Latest news with #QatarNationalLibrary
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- 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.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Qatar National Library leads regional efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property
A Rabat conference and workshop with ICESCO, Qatar's General Authority of Customs and Morocco's Administration of Customs & Indirect Taxes focus on protecting cultural property. Doha, Qatar: 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 His Excellency Mr. Abdellatif Ouahbi, Minister of Justice, Kingdom of Morocco; His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco; Ms. Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library; and His Excellency Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director-General of ICESCO, Mr. Talal Abdullah Al Shaibi, Assistant Chairman for Customs Affairs at Qatar's General Authority of Customs, along with senior officials Morocco's Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes. Ms. Tan 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. Mr. Talal Al Shaibi, Assistant Chairman for Customs Affairs at Qatar's General Authority of Customs, 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. About Qatar National Library Qatar National Library acts as a steward of Qatar's national heritage by collecting, preserving, and making available the country's recorded history. The Library provides equal access to all types of information and services and aims to enable the people of Qatar to positively influence society by creating an exceptional learning and discovery environment. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, officially inaugurated Qatar National Library on 16 April 2018. The Library was granted the status of national library under the Amiri Decree No.11 of 20 March 2018.
Qatar Tribune
21-06-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Things you should know about QNL's Murshidi programme
Tribune News Network Doha If you're a student in Qatar looking for personalised guidance on your academic or professional journey, Qatar National Library's Murshidi programme offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth. Designed for high school students, early university students, and recent graduates, Murshidi offers mentorship from some of the most respected experts and educators across Qatar's leading institutions. Murshidi Is Your Bridge to a Brighter Future Murshidi connects students with mentors who can guide them through major academic and career transitions. From choosing the right university to finding your path in the workforce, this programme helps you take the next step forward to achieve your goals. Learn from the Best in Qatar With more than 90 mentors from institutions such as Qatar Foundation, HBKU, Sidra Medicine, QCRI and more, Murshidi offers access to a diverse network of professionals across fields like medicine, technology, law, innovation, policy and education. One-on-One Guidance Tailored for You Mentees can choose their areas of focus and select 3 or 4 potential mentors. Based on availability and subject needs, each student is matched with a mentor for focused one-on-one sessions that address their individual goals and aspirations. Weekly Sessions at the Heart of Knowledge Mentorship meetings are held on Saturday from 10am to 1pm at Qatar National Library's main plaza, offering a consistent, welcoming environment that supports learning, networking and personal growth. Respectful and Professional Engagement Is Key Murshidi ensures structure and professionalism. All communications are managed by QNL staff and mentees are expected to attend sessions on time and maintain respectful engagement throughout the programme. Join today! Whether you're preparing for university, seeking career advice or looking to connect with leaders in your field, Murshidi is here to support your journey. To register and begin your mentorship experience, fill out the form available on Qatar National Library's website. Take the first step toward your future today.
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.
ILoveQatar.net
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar National Library unveils June 2025 calendar with activities for all ages
Qatar National Library (QNL) is welcoming the summer with a dynamic schedule of public events this June, offering opportunities for historical exploration, creative expression and career development. Opening the month on 1 June, the Library will host a two-day workshop titled 'Consulting British Historical Sources on Arab Gulf History: Focus on Post-Independence Records, 1968–1994.' Led by historian Anita Burdett, the session will provide participants with practical guidance on accessing, organizing and preserving historical collections. The workshop will emphasize oral history best practices through interactive exercises and case studies, offering valuable insights for researchers and heritage professionals. For younger audiences, the Library is holding its popular Storytime for Toddlers and Storytime for Children series. On 1 and 29 June, children aged 4 years and younger will have the opportunity to read, play and have fun with a variety of activities. Meanwhile, children aged seven to 14 can look forward to storytelling sessions on 2, 16 and 30 June, all designed to foster a love of reading. Creative expression also takes center stage with the 'Make with Me' workshops on 3 and 17 June. These fun-filled, hands-on sessions of craft-making and art creation are designed to unleash children's creativity. Young adults looking to kickstart their professional journeys can take advantage of the Career Launchpad series that kicks off on 4 June with a workshop introducing the basic strategies for job searches on LinkedIn. The series, designed to equip participants with essential skills for advancing their careers, continues on 28 June with a session on writing CVs and cover letters. This session will feature one-to-one support from the Library, which offers individualized feedback as well as books and resources to support participants at all stages of the application process. The series will hold its final session of the month on 30 June with a workshop designed to help participants explore their career options with The platform provides comprehensive career resources, including company reviews and employer rankings, to help individuals make informed decisions about their professional journey. Finally, QNL will host a special lecture on 18 June that delves into European scientific expeditions to the Arab world in the 18th and 19th centuries. The talk will spotlight the writings and desert plant collection of British traveler Richard Pococke, offering fascinating perspectives into the Middle East at that time. All events at Qatar National Library are free, but prior registration is encouraged. For full details and to register, visit
