The 35th edition promises enhanced networking opportunities, expanded exhibition space, and a continued focus on digital innovation.
The Ministry of Culture in Qatar has announced that registration for the 35th Doha International Book Fair will open on 1 January 2026, closing on 12 February 2026. The fair itself will run from 14 to 23 May 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Digital Registration and Growing Anticipation
Organisers have streamlined the process with an online registration platform via the fair’s official website (about time, guys!), reflecting a broader digital transformation within the event. The Ministry anticipates increased participation following the 2025 edition’s unprecedented scale.
A Regional Powerhouse Since 1972
First held in 1972 under the Qatar National Library’s supervision, the fair transitioned from a biennial to annual event in 2002.
The 34th edition (May 2025) established new records with 522 publishing houses from 43 countries, showcasing over 166,000 titles across 29,000 square metres. The event has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s cultural strategy under National Vision 2030, serving as a vital platform for rights trading, translation agreements, and regional market access.
2025 Highlights: A Benchmark for Growth
The most recent incarnation featured Palestine as Guest of Honour – an initiative running since 2010 – and launched the inaugural Professional Literary Exchange Programme, facilitating direct B2B negotiations between international publishers and Qatari distributors.
The dedicated children’s pavilion spanned 2,400 square metres, while the Doha International Book Fair Awards recognised excellence across six categories, including Outstanding Publisher and Young Qatari Writer.
The View From The Beach
Building on 2025’s momentum, the 35th edition promises enhanced networking opportunities, expanded exhibition space, and a continued focus on digital innovation. The fair’s theme, “From Engraving to Writing,” emphasises the evolution of knowledge dissemination – particularly relevant for publishers navigating AI and digital platforms.
Participants will benefit from dedicated rights negotiation spaces, literary seminars, and direct access to the Gulf region’s growing readership.
For trade publishers, educational presses, and independent houses targeting Arab-speaking markets, Doha represents a strategic, non-optional date in the literary calendar.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
Related:
