The State of Qatar will be the Guest of Honor at the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) 2026, taking place January 10-18, 2026, in New Delhi, India. This significant participation aims to highlight Qatar’s growing role in the global literary and cultural landscape, showcasing its unique heritage and contemporary intellectual contributions. The Ministry of Culture announced this selection as a testament to Qatar’s commitment to international book fair engagement and cultural exchange.
The NDWBF is one of the oldest and largest book fairs in India, attracting publishers, authors, and readers from across the world. It serves as a platform for promoting books, authors, and the publishing industry generally. Qatar’s presence as Guest of Honor is expected to draw considerable attention to Arabic literature and Qatari cultural achievements.
Qatar’s Cultural Showcase at the New Delhi World Book Fair
According to the Ministry of Culture, Qatar’s participation reflects a broader strategy to project its cultural identity onto the world stage. The ministry views cultural exchange as a vital tool for fostering understanding and dialogue between nations. This event is a continuation of national efforts to bolster the Arab and global cultural presence through collaborative initiatives with publishing houses and cultural institutions.
The Qatari booth will be designed to evoke traditional Qatari architecture, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. Beyond displaying published works, it intends to present a comprehensive view of Qatari culture, including traditional crafts and folklore. This emphasis on interactive elements aims to engage attendees and offer a deeper understanding of Qatar’s heritage.
Focus on Literature and the Arts
Director of the Doha International Book Fair, Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, stated that the selection as Guest of Honor recognizes Qatar’s rising cultural influence internationally. He emphasized that culture acts as an effective bridge for cross-cultural engagement and human dialogue, particularly within the historically significant context of Indian civilization.
The Ministry of Culture intends to use the fair to promote Qatari literary and artistic production, spanning genres like poetry, fiction, and scholarly works. This includes boosting the visibility of Arabic culture within wider international forums. The booth will display a diverse range of Qatari publications, according to the ministry.
A Program of Cultural Events
In addition to the literary displays, Qatar’s participation will feature a varied cultural program. This includes scholarly symposia and lectures addressing relevant intellectual themes. A Qatari folk troupe is scheduled to perform, showcasing traditional dances like the Ardha, as well as other regional folk arts.
Artisans will also be present at the booth, demonstrating traditional Qatari handicrafts and offering opportunities for visitors to observe and interact with them directly. This focus on living heritage seeks to complement the presentation of contemporary literary works. According to Al Buainain, the exhibit aims for a “melange of authenticity and the spirit of epochal creativity.” The event organisers will also host discussions on publishing trends in the region.
The NDWBF provides a key opportunity to showcase Qatar’s contributions to the global cultural exchange landscape. The presence of Qatari artisans is an effort to promote appreciation for traditional skills and connect with audiences on a personal level.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Culture is finalizing the specific details of the cultural program and coordinating with Qatari publishers and artists to ensure a comprehensive and impactful representation. The success of Qatar’s participation will likely depend on the effective integration of literary displays, artistic performances, and interactive cultural experiences. Further announcements regarding participating authors and specific event schedules are anticipated in the months leading up to the fair.
