Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Press will proudly celebrate a historic occasion in Qatar’s history, as Qatar National Day coincides with the final of the first-ever FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East. Taking place on December 18, HBKU Press is preparing for the festive season with a diverse array of books to appeal to an international readership of all ages and reading levels.
“HBKU Press wholeheartedly celebrates this particularly momentous Qatar National Day, and proudly offers comprehensive catalogues which reflect the natural and social diversity of Qatar,” says Bachar Chebaro, Executive Director of HBKU Press. “We strive to provide a variety of genres in both Arabic and English to be as widely accessible as possible, and we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to learn more about Qatar, its sports history, and its rich culture through our books.”
Journeys on a Football Carpet by Matthias Krug combines football with national history for an insider’s perspective on the inspiring development of Qatar before and leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In examining the challenging journey undertaken by Qatar after winning the bid over a decade ago, this book explores just how it was able to use its dreams to realize one of the biggest sporting achievements in history. It is available in both Arabic and English for all readers interested in critical behind the scenes commentary.
HBKU Press will take the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the historic achievements of local Qatari athletes who defied all odds on their path to greatness. The Girl Who Dreamed of Climbing Mount Everest, also by Krug, tells the incredible true story of Aisha Al-Naami, the first female Qatari adventurer and mountain climber as she faced numerous internal and external challenges on her way to the top of the highest mountain in the world. From the same author, The Boy Who Wanted to Box Like Ali, draws inspiration from Qatari sportsman Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani who forged his own path to bring boxing to his home country and become a champion in his own right.
Finally, in How to be an Ironman, Qatari athlete Dr. Nasser Al-Mohannadi narrates his own story of how he became one of the first Qataris ever to complete the notoriously challenging Ironman race in 2016. An essential read to any aspiring athlete, this book can be read in both Arabic and English.
Younger readers and visitors caught up in the football excitement will be delighted by Football Stadiums of Qatar, a board book for those just beginning their reading journey. Ahmed and his friends Nasser and Aisha take readers on a colorful tour through Qatar, exploring each of the unique football stadiums constructed ahead of the World Cup.
Readers can continue their adventures with Ahmed and his friends in One Week in Qatar, a similarly illustrated board book for our youngest readers and visitors who have an interest in everything Qatar has to offer. From national landmarks to parks and natural spaces, this book helps young readers build their vocabulary to identify the most common characteristics and objects unique to Qatar. more accessible than ever. Museums of Qatar serves as the latest addition to the series, with Ahmed and friends learning about Qatari culture and history through a week-long tour of all the local museums and national sights. The series is available in both Arabic and English.
For first time visitors to Qatar, browsing through Hayakom: Welcome to Qatar is highly recommended for a comprehensive look through everything the peninsula has to offer. Stunning images of Qatar from the capital city of Doha to the sand dunes of Zekreet fill the pages of this book as Faisal takes his friends on a local journey to discover all the natural as well as man-made wonders of his home country. This book is available in both Arabic and English to cater to local readers interested in taking a closer look at the marvels around them, and curious visitors from around the world.
Qatar Nature Explorer is a full series which gives younger readers an up-close view of Qatar’s natural history and wildlife, acting as an excellent resource for learning about the immediate environment. The latest edition includes six books in one to provide a complete understanding of Qatar’s diverse natural life, with titles including Sea and Shore Life of Qatar, Insects and Arachnids of Qatar, Plants of Qatar, Mammals of Qatar, Reptiles and Amphibians of Qatar, and Birds of Qatar. For readers interested in learning more about Qatar’s local heritage and culture as it overlaps with nature, The Palm Tree and Me by Dr. Fatima Al Maadeed explores the significance of the humble palm tree. Follow along on the symbolic life of a palm tree as it grows from seed to towering force at the center of the home.