Doha, May 18 (QNA) - The Ministry of Culture officially concluded the 34th edition of the Doha International Book Fair tonight, which was held from May 8 to 17 under the theme "From Engraving to Writing" at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair witnessed massive public turnout, with participation from 522 publishers and entities from 42 countries. Among them were 11 Palestinian publishers making their debut, Syrian Halbouni market bookstores, American publishers, and, for the first time, British publishing houses. The exhibition's publication directory included around 166,000 titles. The 2025 fair featured broader participation from ministries, governmental and private institutions, and diplomatic missions, with Palestine honored as the guest of honor. Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, expressed his great satisfaction with the fair's success, emphasizing the unprecedented turnout, which far exceeded expectations compared to previous editions. He noted that visitor numbers increased daily, particularly in the final days. The event also witnessed the announcement of winners for the Doha International Book Fair Awards, including Best Children's Area Pavilion, which drew significant family engagement. Interactive activities fostered a love for reading among young audiences. He explained that the Ministry of Culture intends to continue the award to achieve its goals, which intersect with the Ministry's vision. He added that details of the new edition of the award will be announced in the coming days. He pointed out that one of the most notable achievements was the success of the translation initiative, launched alongside the fair's opening. Around 100 agreements were signed between Qatari publishers and international institutions to translate various Qatari books. He added that the cultural program complemented the fair's theme "From Engraving to Writing". Palestine's presence as the guest of honor enriched the event's cultural and human dimension, showcasing Palestinian heritage through a dedicated pavilion and special programming. He underlined that the visitors enjoyed a diverse range of literary and cultural events, including seminars, discussions, poetry evenings, and interactive workshops aimed at skill-building and fostering creativity. The fair provided a dynamic children's space, transforming into an interactive hub that blended education and entertainment, further enhancing family participation. Al Buainain emphasized that organizers facilitated all logistical processes for publishers, including shipping, customs clearance, and transportation, ensuring smooth participation. He stressed that the fair is no longer just a platform for displaying books - it has evolved into a comprehensive cultural project aligned with Qatar's vision to promote knowledge and literacy. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Culture remains committed to sustaining and expanding these initiatives, ensuring continuous innovation and inclusivity in future editions. A rich array of cultural and artistic activities, including seminars, poetry evenings, lectures, and workshops across various literary and cultural fields were held on the sidelines of the fair. A major highlight was the launch of the Doha International Book Fair Award, introduced by the Ministry of Culture to recognize excellence in publishing and writing. The award categories included Outstanding Publisher (Local & International), Outstanding Children's Book Publisher (Local & International), Creativity Award for Writers, and the Young Qatari Writer Award, all aimed at supporting the publishing industry, encouraging authors, and enriching Qatar's literary landscape. Children's books and young readers were a major focus, with a dedicated exhibition space featuring leading children's publishers. The fair also hosted a variety of interactive events designed to inspire a love for reading and creativity among young visitors. This year's fair introduced new design elements, with the Central Zone serving as a focal point. The Ministry of Culture's pavilion featured a diverse collection of books by local authors, as well as ministry publications and a digital printing station producing books on demand for visitors. The exhibition included a range of activities, shows, and workshops for children. A children's theater stage showcased plays and cultural programs tailored for young audiences. The main stage hosted seminars, lectures, poetry evenings, and theatrical performances. Specialized workshops covered a range of cultural, social, and professional topics. The Doha International Book Fair reinforced the Ministry of Culture's mission to support authors, promote publishing, and strengthen the reading culture within the community. It has evolved beyond a traditional book exhibition into a comprehensive cultural platform, fostering creativity and knowledge-sharing. In a related context, the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, a Ministry of Culture-affiliate, announced the winners of the competition titled artificial intelligence (AI) and my story, launched in collaboration with Lusail University. In the male student category, the first place went to Ilmi Darraji, the second place to Tawfiq Sidiq, and the third place went to Issa Ali Mohammed Youssef. As in the female student category, the first place was awarded to Saida Mubarak Al Mohannadi, the second to Aisha Abdulqader Al Saadi, while the third place went to Ohood Mohammed Al Kuwari. On this occasion, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain said that this competition, which was launched on the occasion of the World Book Day, stemmed from a deep appreciation for literary creativity and is a way to encourage emerging writers to explore short story writing using innovative approaches, in a reflection of the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing commitment to supporting literary production in all its forms. Al Buainain added that the Ministry is keen to support cooperation with universities and academic institutions through such competitions, aiming to open new horizons for students and empowering them to utilize AI tools to enrich their writing experiences. He added that the goal was to produce literary works that carry both originality and innovation in a time marked by rapid innovation and unprecedented change. For his part, Dean of Lusail University's College of Information Technology, Prof. Mohammad Aref Alshraideh said that the initiative blended literature, technology, imagination, and knowledge, resulting in vivid stories that reflect a renewed awareness and bold expression. Prof. Alshraideh noted that artificial intelligence has become one of the most important tools of the future, advancing creativity, education, and knowledge. The Dean of Lusail University's College of Information Technology added that the students crafted outstanding stories that showcase their ability to think critically and express themselves creatively using modern tools. Despite the overwhelming presence of advanced technologies, the goal was never to replace human creativity or marginalize genuine imagination, but rather to train students to use AI tools in a conscious and meaningful way. (QNA)