Prime Minister inaugurates renovated Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya

Established in 1962, Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya is one of the oldest national libraries in the Gulf region

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya, following a comprehensive restoration. The event was attended by HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture, along with senior officials and dignitaries. 

To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated on his official X account: “Knowledge is the foundation of progress and development. The reopening of Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya continues its rich legacy, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, strengthening national identity and supporting researchers and creators in their pursuit of knowledge.” 

The reopening aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s strategy to instill knowledge, safeguard Qatar’s cultural heritage and reinforce its national identity. Established in 1962, Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya is one of the oldest national libraries in the Gulf region. 

The renovation expands the library’s capacity to welcome readers and researchers, reinforcing its role as a dynamic cultural hub. It offers access to a vast collection of books and historical documents, serving scholars, heritage enthusiasts and the wider community. 

Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya will also play an expanded role in the country’s cultural landscape through a series of initiatives, by showcasing key publications at the Doha International Book Fair, launching programs and initiatives that foster cultural dialogue, as well as opening a new reception hall and a dedicated bookstore to serve readers and researchers. 

The library houses an extensive collection of rare manuscripts, including more than 1,200 historical texts in disciplines such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine and chemistry, written in Arabic, Persian and Turkish. It also preserves historic newspapers, periodicals, and rare maps, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and historians. 

To mark its reopening, Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya is hosting a book fair at Iqraa Plaza until 8 March, featuring leading Qatari publishing houses. The event also includes cultural seminars on the library’s history and its role in education, workshops on manuscript restoration and Arabic calligraphy and a video competition about the history and significance of the library