Doha, May 15 (QNA) - The Ministry of Culture honored the winners of the Doha International Book Fair awards Thursday, as part of the 34th edition of the event. The awards recognized outstanding achievements in publishing and writing, alongside the Best Exhibition Pavilion Award. This year’s awards saw strong competition among local, Arab, and international publishing houses, as well as a distinguished group of authors presenting remarkable works. In the publishing category, Dar Al Watad won the Excellence Award for Qatari Publishers, while Dar El Ain Publishing and Distribution received the Excellence Award for International Publishers. In the children’s books sector, Dar Ktateeb won the Excellence Award for Qatari Publishers, while Dar Asala claimed the Excellence Award for International Publishers of Children's Books. In the authors' category, writer Faisal Al Ansari won the Creativity Award for his novel Fires of Toubkal. Young Qatari author Athba Al Muslimani received the Creativity Award. For Best Exhibition Pavilion, Abdulaziz Al Bohashim Al Sayed Library for Heritage Books won the award, attracting visitors with its rare collection of historical books and old editions, enriching the cultural atmosphere of the fair. The total prize value amounts to 160,000 Qatari riyals, awarded as QR 30,000 for each of the four main categories, QR 40,000 for Best Exhibition Pavilion, QR 20,000 each for Best Author and Best Young Author. In his remarks, Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, emphasized that the awards serve to recognize publishers and creators who contribute to enriching the cultural landscape. He described them as a tribute to all who believe in the power of words and work tirelessly to foster a well-read and knowledgeable society. Al Buainain reaffirmed the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to supporting the local and Arab publishing industry, in line with its vision to spread knowledge and education. He highlighted that the awards provide a platform to celebrate those who have enriched Arabic content with works deserving of recognition. He adde that this year’s submissions reflected significant diversity and a noticeable focus on high-quality writing and publishing, he noted, expressing gratitude to all participants and congratulating the winners. He stressed that this achievement is not an endpoint but rather the start of a greater responsibility and a deeper mission. The fair continues under the theme "From Engraving to Writing" until May 17 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. As the weekend approaches, the exhibition halls have been bustling with visitors eager to purchase books and attend cultural events, including seminars, panel discussions, and lectures. Additionally, artistic performances have drawn large crowds, particularly families. (QNA)