The Doha International Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest international book fairs in the region and enjoys a good reputation due to the high demand from Arab, Gulf and foreign countries participating in it.
The first launch of the exhibition was held in 1972 under the supervision of the Dar Al Kutub Al Qatariya. It would be held every two years but since 2002 it became an annual activity.
The Fair has gained international acclaim after it succeeded in attracting the largest and most important publishing houses of the world. More than 20 publishing houses participated in the first exhibition and reached currently to 340 publishing houses representing 34 countries on an area of 29,000 square meters.
Since 2010, Doha International Book Fair is selecting one of the countries as ‘Guest of Honour’ of the exhibition and so far the United States, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Japan, Brazil and Germany have had the honour of becoming the guest of honour in the Fair. France will be the Guest of Honour of the 30th edition of the Doha International Book Fair this year.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, many cultural events are held like seminars, lectures, workshops etc. The Fair will be held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.