A special moment in Qatari culture unfolded during the 34th Doha International Book Fair. The Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, unveiled a commemorative postage stamp. This launch celebrated the reopening of Dar Alkutub Al Qatariya, the country’s historic national library.
The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Culture’s pavilion. Prominent guests attended, including Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau. Also present was Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Culture of the Syrian Arab Republic.
The new stamp is the result of a meaningful collaboration between Qatar Post and the Ministry of Culture. Together, they aimed to document the legacy of Dar Alkutub Al Qatariya, which originally opened in 1962. Since then, the library has served as a key institution supporting Qatari culture, literature, and heritage.
Director General of Dar Alkutub Al Qatariya, Ibrahim Al Buhashim Al Sayed, shared insights about the stamp. He said its design draws inspiration from vintage Qatari stamps, highlighting national identity and cultural memory. This reflects the library’s mission to preserve the past while inspiring future generations.
Moreover, the launch reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to cultural preservation. It also highlights the role of libraries in promoting reading, research, and community engagement.
The reopening of Dar Alkutub Al Qatariya is more than just a return to service. It symbolizes Qatar’s broader effort to renew its cultural institutions. The stamp, while small, holds great significance. It visually communicates the story of a library that has witnessed Qatar’s intellectual evolution.
As a part of the Book Fair, this stamp launch received strong attention. It linked the world of philately with national heritage. With this event, Qatar took another step in celebrating its literary and cultural identity.
Clearly, Dar Alkutub Al Qatariya remains a vital pillar in the country’s journey of knowledge and progress.