The Qatari Ministry of Culture announced on Monday the launch of the 35th session of the Doha International Book Fair on May 14, with the participation of more than 36 countries represented by about 515 publishing houses distributed among 910 pavilions. The exhibition director stressed that holding the event in light of the “exceptional circumstances” that the region is going through as a result of the American-Israeli war on Iran, represents a “message of steadfastness” confirming that Qatar places “knowledge above all else.”

Published on: 04/05/2026 - 17:30

The Qatari Ministry of Culture announced on Monday that more than 36 countries will participate in the 35th session of the Doha International Book Fair, represented by about 515 publishing houses and destinations distributed among 910 pavilions, in addition to the participation of a number of ministries and government institutions. The exhibition will be held from May 14 to 23 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

A “message of steadfastness” in light of war

Jassim Ahmed Al-Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Exhibition, said in a statement that the new session comes “under exceptional circumstances that have only increased our determination to adhere to our civilized message,” referring to the bombardment that the Arab Gulf states were subjected to with missiles and drones during the American-Israeli war on Iran.

He added, "Holding the exhibition today goes beyond being a periodic cultural event, to become a message of steadfastness that confirms that the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, puts knowledge above all else," stressing that "the book is the weapon that does not let its owner down, and reading is the bridge toward a more secure and stable future."

The challenges of the region and the determination to continue

He continued, saying, "We are aware of the magnitude of the current challenges and the spark that has affected our dear land as a result of the surrounding conflicts. Despite these wounds, we in the Ministry of Culture believe that the true response to violence is to spread light, deepen awareness, and advance human thought."

Some of the largest book fairs in the Gulf region have been postponed over the past two months following the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, affecting air travel and shipping.

Exhibition history

The first session of the Doha Book Fair was launched in 1972 under the supervision of the Qatari Book Fair, and its sessions continued to be held every two years until 2002, after which it became an annual event.

France 24/Reuters

Keywords related to the article

The content you want to browse is no longer in service or is currently unavailable.