Doha: Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, brought the richness of classical Arabic literature to life at the One Book, One Doha Festival 2025. This year's vibrant and interactive edition spotlighted Maqamat Al-Hariri, a literary masterpiece celebrated for its linguistic artistry, sharp humor, and cultural depth.
According to Qatar News Agency, the festival, held from November 2 to 15, 2025, at Katara Building 18, provided an unparalleled educational and cultural experience. It connected readers across all generations by turning the classical text into an engaging, immersive public forum. The event demonstrated the power of culture and education in bringing people together.
The festival's concept highlighted Al Hariri's literary and linguistic brilliance, encouraging appreciation for the Arabic language through creative exploration and promoting reading as a vital cultural practice. Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library, emphasized the festival's national significance. "The One Book, One Doha Festival serves as a dynamic catalyst for engaging with our rich Arab intellectual heritage, proving that our classical texts are both timeless and directly relevant to today's generation," she noted.
"By making the festival interactive, we did more than celebrate a book; we highlighted the beauty of the Arabic language and invited all citizens and residents to join this cultural and educational discovery." The festival's extensive program featured several interactive zones designed for families, students, educators, and the general public.
The Desert of Knowledge served as a central hub for activities that encouraged linguistic creativity and teamwork, including the "Dotless Arabic Challenge" and "Proverbs of Al-Hariri" reconstruction in both Arabic and English. The Secrets of the Maqamat (an Escape Room), sponsored by Seashore Group, was another engaging challenge inspired by the protagonist's wit and adventures. It merged literary puzzle-solving with a focus on modern sustainability and environmental awareness, reflecting the Group's commitment to corporate social responsibility alongside cultural enrichment.
The Literary Souq zone of the festival offered a cultural marketplace featuring publishers, namely Dar Nabjah, HBKU Press, and Dar Basma. Meanwhile, the Qatar Reads booth served as a key platform to connect with the community, offering reading packages through the Family Reading Program memberships. An interactive Debate Wall also invited visitors of all ages to reflect on and vote for contemporary, thought-provoking questions inspired by the classic text.