Doha, Qatar: Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, and Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC), brought together over 120 leaders and experts from across Qatar's public and private sectors for an in-depth discussion on the role of reading as a foundation for future leadership.

The high-level Cultural Day, yesterday at Qatar National Library marked the first-time participants from all four QLC modules gathered for a single event.

The event showcased the findings of a research study conducted through the Read to Lead program, one of Qatar Reads' main initiatives. It also highlighted the annual One Book, One Doha campaign, which this year celebrates the classical Arabic literary masterpiece Maqamat Al-Hariri.

The agenda brought together themes of heritage, leadership, and knowledge. The session opened with Nada Bahzad, Senior Programme Development Specialist, who introduced Qatar Reads and the“One Book, One Doha” campaign.

The main dialogue was led by distinguished speakers, including Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari. Their intellectual insights, inspired by Maqamat AlHariri, explored the future intersection of ancient heritage and modernisation.

The programme continued with presentations and expert discussions. Senior Specialist, Monitoring & Evaluation at Qatar Foundation, Shaikha AlWaadani presented the outcomes of a Qatar Reads research study on leaders' reading habits in Qatar. National Curriculum Support Coordinator at Qatar Foundation, Munis Mheidat then explored Maqamat Al-Hariri through the lens of leadership, highlighting enduring lessons from this centuries-old text.

Dr. Al-Kawari said Qatar National Library was pleased to welcome a distinguished cohort of future leaders from the Qatar Leadership Centre.“Hosting this cultural session reflects our firm belief that genuine leadership is grounded in knowledge and sustained dialogue. Reading remains the primary gateway to knowledge, and the book is humanity's oldest medium for dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

“Our Library is far more than shelves of books; it is, above all, a national strategic hub that brings leading minds together, encourages the sharing of expertise, builds skills and helps shape the future. Our partnership with the Qatar Leadership Centre is central to our shared mission, and we look forward to this gathering being the first in a series of productive conversations that will advance development and innovation across our nation.”

Information Services Librarian for QNL's Distinctive Collections, Dr. Mahmoud Gomaa offered insights into the role of the Heritage Library and its unique collection of Maqamat Al-Hariri manuscripts.

Professor of International Affairs at Qatar University, Dr. Muhammad Al-Mukhtar AlShinqiti delivered a deeply personal and impactful reflection on how memorizing Maqamat Al-Hariri from childhood shaped his intellectual journey and career. Qatar Reads' choice of the work aimed to revive interest in Arabic literature and inspire community leaders to draw contemporary relevance from rich literary history.

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