Qatar Reads promoting reading culture among youth
The Qatar Reads
initiative has evolved from a modest campaign into a powerful cultural movement
that continues to inspire young people to embrace reading, said Minister of
State and President of Qatar National Library (QNL), H E Dr. Hamad bin
Abdulaziz Al-Kawari.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Fables
in Fashion Art Exhibition 2025, Dr. Al-Kawari said the program has
exceeded expectations by blending heritage with creativity, making classical
Arabic literature accessible to a new generation.
“Qatar Reads
was first launched to promote reading—particularly in Arabic—among the youth.
Over time, it has blossomed into something far more impactful, thanks to the
energy and awareness of our young participants,” he noted.
Celebrating Arab heritage through art
This year’s exhibition reimagines Maqamat Al-Hariri, the celebrated
11th-century collection of satirical tales, through modern artistic
interpretations. Dr. Al-Kawari said the showcase proves how classical works can
remain relevant today.
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“The exhibition demonstrates the richness of Arab culture and how our youth can engage with it, transforming words into action and expression,” he said.
While initially hesitant about presenting such
a linguistically complex work, he praised the Qatar Reads team for successfully
adapting it into an engaging experience. “Arabic
is a timeless language—you can read texts written centuries ago and still feel
they were written yesterday,” he explained.
A universal message
Dr. Al-Kawari emphasized that reading lies at
the heart of Arab identity and Islamic values. “The Arab culture promotes the pursuit of knowledge. The very
first verse of the Holy Quran is ‘Iqra’—read. It is both a spiritual and
intellectual command,” he said, stressing its continued relevance in an
age dominated by digital distractions.
He called for the initiative to extend beyond
Qatar’s borders, saying its innovative approach could inspire readers worldwide
and build cross-cultural understanding.
Looking ahead
With strong public response to the exhibition,
Dr. Al-Kawari affirmed that Qatar Reads
will continue to grow through more exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations.
“This
initiative began modestly, but today it has become one of QNL’s most important
programmes. After the success we see now, it will continue—and continue
successfully,” he said confidently.
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By transforming dense literary works into interactive experiences, Qatar Reads not only bridges generational gaps but also reaffirms Qatar’s commitment to nurturing a culture of reading and knowledge.
Source: Qatar News Agency