Qatar showcases literary landscape at SIBF 2025

A representative from the Ministry of Culture noted that Qatar’s participation forms part of a broader national strategy to promote cultural openness and cooperation. “The Ministry’s participation demonstrates the State of Qatar’s active presence in major cultural fairs and forums, regionally and globally,” the spokesperson said. “Our aim is to foster meaningful cultural exchange and encourage openness toward diverse literary and intellectual fields that build bridges between innovators, thinkers, and publishers.”

At the Ministry’s pavilion, visitors encounter a dynamic portrait of Qatar’s literary and publishing landscape, featuring a wide selection of new publications across genres including literature, science, philosophy, and culture. The presentation reflects the country’s enduring investment in creativity, scholarship, and knowledge dissemination.

Among the Qatari publishers present was Dar Alwatad, whose representatives Farah Mohsen and Bahy Fathallah praised both the organisation and atmosphere of this year’s fair. “The experience at SIBF is excellent,” they said. “The fair is lively and full of activities, and everyone, from the management to fellow exhibitors have been incredibly welcoming.”

Dar Alwatad’s catalogue encompasses a wide spectrum of titles, ranging from law and literature to children’s and self-development books, underscoring the diversity and reach of contemporary Qatari publishing.

Also representing the nation is Qatar University Press (QUP), which is showcasing a series of peer-reviewed academic works that mirrors the institution’s growing contributions to regional and international research. A QUP representative, Hamza, describes the Sharjah fair as “one of the best participations we’ve had in the Middle East.”

“We’ve participated in book fairs in Istanbul, Morocco, and Algeria, but this one stands out,” he added. “Our highlight this year is a publication on geopolitics, which has been adopted as a reference text for master’s programmes at Qatar’s diplomatic institutions, which is a milestone we’re very proud of.”

Through its diverse showcase and collaborative spirit, Qatar’s presence at SIBF 2025 reaffirms the country’s belief in culture as a powerful instrument for dialogue and understanding—an ethos that continues to guide its engagement with the Arab world and the global literary community.