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Tribune News Network
Doha
KATARA Publishing House was opened at a ceremony in Doha on Thursday which also saw honouring of a noted Qatari poet and writer Dr Hassan al Nama.
The opening ceremony at Katara Cultural Village was attended by ministers, writers, academics, diplomats and a number of other dignitaries.
Minister of Energy and Industry HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh al Sada, HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al Kuwari, HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Raheem Kafoud, HE Dr Hajar Ahmed Hajar al Binali were among those who were present.
Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara Cultural Village, in his opening address, said that Katara Publishing House represented a major step towards promoting Qatari creativity in culture, art, heritage and knowledge.
"This initiative of Katara is a new addition to the printing and publishing activities in Qatar. It will support Qatari writers by publishing their works and introducing them to the world through international book fairs in Qatar and overseas," said Sulaiti.
He stated, Katara, through the publishing house will focus on bringing out books with high standards in terms of production, publication and circulation.
He noted that the novels, critical studies and other books published by Katara on Qatari culture, heritage and traditions had been well received by the public.
"Through establishment of the Katara Publishing House we wish to reinforce the cultural, literary and intellectual life in Qatar and the region, for the benefit of the present and future generations, considering the importance of books in promoting human thinking," said Sulaiti.
Sulaiti then presented Katara's first annual 'Litterateur Trophy' to Dr Hassan al Nama, well-known Qatari poet, writer and diplomat. Sulaiti said Dr Nama was selected for the award in view of his valued contributions to culture, knowledge and literature.
Dr Nama in his speech lauded the great efforts being made by Katara in promoting Qatari culture, art and literature.
"I think it is a good opportunity to celebrate the opening of the Katara Publishing House. It will create a channel between our heritage and world heritage, art and literature," Dr Nama said, when asked for his comments.
Dr Nama said he was"very happy and proud" to receive Katara's first award for the best Qatari writer.
After the ceremony, Sulaiti cut the ribbon to open the Katara Publishing House in the presence of the participating dignitaries. Five new books published by Katara Publishing House were released on the occasion.
Katara Publishing House has so far published about 100 books, including 60 novels in Arabic, English and French and several books in Arabic on topics such as pearl diving, Oud, falconry, pigeons, dhows, Arab art, novel and literature.
