For the first time, the fair will launch a Professional Literary Exchange Programme, designed to foster international publishing rights deals and translation collaborations.
The 35th Doha International Book Fair, to run 8-18 May, will be the largest in its history, featuring 522 publishers from 43 countries, including a strong contingent from Palestine, this year’s Guest of Honour.
New Initiatives and Awards
For the first time, the fair will launch a Professional Literary Exchange Programme, designed to foster international publishing rights deals and translation collaborations. Awards will be presented in key categories, such as:
Outstanding Publisher (Local & International)
Children’s Book Publisher (Local & International)
Creative Writer and Young Qatari Writer
Cultural Programme and Special Features
Main Stage: Discussions with leading Arab intellectuals.
Cultural Salon: Book launches and panel debates.
Workshops: Two dedicated halls for cultural topics.
Syrian Showcase: The Halabouni Book Market will exhibit rare titles.
Children’s Zone: Interactive activities and displays from specialist publishers.
A Growing Regional Powerhouse
Established in 1972, the fair transitioned to an annual event in 2002. Since 2010, it has honoured a Guest of Honour nation – this year, Palestine joins a prestigious list including the UK, France, and Japan and of course numerous Arab states.
With attendance growing from 20 to 500+ publishers, Doha remains a key hub for Arab and international publishing, and a regular feature here at TNPS, although to be fair, Publishing Perspectives did mention the event in 2015. Erin Cox, take note.
In 2023 Doha pulled in 300,000 visitors – more than 10% of the country’s population.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
