Islamic and Arab contributions to modern-day culture and society provide the backdrop for one of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press’ (HBKU Press) most eagerly anticipated publications. Written by H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Wazulum Thawy Alqurba...Altariq ila UNESCO tells the story of the Minister of State’s 2017 bid to become Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in an election that coincided with the start of the blockade against Qatar.  

This is the second book written by Dr. Al-Kawari to be published by HBKU Press after A‘la Qadri Ahli Al‘azm and its English translation, The Global Majlis (2016). His latest publication was revealed at a signing event at the HBKU Press bookstore on Sunday, September 22. The book launch was a highlight of the College of Islamic Studies’ four-day Maker-Majlis: Islam in a Global World event, which sought to meld the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with ethical Islamic practices.

HBKU Press is committed to disseminating works by prominent local figures on a global platform, acting as an agent to promote these voices and perspectives to audiences around the world.

Wazulum Thawy Alqurba...Altariq Ila UNESCO explores how centuries of Islamic and Arab contributions have shaped contemporary culture up to a pivotal moment in history when a Qatari nearly became the first Arab head of the most influential cultural organization in the world.

With regional politics being played out on the international stage, Al-Kawari gives a first-hand account of how his personal destiny was impacted by tensions that have forever swayed the course of Gulf and Arab history.

“This book is a revelation of my innermost thoughts and rationale, and an objective view of the issues I faced during my candidacy for the post of Director-General in the 2017 UNESCO elections,” says H.E. Dr. Al-Kawari. “It outlines the struggles I faced and my will and determination to succeed, no matter what the obstacles were before me.”

H.E. Dr. Al-Kawari was formerly the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Qatar (2008-2016) as well as the Ambassador to France, United States, UNESCO, and the UN. 

Wazulum Thawy Alqurba... Altariq Ila UNESCO is available in bookstores across Qatar, online at Amazon Kindle, as well as at HBKU Press’s dedicated bookstore located on the ground floor of Minaretein (College of Islamic Studies Building).