logo
QM to participate in DIBF 2025 celebrating history & creativity

QM to participate in DIBF 2025 celebrating history & creativity

Qatar Tribune07-05-2025

Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Museums (QM) has announced its participation in the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), one of the region's oldest and largest annual literary events, taking place from May 8 to 17, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
As a key fixture in Qatar's cultural calendar, the fair provides a dynamic platform for exploring the connections between museums, art and literature through a curated selection of publications and engaging activities.
At this year's event, QM's booth will feature a diverse array of newly released titles, renowned publications, and beautifully produced art catalogues. Covering subjects such as history, architecture, archaeology, orientalism, modern and Islamic art, design, and sports, the selection also includes engaging children's stories, ensuring a rich offering for readers of all ages.
Among the latest additions to the QM collections are: Olafur Eliason: The Curious Desert; Seeing Is Believing: The Art and Influence of Jean-Leon Gérôme;Arab Design Now; Ellsworth Kelly; Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage through Morocco's Heritage; Manzar: Art and Architecture from Pakistan – 1940s to Today; Pierre de Coubertin Selected Writings: Volume 1: Revelation; Desert, Sea and Sky: A Day in Qatar (Children's book, selected for the prestigious Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf 2025); and The History of Qatari Architecture 1800-1950 (Reprinted).
QM will also host a book discussion at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre on May 13 at 4:30 pm, featuring The History of Qatari Architecture 1800–1950. The session will be delivered by award-winning architect Ibrahim Jaidah to mark the reprinting of this important title. Co-authored by Ibrahim Jaidah and Malika Bourennane, the book features detailed illustrations and analytical diagrams showcasing various Qatari architectural typologies. The History of Qatari Architecture is the first publication to comprehensively explore the geographical, historical, and functional dimensions of architecture in Qatar, covering everything from ancient cities and villages to public buildings and domestic spaces.
The DIBF, organised under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, runs from 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and from 3 pm to 10 pm on Fridays, offering visitors a rich and engaging literary experience throughout the week.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

QM and HKPM unveil ‘Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition
QM and HKPM unveil ‘Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition

Qatar Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Qatar Tribune

QM and HKPM unveil ‘Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition

Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Museums (QM) and the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) celebrated the opening of 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha', a landmark exhibition exploring the artistic and cultural connections between Islamic and Chinese civilisations. On view from June 18 to October 6, 2025 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Gallery 9, the exhibition is the first in Hong Kong to present such a comprehensive study of Islamic imperial carpets and the broader artistic exchanges that have taken place across regions for centuries. The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and special guests from Qatar and Hong Kong, including Leo Kung, chairman of the HKPM Board; Sheikha Noora Khalifa Al-Thani, consul general of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong; Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, director of the Museum of Islamic Art; Saeed Uddin, chairman of The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong; Betty Fung, chief executive officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; and Dr Louis Ng, museum director of the HKPM. Jointly organised by the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the HKPM, the exhibition brings together 90 extraordinary objects, including carpets, manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, and jades, primarily drawn from the collections of MIA, with significant loans from the Palace Museum in Beijing and the HKPM. Wonders of Imperial Carpets traces the cross-cultural exchanges that flourished across the Safavid dynasty, Mughal dynasty, Ottoman dynasty and China between the 16th and 18th centuries, shaped by diplomacy, migration, and global trade networks. The exhibition is a legacy project of Qatar's Years of Culture initiative and one of the first major outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Qatar Museums and HKPM during the inaugural Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in 2024. It also represents the debut of many of these artefacts outside of Qatar. Through this landmark collaboration, MIA reaffirms its mission to preserve, study, and share the splendour of Islamic art across time and geography. Wonders of Imperial Carpets offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistic excellence of Islamic dynasties and to reflect on the deep historical connections between cultures. By bringing these masterpieces to new audiences, MIA continues to nurture cross-cultural understanding and highlight the enduring relevance of Islamic artistic heritage on the global stage. For tickets and further information, visit

Qatar Museums opens 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition in Hong Kong
Qatar Museums opens 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition in Hong Kong

Qatar Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Qatar Tribune

Qatar Museums opens 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition in Hong Kong

HONG KONG: Qatar Museums opened 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha', at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) in the People's Republic of China on Wednesday. On view from June 18 to October 6at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the exhibition is the first in Hong Kong to present such a comprehensive study of Islamic imperial carpets and the broader artistic exchanges that have taken place across regions for centuries. The exhibition is a legacy project of Qatar's Years of Culture initiative and one of the first major outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Qatar Museums and HKPM during the inaugural Hong Kong International Cultural Summit in 2024. It also represents the debut of many of these artefacts outside of Qatar. The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries and special guests from Qatar and Hong Kong, including Chairman of the HKPM Board Leo Kung; Consul General of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong Sheikha Noora Khalifa Al Thani; Director of the Museum of Islamic Art Shaika Nasser Al Nassr; Chairman of The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong Saeed Uddin; Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Betty Fung; and Museum Director of the HKPM Dr Louis Ng. Jointly organised by the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the HKPM, the exhibition brings together 90 extraordinary objects, including carpets, manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, and jades, primarily drawn from the collections of MIA, with significant loans from the Palace Museum in Beijing and the HKPM. Wonders of Imperial Carpets traces the cross-cultural exchanges that flourished across the Safavid dynasty, Mughal dynasty, Ottoman dynasty and China between the 16th and 18th centuries, shaped by diplomacy, migration, and global trade networks. Regarding the exhibition, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Islamic Art Dr Mounia Chekhab Abudaya said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the criteria upon which the pieces and collectibles were selected for the 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition were inspired by the concept of Islamic and Chinese cultures. They are rare pieces of metal objects and ceramics, most of which are from the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, and they are the result of cooperation between the two museums. She added the pieces and collectibles were selected jointly in cooperation with the team that came to Qatar from Hong Kong, in an agreed-upon manner, and were not randomly selected at the last minute. Museum Director of the HKPM Dr Louis Ng told QNA that the 'Wonders of Imperial Carpets' exhibition is a testament to the enduring cultural dialogue between the Islamic world and China, embodied by the insightful partnership between the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. He continued by saying that they are proud to provide audiences in Hong Kong and around the world with the opportunity to explore this shared heritage through exquisite artifacts, immersive technologies, and multilingual narratives. This collaboration highlights the HKPM's commitment to building bridges between civilizations and fostering mutual appreciation. Through this landmark collaboration, MIA reaffirms its mission to preserve, study, and share the splendour of Islamic art across time and geography. Wonders of Imperial Carpets offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistic excellence of Islamic dynasties and to reflect on the deep historical connections between cultures. By bringing these masterpieces to new audiences, MIA continues to nurture cross-cultural understanding and highlight the enduring relevance of Islamic artistic heritage on the global stage.

QF's Herfah launches 2nd year of celebratingtraditional Qatari and Islamic craftsmanship
QF's Herfah launches 2nd year of celebratingtraditional Qatari and Islamic craftsmanship

Qatar Tribune

time5 days ago

  • Qatar Tribune

QF's Herfah launches 2nd year of celebratingtraditional Qatari and Islamic craftsmanship

Hanane Djoua Doha After a successful inaugural year of celebrating, promoting, and immersing the community in the richness of Qatari artistry and Islamic crafts, Herfah – a programme delivered through a partnership by Qatar Foundation and The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts – has announced the launch of its second year. The programme – based within Al Khater House, a historic landmark in Education City – will continue to offer its core programming, including the year-long traditional crafts programme, short-term courses, and Ramadan workshops, all of which will be open to the public. As the first year of Herfah came to a close, the creative works of the graduates of its intensive programme were showcased at an event at Al Khater House, which was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. 'Our intention with Herfah was not only to preserve traditional skills, but to create a space where craft becomes a form of education, one that helps restore a deeper sense of value,' said Sheikha Hind. 'The more time we spend working with our hands, the more reverence we develop for what is well made. And in doing so, we come to see the world differently.' Herfah's second-year programme will begin in September, with registration opening in July and selected participants notified by the end of August. Applicants must be aged 18 years or older and have prior experience in crafts, and can enrol at and via Education City and Qatar Foundation social media channels. In addition to the year-long core programmes, a variety of short-term courses will be announced later in the year. In its inaugural year, Herfah engaged over 200 participants in hands-on learning experiences and creative exploration. Among them was Sana Arooj, who said she found the opportunity to explore traditional crafts an enriching experience while gaining a deeper understanding of Qatari culture, especially because of the thoughtful structure and delivery of each module. 'The dedication and effort of everyone involved in teaching the skills were remarkable, and their passion made the learning process more enjoyable and inspiring,' she said. 'Through my sessions, I gained not only technical skills, but also a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage and artistic mode. Most importantly, I learned to respect the process. 'Traditional crafts aren't about the final piece. It's about discipline, mindfulness and the journey of creation. It has inspired me to look at my surroundings with a more artistic lens, and to appreciate the beauty in heritage and craftsmanship.' Najiba Haqdost, another participant in Year 1 of the programme, said that being part of Herfah gave her the chance to learn and practise traditional craft skills – things she only had the chance to read about before. 'I spent time working on different projects – from painting using natural pigments to gilding using gold leaves,' she explained. 'I was guided by skilled artists who emphasised not only on the techniques of doing the craft but also on the history and philosophy behind it, which deepened my respect of heritage arts, and inspired me to keep these traditions alive in my own creative journey.' According to Kholoud M. Al Ali, executive director Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation, Herfah aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Qatari and Islamic cultural heritage, while positioning Al Khater House as a dynamic hub for the preservation of tradition, innovation, and a space of learning, discovery, and cultural appreciation. 'The Herfah programme has made significant progress toward realising a vision where history is honoured, knowledge is exchanged, and creativity thrives, and we are excited to continue expanding its impact in the years to come,' Al Ali said. 'Through such initiatives, partnerships and educational programmes, Qatar Foundation plays a vital role in cultural preservation, safeguarding and promoting the rich heritage of Qatar and the broader Gulf region. As Qatar Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary, these efforts further strengthen the connection between the community and its cultural identity, ensuring that these traditions are celebrated and passed down for future generations,' Al Ali added. Hussein Al Elayan, mental health specialist, told Qatar Tribune: 'I joined the Herfah programme because it is one of the first initiatives of its kind to run for a full year, combining a wide variety of traditional crafts with a culturally rich approach. What particularly drew me in was the programme's focus on art forms rooted in our Arab identity, along with the regular inclusion of international experts. 'The first skill I acquired was the foundational understanding of geometric art—learning how to extract patterns and apply them in cultural and artistic contexts. With a professional background in mental health, I found that the art of carving resonated with me profoundly. It aligns closely with concepts of emotional well-being and can be used as a tool to foster mindfulness and psychological balance. 'What truly distinguishes Herfah is its holistic and sustained nature. It is not just a collection of workshops, but a year-long educational journey delivered through a structured and thoughtful methodology.' Neila Essid, graphic designer, said: 'Honestly, the first time I came across the Herfah programme was on Instagram—they had made a post, and I felt an immediate connection. All of us in the programme explored everything—we tried marquetry, carving, painting, and working with gypsum. Then, toward the end of the program, each participant selected one craft to focus on. It's truly a new kind of programme in Doha. A full-year program? This is the first of its kind. With the certificate, new opportunities can open up. You could start participating in exhibitions or even launch your own project—something that's entirely your own.' Laila Noor, visitor experience concierge at Qatar Museums, told Qatar Tribune: 'For my individual project, I chose to work with gypsum carving and gilding, creating a mihrab (prayer niche) for the prayer room in Bayt Al-Khater. I also worked on a group project carving a wooden door panel with sadu symbols. Every subject was enjoyable—ceramics, natural dyes, textiles… 'My greatest passion, though, was for geometry. The classes opened my eyes to the depth and precision behind traditional geometric patterns. I honestly wished it was even longer. Each day, we spent over five hours in class, but not once did I feel bored. It was a release—a chance to recharge and contribute something meaningful.' Khadijetou Moussa, architect at Qatar Foundation, said: 'As an architect, we study modern design but not traditional crafts. Herfah offered a chance to connect with sacred geometry and its philosophical roots. My project was a wall frieze—a traditional decorative border. I used Qatari geometric inspirations and techniques like egg tempera and wood carving.''

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store