Doha, Qatar: Books may be the main attraction at the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), but this year’s edition offers visitors much more than just printed words.
With cultural areas, workshops, family activities and literary discussions taking place throughout the fair, DIBF continues to grow as one of Qatar’s major cultural platform and a meeting point for readers and publishers from the region and beyond.
Although there are 1.85 million titles contending for one's attention, attendees can also explore some of these unique experiences in the fair beyond the pages of a book.
Personalize your own Sadu pattern
Located in the central area of the venue, a dedicated workstation allows visitors to personalise Sadu patterns using artificial intelligence trained on a custom model to generate unique designs inspired by the traditional craft.
The interactive experience follows a five-step process, beginning with entering a name, selecting icons, choosing a theme style and colour palette, before revealing the final customized Sadu design.
Al-Sadu weaving is a centuries-old textile tradition rooted in the nomadic cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. Practiced primarily by Bedouin women, it reflects a deep connection to desert life, where creativity transforms raw materials into functional and decorative works of art.
Mosaic making workshop
At the handicrafts section of the book fair, visitors are invited to create their own mosaic boards through a free interactive activity that highlights one of the region’s most recognisable art forms.
Commonly seen in traditional architecture and cultural destinations such as Katara Cultural Village, mosaic art is valued for its intricate patterns and historical significance in Middle Eastern craftsmanship.
Participants can design their own pieces by selecting a panel, choosing and arranging colourful mosaic tiles into personalised patterns and shapes. The workshop is completely free, and open daily until 8pm.
'The Journey from Dhow to Tanker' Exhibition
'The Journey from Dhow to Tanker' exhibition traces Qatar's historic evolution tracing back from traditional pearl diving era to the discovery of Dukhan's oil fields and the dawn of the oil and gas industry in the country.
The exhibition features paintings of various sizes created using oil, watercolour and acrylic on canvas, alongside an immersive experience room that further brings the theme to life.
The Perfume Factory exhibition
The Perfume Factory is hosting an exhibition that takes visitors on a unique olfactory journey within a quaint space nestled among rows of bookshelves and pavilions at the venue. A variety of fragrances, including oud, coffee and saffron, are displayed for visitors to explore through scent.
Towards the end of the exhibition, visitors are introduced to an interactive map of Qatar highlighting selected locations across the country, showcasing their historical significance and major developments over the years.
Book on the history of 'Gahwa' or Arabic coffee
Visitors can explore a traditional majlis-style booth at the Doha International Book Fair, featuring a book dedicated to the history of Gahwa, or Arabic coffee.
Written in Arabic, the book explores the various types of coffee found across the Gulf region and shares interesting facts, including the story of the world’s first coffee house in Istanbul, Türkiye, and how coffee evolved into a staple beverage enjoyed around the world today.
The book is available at the Abdulaziz Al Buhashim Al Sayed Library for Heritage Books pavilion.
Doha Children's Zone
This year’s edition places a strong focus on young readers, with organisers introducing a dedicated ‘Doha Children’s Zone’ for families and children at the Doha International Book Fair.
Located in a separate expansive tent within the venue, the zone offers a lively and interactive environment designed especially for younger audiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, educational workshops and live performances aimed at encouraging creativity, and love for reading among children.
The family-friendly space also features entertainment programmes and hands-on experiences, making it one of the key attractions of this year’s fair for parents and young visitors alike.
AI photobooth
Photo credit: QNA
The booth features a dedicated section highlighting publications and authors from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, while also offering visitors an AI-powered smart photography experience. Guests can take souvenir photos at the booth after dressing in legal professional attire provided by the organisers.
An interactive children’s area has also been set up to introduce young visitors to legal concepts in an engaging way. The space includes instant prizes and educational video games.
A Journey Through Time To Makkah
An immersive audio-visual experience takes visitors on a journey through Makkah, showcasing its transformation across different eras. The presentation features rare images of old Makkah, offering a glimpse into life around the Holy Kaaba in earlier days before transitioning into modern-day times.
The experience concludes with visuals revealing the interior of the Holy Kaaba.
Score to Play - Qatar's Story
Qatar National Library has prepared various interactive activities in its booth at the Doha International Book Fair. Among the interesting line-up is an exciting quiz to which visitors can participate by simply scanning the QR codes placed around the booth and answer questions about Qatar. Upon participating, players also get the chance to enter a draw and win a special prize at the end of the book fair.
