Doha:HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani recognized a distinguished group of writers and authors during the annual ceremony organized by the Qatari Forum for Authors. The event included the introduction of new cultural projects aimed at supporting authors, nurturing literary talent, and promoting a culture of reading and knowledge across society.

According to Qatar News Agency, the ceremony, which operated under the motto “a pen elevates its bearer,” honored several writers for their contributions to enriching the Forum’s mission and advancing Qatar’s cultural theater. The honorees included Saleh Gharib, Rawda Al Hammadi, Rawda Al Amri, among others. The Forum also launched initiatives like cultural corner events and the second Seeds of Knowledge project, aimed at making culture accessible and turning academic research into widely-read cultural publications.

Forum Director Iman Al Kaabi emphasized the importance of culture as a foundation for national progress and highlighted the Forum’s new projects, such as the launch of a website and an online blog to publish members’ creative works. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Qatar’s cultural landscape and foster the exchange of cultural experiences.

Al Kaabi also pointed out the significance of engaging with homegrown writers and authors to develop the Forum’s work. The new initiatives include a writer’s birth event, panel discussions, and a short-story competition, all designed to strengthen national identity and Qatari heritage. The Forum is collaborating with cultural cafes to distribute publications and host literary gatherings, further integrating culture into community spaces.

The ceremony featured segments highlighting the role of authors, the Arabic language, and community initiatives. Notable contributions included discussions led by writers like Shamma Al Kuwari and Hassan Al Sayed, as well as a presentation by Rawda Al Hammadi on making academic research accessible to general readers.

The event underscored the Forum’s commitment to fostering creativity and expanding literary engagement in Qatar, with several cultural organizations participating to support these goals.