New Delhi: Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge launched the book “From What I Have Read, Seen, and Heard: Qatar as We Have Experienced, Its History, People and Rulers” by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, in both English and Malayalam, at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025. The event was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to India, Mohammed bin Hassan Jaber Al Jaber, along with a number of ambassadors and heads of Gulf and Arab diplomatic missions, as well as intellectuals, thinkers, and fair visitors from India.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the launch, HE founder and chairman of the Al Faisal Foundation for Culture and Knowledge, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, stated that Qatar and India share historical ties, and the purpose of this launch is to introduce the journey of the people of Qatar and their wise leadership. He expressed his happiness at launching the book in both English and Malayalam in India, a country with which Qatar has strong and growing relations across various fields.
He added that launching the book at the New Delhi World Book Fair, one of the most prestigious book fairs globally, was particularly meaningful given its wide recognition and large attendance since its inception in 1972. His Excellency explained that the book documents, in some of its pages, the history of Qatar-India relations. He noted that many excavations and artifacts discovered in Qatar reveal that the region has been home to ancient civilizations, including those from Mesopotamia, India, and the Indus Valley.
The book also highlights the significant contributions of the Indian community to Qatar’s growth and development, His Excellency pointed out. The idea for the book, he continued, stemmed from his desire to document the history of Qatar from its beginnings to the present, using reliable sources and rare photographs, alongside first-hand accounts from the councils of Qatar’s people and rulers. The book emphasizes the pivotal role played by Qatari people and their leadership in achieving what can be considered a national miracle.
He also pointed out that the book illustrates how Qatar overcame numerous challenges to become one of the world’s wealthiest nations, with the highest per capita income. It is also home to the world’s best airport and airline, and became the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the early 21st century.
HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani further noted that the book serves as a guide for future generations, as well as for visitors and newcomers to Qatar, providing them with a deep understanding of the country’s history and the close relationship between its people and rulers. It also emphasizes Qatar’s significant investments in education, healthcare, sports, and culture, as well as its efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace.
Director of the New Delhi World Book Fair, Yuvraj Malik, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the book’s launch at the fair reflects the strong cultural ties between India and Qatar. He noted that books strengthen human connections and bring Qatar’s history to life in a unique way, shedding light on the longstanding relationship between the two countries. He added that the launch marked the beginning of a promising literary and cultural exchange between India and Qatar, paving the way for deeper collaboration. He emphasized that Al Faisal Foundation for Culture and Knowledge plays a vital role in this endeavor, further boosting bilateral cooperation.