Doha: Qatar National Library (QNL), in collaboration with the Arab Book Award, hosted a cultural seminar titled "The Arab Book Industry in General, and the Qatari Book in Particular: A Forward-Looking Reading," marking the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, which is celebrated annually on December 18. HE Minister of State and President of QNL, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, opened the seminar by emphasizing the deep roots of Arabic books and the connection between Arab heritage and future aspirations for Arabic literature.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar was moderated by Dr. Mohammed Al Rahawi, Professor of Arabic Language at Qatar University. It featured Dr. Al Siddiq Omar, a member of the Steering Committee of the Arab Book Award, who discussed quality standards in Arabic authorship. He noted a prevalent trend towards narrative writing and novels, with a limited focus on academic studies in the humanities, dictionaries, and encyclopedias.
Dr. Mustafa Aqil Al Khatib, a historian and winner of the 1st edition of the Arab Book Award, highlighted that winning such awards serves as an incentive for writers, encouraging creativity rather than constraining it. Addressing the decline in reading among younger generations, Dr. Al Khatib emphasized the shared responsibility of families, society, and young individuals in fostering respect for language and books to enhance cultural awareness and nurture a reading culture.
Dr. Aisha Jassim Al Kuwari, CEO of Rosa Publishing House, discussed the challenges faced by the Arabic book industry, which extend beyond production figures to include issues of distribution, impact, and sustainability. She described the industry as an integrated ecosystem involving writers, publishers, readers, and cultural policies, with significant challenges such as limited distribution, high production costs, and declining reading rates among younger generations.
Dr. Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar's experience as a model for the book industry, supported by cultural policies and knowledge institutions. She emphasized the importance of digital transformation in creating a hybrid publishing model that combines print and digital formats. Furthermore, she underscored the role of cultural awards like the Arab Book Award in enhancing content quality and supporting writers and publishers, asserting that the future of the Arab book industry relies on cultivating readers and enhancing cultural value and impact.