Doha: The winners of the second edition of the Arabic Book Award were honored during a ceremony held at the Kempinski Pearl Hotel on Saturday, attended by HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, and a number of senior officials and the ambassadors accredited to Qatar. Secretary General of the Arabic Book Award Dr. Hassan Al Naama crowned the winners of the award in various fields.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Arabic Book Award, launched by the State of Qatar in March 2024, focuses on books written in the Arabic language and aims to honor researchers, publishing houses, and institutions contributing to the Arabic book industry. In his speech, Dr. Hassan Al Naama expressed his gratitude to HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for his support, highlighting the award’s role in embodying the nation’s commitment to human thought and Arab heritage.
Dr. Al Naama emphasized the importance of writers and thinkers in enhancing cultural awareness and intellectual values. The award, he noted, not only recognizes authors but also reflects the nation’s dedication to advancing human thought, inspired by the rich Arab heritage that has significantly contributed to human knowledge.
Abdulrahman Al Marri, spokesperson for the Arabic Book Award, stated that eleven book category winners and six achievement category winners were honored in this edition. He highlighted the award’s role in providing a platform for Arab authors, enhancing the value of Arabic books, and their presence in both Arab and global cultural scenes.
Dr. Ali Abdullah Al Naeem, Director of the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts, expressed pride in receiving the award, seeing it as recognition of the institute’s efforts over eight decades. He outlined ongoing projects aimed at preserving Arab heritage, making it accessible to researchers, and enhancing manuscript studies through academic programs and training.
The establishment of an Arab committee in Doha affiliated with UNESCO was also noted by Dr. Al Naeem, which aims to strengthen Arab efforts in documenting manuscript heritage and foster cooperation between cultural institutions and research centers in the Arab world.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Mani remarked on the award’s significance in supporting the Arabic language and cultural production. He highlighted its role as a catalyst for Arab writers and cultural development.
Professor Dr. Abderrazak Belagrouz, a winner of the Arabic Book Award, expressed his joy at the recognition, emphasizing its support for philosophical thought and moral awareness development. He described the award as comprehensive, covering fields such as history, philosophy, linguistics, and Islamic sciences.