Doha: Vodafone launched the third edition of its annual literary competition, under the patronage of Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari as part of the 26th Doha International Book Fair.
Vodafone’s literary competition is inspired by the theme of this year’s Qatar National Day celebrations, “Our help carries joy to the aggrieved”, which is taken from a poem written by Qatar’s founder Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, said a release yesterday.
The competition will be held in two categories. The first category is for the best historical story. It should aim at enhancing the spirit of patriotism through ancient or modern history. The story may also be on a heroic event of an influential figure in Qatar’s history. Participants can also work on a key historical event, or a story that talks about a leading historical figure who led the nation’s renaissance. Entries have to be in the form of a story between 2000 – 2500 words.
The prizes for this category are: First Prize QR50,000, Second Prize QR30,000 and Third Prize QR20,000
The second category is for the best narrative poetry (poem) written in classical Arabic, which also aims to enhance patriotism through one of the following two topics: A national issue that deepens patriotism, loyalty, the sense of belonging, sacrifice… etc; A key historical event related to the well-known expression about Qatar as ‘The Bosom of the Oppressed’ “Kaaba Almdiom” highlighting Qatar’s authentic values.
The prizes for this category are: First Prize QR20,000, Second Prize QR15,000 and Third Prize QR10,000.
The panel of judges – Qatari literary and luminary experts – will convene in February 2016 to select the winners who will be announced in March 2016.
The competition is open to all citizens and residents until February 1, 2016. The submission of the literary work has to be in Arabic language. For more information, visit www.vodafone.qa or email [email protected]
The Peninsula
