An extraordinary evening unfolded at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail as esteemed guests gathered for the "Contemporary Characters" Second Edition Event. This much-anticipated celebration highlighted the release of the second part of "Brilliant Women in the Modern Era," the first part of "Brilliant Men in the Modern Era," and the comprehensive English version, encompassing all project characters. The event honoured Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the remarkable achievements of numerous distinctive personalities.
The evening commenced with an eloquent introduction by the Kuwaiti journalists Nourah Al Humaidhan and Ghada Razouqi, who set the stage for a night of inspiration and celebration. The event’s official sponsor, Qatar Airways, then captivated the audience with a compelling video presentation, highlighting their commitment to promoting Qatari culture and arts.
Mr. Hamad Hassan Al Tamimi, the visionary founder of the Contemporary Characters project, delivered a heartfelt address, expressing his pride in witnessing the culmination of more than two years of hard work, emphasizing that the establishment of this project for the second time, coupled with the distinguished and substantial presence of the guests, reflects its significant success. He highlighted that this ceremony celebrates the men and women of Qatar who rose to the challenge and transcended the country's borders. It stands as a message of gratitude and commemoration for their unwavering dedication and loyalty.
Al-Tamimi added, “The ‘Contemporary Characters’ project is a noble endeavour that contributes to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by documenting the contributions of prominent personalities in society. This project transcends mere documentation; it provides a deep understanding of the development paths that have contributed to our national goals. By capturing these journeys, it allows policymakers to benefit from the lessons of the past and shape a brighter future.”
His speech was followed by a mesmerizing traditional Qatari dance, symbolizing the nation’s rich cultural legacy. The audience was then treated to a distinguished theatrical performance written by screenwriter Talib Al-Dous, vividly depicting the importance of celebrating and documenting the achievements of influential figures while they are still alive. This performance highlighted the essence of the Contemporary Characters project, underlying the value of preserving personal histories for future generations.
A thought-provoking panel discussion ensued, moderated by Ms. Ghada Razouqi. The panel featured distinguished guests including H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Alkawari, H.E. Mr. Saad Al Rumaihi, Mr. Ahmad Mansour. The discussion delved into the vital role of cultural documentation and its impact on national identity and heritage.
His Excellency Dr. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Alkawari emphasized the Qatar National Library's crucial role in documenting cultural heritage and supporting researchers through valuable, multilingual publications. Renowned journalist Ahmed Mansour highlighted the media's responsibility in preserving history and ensuring transparency, sharing insights from his documentary program "Witness Of An Era" and stressing the importance of verifying information. Mr. Saad Al Rumaihi, Chairman of the Qatar Press Center, emphasized the significance of documentation in journalism for enhancing societal awareness and expressed his satisfaction with the "Contemporary Characters" project for its role in passing on his experiences and important messages to the younger generation.
The evening also featured captivating musical performances that infused the atmosphere with joy and nostalgia. Kuwaiti artist Noura Bel Alef and Qatari artist Ayil collaborated on a joint performance, weaving together songs from approximately ten esteemed artists of the past, including Ali Abdul Sattar, Fatima Al Shaddad, Nasser Saleh, and Faraj Abdel Karim. This musical tribute not only bridged generations but also revitalized Qatar's rich musical heritage, resonating deeply with the audience and celebrating cultural continuity.
The evening was accompanied by a sumptuous dinner, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie, and it continued with a special video honoring several influential figures in Qatari society, such as Dr. Rabia Al Kuwari, Abdullah Abdul Karim, and artist Abdullah Ahmed. The video meticulously recounted their remarkable achievements and significant contributions, serving as a powerful tribute that underscored their pivotal roles in societal development and their enduring impact on future generations.
In addition, underscored the project's growing influence and the collaborative efforts between Qatar and Kuwait. Mr Khalid Ibrahim Al-Salal, the strategic and security expert and the project consultant for Contemporary Characters in Kuwait, set the stage for future endeavours, highlighting the project's expanding regional impact.
The event concluded with the honouring of numerous entities, companies, and individuals who believed in and generously supported the project. Leading this group was CIGN Agency, the strategic partner that oversaw every detail of the ceremony. Also recognized were Qatar Airways, the Ministry of Municipality, Expo Doha 2023, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles Company, IPrint Company, Qatar Stars League Foundation, HUAWEI Company, Tethkar Advertising and Artistic Production, and Qatar Voluntary Center. Additionally, many non-media entities were acknowledged for their invaluable media support since the project's inception and during the preliminary sessions leading up to the event.
Also honoured were journalists Ghada Razouqi and Nourah Al Humaidhan, who enriched the ceremony with their presentations. Journalist Marwa Al-Saleh, artist Noura Bel Alef, artist Ayil, and visual artist Ahmed Nouh, who created the cover art, were also recognized. Mr. Muhammad Al-Shabrawi, who proofread the second women’s and first men’s editions, and Mr. Dhafer Darkoushi, who translated the journeys of all the characters into English, were acknowledged. Additionally, the group of playwrights who presented the theatrical segment and Mr Talib Al-Dous, who wrote the script, were honoured for their contributions.
The Contemporary Characters Second Edition Event was more than just an event but a grand celebration of Qatar’s heritage, achievements, and the individuals who shape its future. This book series continues to stand as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence by the people of Qatar.
Source and cover image credit: Press Release
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