Covid-19 precautions mean the 2022 event will be running at reduced capacity with strict entry-requirements, but the 2020 Doha IBF saw over 215,000 books sold amid footfall of 320,000 visitors – small by Arab book fair standards but a number most European book fairs can only dream of.
In the week that saw the massive New Delhi World Book fair postponed, other publishing events around the world are still, for now, going ahead as planned.
Among them the Doha International Book Fair in Qatar, with 430 publishers from 37 countries set to participate.
The USA is Guest of Honour, sealing the Qatar-America Year of Culture 2021, with American publishing houses lined up to participate for the first time. The Italian Embassy in Doha is to participate in a special pavilion displaying children’s books and special activities, with a showing from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Doha International Book Fair, noted that the 2022 event marks the 50th anniversary of the fair’s inception in 1972, but that this would be the 31st event.
Among the Arab states participating are Oman, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan and Egypt as well as Sharjah, represented.
Among the Qatari publishers participating in the bookfair are Dar Al Thaqafah Printing Press, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press, Katara Publishing House, Qatar University Press, Rosa Publishing House, Zakrit Publishing House, Dar Al Watad for Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al Sharq Printing, Publishing and Distribution, Nabja House for Publishing and Distribution and Nawa Publishing House.
Covid-19 precautions mean the 2022 event will be running at reduced capacity with strict entry-requirements, but the 2020 Doha IBF saw over 215,000 books sold amid footfall of 320,000 visitors – small by Arab book fair standards but a number most European book fairs can only dream of.
