The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah at the Doha International Book Fair yesterday.
Doha: The Doha International Book Fair has become an annual and “important” event in the Arab region, said the Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, pointing to the significant role played by the fair in educating the public both in and outside of Qatar.
Speaking to reporters on the last day of the 23rd edition of the Doha International Book Fair yesterday, Al Attiyah said that the exhibition offered a great opportunity for citizens and residents to take advantage of the latest intellectual productions on display, expressing his admiration about the large participation of Arab and foreign publishing houses.
He added that the printed book is facing significant challenges, the most important of which is “electronic books” which makes it hard for the traditional book to continue. He argued that the increased purchasing power noticed at the book fairs in Doha every year indicates the existence of a tendency to read and learn while it proves that the electronic book will not replace the printed book.
The Doha Book Fair, he said, is witnessing major developments in terms of turnout and the purchasing power and even at the level of participating publishers from various countries from around the world.
The Doha International Book Fair is growing every year, Al Attiyah said, while comparing it to numerous international book fairs he had visited.
“I’ve learned that many of the international publishing houses were willing to participate this year, but limited space available prevented their participation.”
Japan was the “chief guest” of the exhibition this year, in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Qatar. QNA
