Qatar Witnesses Comprehensive Cultural Development; Minister of Culture Says

Doha, June 24 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has been witnessing a comprehensive cultural development thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari underlined. Speaking to the Qatari daily (al-Sharq), HE the Minister of Culture said that Qatar is working in accordance to national vision till 2030 and in accordance to a national strategy till 2016 which put culture among the country's priorities as an important social element, under the directives of HH the Emir. Qatar was the Arab Capital of Culture in 2010. When the Arab Ministers of Culture held a meeting last October, they agreed that Doha was the best capital of Arab culture, HE the Minister noted, adding that Doha has managed to continue its shine as the capital of Arab culture thanks to the huge development in the different aspects of culture achieved in Doha. When the activities of the "Doha Capital of Arab Culture 2010" held in Doha two years ago, there were about 470 activities held on one theatre, nowadays, Doha has a number of important theatres, mainly the Katara Cultural Village, which has become a landmark of culture not only in Qatar and the Gulf, but all over the world, HE the Minister said. HE the Minister of Culture also pointed to the theatre in Souq Waqef, which itself represents an important and significant cultural landmark. Meanwhile, HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari highlighted the Museum of Islamic Art, which opened three years ago and received over 700,000 foreign visitors just last year, as well as Qatar National Museum which is expected to be one of the most prominent museums in Qatar. HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage revealed that it was agreed in principle to host the Arab Theatre Festival in Doha early next year according to an initiative by the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan al-Qasimi, who recommended to hold the festival in Qatar in recognition of its position and cultural role. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari underlined that the Ministry of Culture is moving forward in achieving a sophisticated film industry, especially after the discovery of excellent talents among Qatari and GCC youth in the world of cinema, during the GCC film festival, held by the Ministry of Culture. HE the Minister of Culture believed that holding an annual festival for cinema is a powerful motive for the film industry, noting that the idea of the Doha Institute for Cinema does not only aim to create a film industry in Qatar, but also aims to serve the Arab cinema in general. Regarding music, HE the Minister of Culture said that it takes its share and that all aspects of culture must be of an interest, noting that the Ministry hosted an annual musical celebration which offered the most beautiful presentations with the participation of children who played the most beautiful tunes on the different musical instruments. (QNA)