The Ministry of Culture of Qatar has expanded the availability of its encyclopaedia, This Is Qatar, by releasing it in 12 additional languages during the 35th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF). Originally published in English, French, Spanish, Turkish, and Italian, the encyclopaedia is now accessible in Urdu, Hindi, German, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, Filipino, and Korean. The launch took place as part of the opening ceremonies of the fair on May 14.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the ministry and several embassies in Qatar, reflecting a strategic cultural outreach aimed at providing a comprehensive introduction to Qatar’s history, cultural identity, and development achievements to a wider global audience. Nasser al-Maliki, director of the Ministry of Culture’s Department of International Co-operation, described This Is Qatar as a soft power instrument designed to strengthen the country’s cultural footprint internationally. He emphasized that the encyclopaedia offers a modern, knowledge-based narrative that addresses global audiences in their native languages.

This cultural project is intended to foster dialogue and openness while showcasing Qatar as a nation where tradition and modernity coexist. According to al-Maliki, the launch of new language editions aligns with the ministry’s commitment to delivering Qatari cultural content to diverse communities and to enhancing Qatar’s presence on the international cultural stage.

The Department of International Co-operation is actively working to integrate This Is Qatar into cultural diplomacy efforts, collaborating with embassies, international cultural institutions, and academic organizations to feature the encyclopaedia at exhibitions, events, and joint programs. Efforts also include forging partnerships with universities, research centers, and libraries to make Qatari cultural resources more accessible to scholars and those interested in Arab and Gulf studies.

Al-Maliki highlighted the encyclopaedia’s role in presenting a nuanced and balanced perspective of Qatar, moving beyond stereotypes to offer foreign readers an authentic understanding of the country. The ministry views the project as a cultural investment in soft power, recognizing that a country’s image is increasingly shaped by its ability to communicate its identity, values, and culture effectively.

This Is Qatar will continue to be showcased in international book fairs, academic forums, intellectual gatherings, and university collections, where it will serve as a reliable cultural reference. The encyclopaedia also forms an integral part of the cultural programming carried out by Qatari embassies and cultural centers worldwide. Al-Maliki concluded that This Is Qatar embodies the ministry’s vision of “Heritage, Influence, and Legacy” by promoting Qatari heritage and fostering a cultural and intellectual influence that extends across the globe.