knowledge, but a human message that carries ideas, expertise, and experiences, transcending the barriers of borders and languages.

Director of the Doha International Book Fair expressed his appreciation to the organizers of Al Diwan Book Fair and their partners, as well as to the publishers, authors, translators, and all those working within the book industry. He expressed his hope that the fair would serve as a space for exchanging expertise, forging fruitful cultural partnerships, and strengthening connections between Arab culture and other cultures.

The fourth edition of Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair took place in Berlin, Germany, from October 16 to 18. Organized by Al Diwan– Arabic Cultural House, the event featured 110 Arab and international publishing houses and was attended by a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, publishers, and researchers. Among the participants were several Qatari writers, intellectuals, researchers, and artists, who contributed to sessions covering topics such as digital literature, Arabic poetry, the role of cultural institutions, and Qatar’s maritime heritage.

The exhibition featured cultural activities, literary and intellectual gatherings, and an extensive program of seminars and discussions. These sessions covered topics such as translation between Arabic and German, the publishing industry, the Arabic novel, manuscripts, digital literature, and Qatari cultural heritage. The program also included sessions on Arabic manuscripts, organized in collaboration with the Berlin State Library, as well as literary encounters with various Arab novelists and intellectuals.

This fourth edition continues the exhibition’s journey, which began in 2023, with the aim of expanding the presence of Arabic books in Germany and fostering direct engagement between Arab and German publishing houses, readers, and cultural institutions. (QNA)