Latest news with #QNL
Qatar Tribune
13-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
QNL honours emerging library leaders with QIMAM Award
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL), home of the IFLA Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Office, has honoured two emerging library professionals as the first recipients of the Qatar-IFLA MENA Award for Aspiring Minds (QIMAM Award). Raghad Ghanem Alqahtani from Saudi Arabia and Salma Mohamed Ayoub from Egypt were recognised for their leadership potential and community impact. The award provides librarians with the opportunity to attend the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Kazakhstan from August 18 to 22, 2025. Launched to foster the development of future industry leaders, the QIMAM Award attracted strong interest, with 40 applicants from across the MENA region. Following a rigorous selection process, eight candidates advanced to interviews held on June 21 and 22. The finalists represented Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. A distinguished panel of experts evaluated the candidates based on their contributions to the profession and their commitment to advancing libraries. The panel included Professor Hassan Awad AlSereihi, president of the Special Libraries Association, Arabian Gulf Chapter; Dr Heba Ismail, vice president of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information; Anfel Toafek from Algeria, a member of the IFLA MENA Regional Division Committee; Mohammed Saif, director of communication at QNL; and Maxim Nasra, head of the Preservation and Conservation Center at QNL. Professor AlSereihi praised the QIMAM Award as a 'brilliant initiative,' which was led by Eiman Al-Shammari of the IFLA Regional Office and Qatar National Library. 'I was pleased to participate in evaluating the applicants who met the criteria. Listening to their stories, ambitions and career paths was both enlightening and encouraging,' he said. 'I was deeply impressed by their knowledge, dedication and aspirations for the future. I only wish there had been four or more awards available to recognize the many distinguished candidates. The final selections were based on a fair evaluation process that reflected the collective judgment of the committee. I congratulate the two winners and encourage the rest to continue pursuing their goals. They, too, were exceptional.' Dr Ismail said she was honored to serve on the evaluation committee. 'The experience was truly inspiring, offering me the opportunity to witness the passion and professionalism of the emerging generation of librarians in our region. The applicants' diverse backgrounds and experiences reflect the dynamic growth of the sector. This initiative not only provides valuable professional opportunities, but also helps foster a cohesive regional community that champions innovation and development. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Qatar National Library and the IFLA Regional Office for their commitment to empowering young professionals. I am proud to support their efforts and their ambitious vision.' Abeer S Al Kuwari, director of National Collections and Special Initiatives at QNL, noted that the Library was proud to honour two outstanding individuals with the QIMAM Award. 'This initiative aligns perfectly with QNL's mission to foster professional growth and regional collaboration. We are excited to see the lasting impact these emerging professionals will have on the community.' Commenting further on the importance of the initiative, Alshamari, acting manager of the National Collection at Qatar National Library and the manager of the IFLA Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, said the award reflects the Library's strong belief in the power of youth to shape the future of the profession in the MENA region. The awardees will gain access to global best practices and an international network of professionals, advancing their personal development and further strengthening libraries in the region.
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Science
- Qatar Tribune
QNL showcases rare Islamic scientific manuscripts at Oxford exhibition
QNA Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) is presenting a curated selection of rare Islamic scientific manuscripts at an exhibition titled 'Lines of Faith: Astronomy and the Art of the Astrolabe in the Islamic World,' to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS). Running from June 15 to October 15, 2025, the QNL display highlights the scientific significance of the astrolabe and its legacy in the Islamic world. The 'Lines of Faith' exhibition, of which the QNL display will be a part of, has been curated by OCIS in partnership with the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. The display includes manuscripts from QNL's Heritage Library that shed light on the development and application of astronomical instruments in medieval Islamic societies. 'This display offers a unique opportunity to highlight the Islamic world's significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly through the lens of instruments like the astrolabe,' Information Services Librarian at QNL Dr. Huseyin Sen said, who is also responsible for curating QNL's display in the 'Lines of Faith' exhibition. 'The valuable manuscripts on display from our Heritage Library demonstrate our commitment to sharing this legacy with global audiences. These works serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of discovery and scientific inquiry that defined centuries of Arab-Islamic achievements,' Sen continued. An expert on medieval Arabic astronomy, Dr. Sen is responsible for historical maps and scientific instruments in QNL's Heritage Library collection. For her part, QNL Executive Director Tan Huism said the Library is committed to preserving and promoting Arab and Islamic heritage through strategic international collaborations. 'We strive to ensure that this heritage remains accessible to communities worldwide, further advancing our mission of supporting cultural exchange,' she said. 'This display showcases the special interest that QNL has with regards to Islamic scientific manuscripts and in highlighting the significant contributions of Islamic civilization to modern science.' In turn, OCIS Librarian Wassilena Sekulova said, 'The manuscripts from Qatar National Library are a valuable addition to the 'Lines of Faith' exhibition. They not only illustrate the technical sophistication involved in the construction of astrolabes, but also highlight the intellectual and literary traditions that enabled their creation.' As part of its broader efforts to preserve and promote Arabic and Islamic scientific heritage, QNL also provides access to digitized manuscripts through Qatar Digital Library, one of the world's largest platforms for open-access Arabic heritage materials.
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
QNL leads regional efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving heritage, Qatar National Library (QNL), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)'s Regional Preservation and Conservation Centre for the Arab region, continues to champion efforts to prevent the illicit trade of cultural property across the region. In collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Qatar's General Authority of Customs, and Morocco's Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes, Qatar National Library (QNL) is co-organizing the International Conference and High-Level Regional Workshop on the Role of Customs Authorities in Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property. The event, which began on 30 June and will continue until 5 July, is being held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. The initiative consists of an international conference on the opening day, followed by a comprehensive five-day regional workshop that brings together customs officials, cultural heritage professionals, and law enforcement representatives from across the region, focusing on enhancing customs officers' capacity to identify and safeguard cultural property, apply international legal frameworks, and collaborate effectively with cultural and enforcement institutions. The opening ceremony featured remarks from distinguished officials including Minister of Justice, Kingdom of Morocco, Abdellatif Ouahbi; Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; Executive Director of Qatar National Library, Tan Huism; Director-General of ICESCO, Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik; Assistant Chairman for Customs Affairs at Qatar's General Authority of Customs Talal Abdullah Al Shaibi and senior officials Morocco's Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes. Tan Huism discussed the gravity of the increased threats to cultural heritage, and the importance of customs authorities in combating illicit trafficking, but also the role of the media and society. She discussed the efforts that Qatar National Library has made in this area, and the importance of working in partnership. She continued: 'Cultural items are expressions of who we are as a society. They hold our collective memory, reflect our identity, and offer insight into our values and beliefs. By working hand in hand with regional and international partners, we remain committed to preventing the trafficking of cultural property and ensuring they are preserved for future generations,' she said. Talal Al Shaibi emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations like QNL and ICESCO in strengthening the ability of customs authorities to protect cultural heritage across borders. 'Customs authorities are often the first line of defence against the illegal movement of cultural assets. Thus, they play a crucial and leading role in combatting the illicit trade,' he said. Dr. Al Malik noted that the workshop represents a key milestone in building bridges between cultural institutions and customs authorities throughout the Islamic world, reinforcing ICESCO's mission to advance cultural heritage protection. The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation to combat crimes against cultural property and further solidified QNL's leadership in heritage preservation. QNL's efforts are aligned with Qatar's broader vision to safeguard cultural identity. As IFLA's Regional Preservation and Conservation Centre for the region, QNL plays a pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration, providing training and support for the protection of heritage.
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QNL unveils dynamic summer programme for people of all ages
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) is welcoming the summer season with a vibrant lineup of educational and creative programmes for children, young adults and lifelong learners. Throughout July, the Library will offer a diverse selection of workshops, camps and reading initiatives to inspire learning and foster community engagement. Leading the summer calendar is the Library's 2025 Summer Reading Challenge: Minds That Read and Hands That Write. Launching on 1 July and running through 15 August, this six-week competition encourages children and young adults aged six to 14 to read and apply their expanding vocabulary to write original stories. Winners will be announced in September and will receive exciting prizes, including smartwatches and tablets. Also launching on 1 July is QNL's Sixth Summer Camp for Children and Young Adults, featuring a rich lineup of activities across July and August. A key highlight is Summer Camp: Genome Heroes, an educational online game available in Arabic and English. The game allows children to explore the fascinating world of DNA and genome science through engaging missions and challenges. The popular Summer Camp: Make with Me also kicks off on 1 July, offering multiple sessions throughout the summer. For participants aged nine to 12, workshops will be held on 1, 8 and 15 July. Children aged 13 to 17 can join creative sessions on 22 and 29 July. These hands-on experiences provide a fun and expressive space for crafting and artistic exploration. Digital literacy takes centre stage on 3 July with three sessions under the LiteracyEssentials@QNL series. These include 'e-Newspapers and e-Magazines Using PressReader,' which introduces participants to global publications, and 'Navigating Google Scholar for Research and Discovery,' which focuses on building basic research skills. The series continues on 5 July with 'Zotero: Citation Management Made Easy' in English, and again on 12 July in Arabic. This session will cover how to collect, save and cite sources, as well as how to generate bibliographies. On 19 July, the series concludes with a practical workshop titled 'Empowering Communities Through Digital Media – Evernote Application,' which focuses on organizing and creating digital content. For young readers, Summer Camp: Storytime for Children takes place on 7, 14, 21 and 28 July, while Storytime for Toddlers is scheduled for 13 and 27 July. These sessions promote literacy and storytelling through interactive activities. Young scientists can take part in Summer Camp: STEM sessions tailored to different age groups. Children aged 6 to 9 can join on 9 and 23 July, while those aged 10 to 14 can attend on 16 and 30 July. Each session features hands-on science activities that spark curiosity and encourage creative thinking. On 17 July, QNL presents 'Your First Frame: An Introduction to Filmmaking,' a session led by Qatari filmmaker Noor Al-Naser. This workshop guides participants through the key steps of creating a short film, from developing an idea and writing a script to planning and production. On 19 and 26 July, the Library will resume its Murshidi Program, an orientation initiative that connects high school students, university students and recent graduates with experienced mentors. Mentors will provide personalized advice on university applications, scholarships, career planning and professional development.
Qatar Tribune
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QNL launches Arabic calligraphy contest to celebrate heritage
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar National Library (QNL) is celebrating the timeless beauty of Arabic calligraphy with the launch of its Arabic Calligraphy Contest, inviting community members to share artworks inspired by its heritage collection. Drawing inspiration from the calligraphic panels and manuscripts preserved in QNL's Heritage Library, this contest offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with Arab and Islamic heritage through the art of calligraphy. Themed around Arabic verses and texts, the contest encourages creativity rooted in tradition. Participants are required to incorporate one of five texts into their artwork, using a traditional Arabic calligraphic script such as Naskh, Thuluth or Diwani, among others. Entries may be submitted as either digital artworks or hand-drawn pieces (scanned in high resolution) in A4 or A3 format. AI-generated artworks will not be accepted. The contest is open to all nationals and residents aged 16 and above with a valid Qatar National Library membership. Submissions must be uploaded via the official submission form no later than 20 July 2025 at 11:59 PM. Public voting will take place on Qatar National Library's Instagram Stories from 27 July to 7 August 2025, with the final winner announced on 13 August 2025, in celebration of World Calligraphy Day. The winner will receive an iPad Pro to support their artistic journey. Participants can find inspiration in selected items from the Heritage Library's collection, including rare and beautifully executed examples of Arabic calligraphy. Full contest details, guidelines and the submission portal are available on the Library's website.
