Doha: Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library (QNL), and Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC), convened over 120 leaders and experts from diverse sectors in Qatar to deliberate on the significance of reading as a cornerstone for cultivating future leaders.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event unveiled research findings from the Read to Lead program, a primary initiative of Qatar Reads. It also highlighted the annual One Book, One Doha campaign, this year celebrating the classical Arabic literary masterpiece Maqamat Al Hariri. This selection aims to revive interest in Arabic literature and inspire contemporary leaders by drawing from its rich historical context.
HE Minister of State and President of QNL, Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, emphasized the cultural session’s reflection of the belief that true leadership is rooted in knowledge and dialogue. He noted that reading serves as the primary gateway to knowledge, with the library functioning as a strategic hub for skill development and idea exchange. The partnership with QLC is viewed as essential for fostering development and innovation across Qatar.
Nada Bahzad, Senior Program Development Specialist at Qatar Reads, explained that the session integrated the Read to Lead program, focusing on leadership through reading, with the One Book, One Doha campaign. She highlighted the ongoing Maqamat Al Hariri exhibition at QNL, continuing until 2025, and the collaboration with QLC to engage leaders in understanding the literary masterpiece’s relevance to leadership.
Bahzad stressed the openness of the Qatar Reads initiative, through the Read to Lead program, to all institutions in Qatar, encouraging cooperation for organizing reading sessions that benefit organizational leadership.
Mohammed Selaan Al Marri, a QLC Government Leaders Program-affiliate, remarked on the collaborative effort between QNL and QLC to create a knowledge-rich environment for leadership development. He emphasized that libraries are more than reading spaces, serving as learning centers that connect participants with diverse knowledge sources to enhance leadership visions.
Al Marri highlighted that the Read to Lead program offers an opportunity to appreciate reading as a tool for self-development and leadership improvement. Reading is portrayed not as a luxury but as a foundation for personal and professional growth and a means to connect theory with practice.
Jaber Ibrahim Al Jaber, Production Unit Manager at Qatar Shell and a QLC Executive Leaders Program-affiliate, acknowledged the session’s importance in motivating leaders to engage with reading and learning. He praised Qatar Reads for its role in skill development and emphasized the value of events that encourage societal reading, particularly among leaders.
The session featured presentations and discussions, including insights from Shaikha AlWaadani of Qatar Foundation on reading habits among leaders in Qatar, and Munis Mheidat’s exploration of leadership lessons from Maqamat Al Hariri. Dr. Mahmoud Gomaa of QNL provided insights into the Heritage Library’s unique collection, while Dr. Muhammad Al Mukhtar AlShinqiti shared personal reflections on the impact of Maqamat Al Hariri on his intellectual journey.
The event transitioned into a performance by the Arab Community Ensemble, showcasing traditional maqam music, and concluded with a guided tour of QNL’s advanced knowledge infrastructure, including notable exhibitions and innovation stations.