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Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press has just announced the many activities that they will be hosting at this year’s Doha International Book Fair. There is truly something for everyone as the planned activities include daily children’s book reading sessions as well as information sessions highlighting the emerging Qatari and local authors.
“Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press aims to support the vibrant scholarly and literary culture in Qatar by empowering local talent and by focussing on the ingenuity of the Qatari and Arab talents,” explains Bachar Chebaro, Executive Director at HBKU Press. “We have seen a surge in local talents publishing with us which highlights the narrative of the region. Additionally, we are adding many critically-acclaimed works to our repertoire that is disseminated in the local and international markets.
“The activities of HBKU Press at this year’s DIBF will engage our local audiences and underscore our commitment to producing high-quality works that promote a love of literacy, scholarship, discover and learning.”
Two information sessions will center around the Qatari authors, Dr. Abdulla Al Emadi (author of Al Sahafa AlQatariyah Nahou Alraqmiyah/The Qatari Press and the Digital Age) and Maryam Al-Mansoori (author of Al Tabiq al Rabi’/ The 4ourth Floor).
In his talk based on his book, Dr. Al-Emadi will explore the impact that the rise of digital journalism had on daily newspapers in Qatar, the current status of journalism in Qatar, and the expected positive impact once it becomes fully digital, both on the economic level and on the public level.
Dr. Al Emadi’s insight is both valuable and well-founded due to his years of experience in the industry which includes his PhD in Journalism and work as a journalist with aljazeera.net, as a former Information Advisor to the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Editor-in-Chief of the SMOUN website, and Deputy Editor in Chief of the Qatari newspaper Al-Sharq.
Al-Mansoori’s talk will focus on Al Tabiq al Rabi’ which is based her personal experiences during her years as a management consultant in several senior managerial positions in numerous major companies within various industries.
Al-Mansoori will reference the book to encourage her audience to critically consider their careers and evaluate how the choices that they make today, define their future. If anyone has ever questioned the path their career has taken or wondered how to distinguish themselves from other employees to rise to the top, this forum is the perfect place to learn how to take charge of their career and achieve their own personal goals from an industry leader. Al-Mansoori will follow her talk with a Q&A period and a book signing session as well.
Young adult author, Eissa Abdullah, will also hold a session that will explore writing for the unique market of young adults. As the renowned author of the best-selling HBKU Press titles Shawk Al Kawadi, Abdullah will delve into the specifics of character development and tone of voice regarding this ever-expanding niche market. The author will also launch his much-anticipated second young adult book, Mamlakat Ibreez (Kingdom of Ibreez). Fans of Abdullah will be treated to a book signing session following his talk.
HBKU Press will crown its participation in this year’s book fair with the unveiling of its new booth at this year’s fair with a dedicated section designed for the comfort of younger readers. To that end, HBKU Press authors will be providing book readings and book signing sessions throughout the fair for the entertainment and instruction of visiting school children.
The Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) 2017 will be held from November 29 – 5 December at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00p.m.; on Thursday from 9 a.m. from to 10:00 p.m.; and on Friday from 4:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. Details about our session dates and times can be found on our Facebook page (facebook.com/hbkupress) and on Twitter and Instagram (@hbkupress).