After a one-year hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) is proud to present two years’ worth of new Arabic and English books across all genres at the 31st Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) 2022 from January 13 – 22 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

Speaking about the fair, Bachar Chebaro, Executive Director of HBKU Press, said: “We are excited to welcome people back to our booth at this year’s Doha International Book Fair, which is Qatar’s premier literary event. These past years have been challenging but the entire HBKU Press team has worked tirelessly and overcome an array of challenges to get to this point. I’m proud to say we’ve come back bigger and better than ever with many new titles in both Arabic and in English to choose from by local Qatari authors, Arab authors, and creative talents from around the world.

“Although the pandemic has taken away so much, it can never diminish the power of books as an avenue for learning, entertainment, and to provide respite. That is why HBKU Press remains committed to promoting a love of literacy in our community and beyond. From fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, to academic and reference materials and more, our new titles amply demonstrate that we are able to cater to a variety of readers with vast literary preferences.”

Two of the most highly anticipated books of the year are that of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, titled A Fairer World is Possible: A Model Proposal for United Nations Reform, and Layla Saad’s critically acclaimed work on anti-racism and allyship, Me and White Supremacy. Both are available for the first time exclusively in Arabic by HBKU Press. In the former, President Erdoğan introduces a new reform proposal for the U.N. emphasizing that the decisions concerning the whole world should not be left to five countries. The latter takes readers on a 28-day journey, complete with journal prompts, to do the necessary and vital work that can ultimately lead to improving race relations.

For a take on local entrepreneurship, Dr. Evren Tok, Assistant Dean of Innovation and Community Engagement and Associate Professor of Islam and Global Affairs at HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies, and Dr. Asmaa Al Fadala, Director of Research and Content Development at WISE, launch their book Localizing Entrepreneurship Education. This English-language book examines the critical question of entrepreneurship and whether it should be guided by morals or by profits, while highlighting the necessity for an immediate response to create a balance between traditional and modern fast-moving economies, using the State of Qatar as an example.

Fiction fans can also enjoy many new Arabic titles set to make waves in the literary world. Qatari author Shamma Shaheen Al Kuwari’s HBKU Press title, In My Memory is a Place – Roots, has already been awarded the 2021 Katara Prize for the Arabic Novel and will be available at the DIBF. Additionally, Arabic fiction titles such as The Kidnapping of the Beloved by master Kuwaiti storyteller Taleb Alrefai will launch at this year’s DIBF.

Making her Young Adult (YA) debut with HBKU Press is acclaimed Qatari author, Kummam Al Maadeed, with her latest published book in English titled, Calling Magic. The story follows Tia, the most powerful young witch of her time, as she flees the Court of Wizards and the magicians determined to control her, seeking a new life in the prosperous city of Paiza. Children’s author Lina Alaali also debuts her second Arabic YA book with the first in The Lost Map Series titled The Secret of the Golden Compass which brings mystery and adventure to the Qatari city of Zekreet.

Children will be delighted with the range of new books available this year as well. Titles such as Football Stadiums of Qatar by Isabelle Hamdan; The Strange Trader by Abdullah Fakhro; This Is My Family by Noor Al Henzab; What If by Laetitia D'Oultremont and illustrated by Reem Askari, The Mysterious Blossom by Sheikha Al Zeyara; The Ultimate Superhero by Rana Al Hajj; The Palm Tree and Me by Dr. Fatima Al Maadeed; and many more.

HBKU Press’s booth is located in Hall 2, Booth 57 at the fair. Additionally, HBKU Press’ entire collection of works is also available on the Rafeeq, Snoonu, Purplebox, and Lzhiba applications for those unable to attend the DIBF in person. HBKU Press authors will be signing their new books at the HBKU Press booth at the DIBF with the daily schedules for authors available on social media.

The DIBF will run in a limited capacity in line with ongoing restrictions in place for public safety. Entry into the DECC will be limited to fully vaccinated individuals with capacity limitations in place as well in line with government restrictions. 

For more information and for daily updates from the DIBF, please visit hbkupress.com or follow us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/hbkupress) and on Twitter and Instagram (@hbkupress).