Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari (third left); Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Professor Abdullah Baabood (fourth left); historian and lecturer at Community College of Qatar Jassim Alshamari (first left) and other officials at the event.
Doha, Qatar: The political, social and cultural transformations that have shaped modern Qatar were examined during an event hosted by Qatar National Library (QNL), drawing strong participation from researchers and academics specialising in the country’s contemporary history.
Held as part of QNL’s ongoing efforts to promote historical awareness, academic research and lifelong learning, the event took place in the presence of the Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari.
The keynote lecture on Saturday was delivered by Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Professor Abdullah Baabood with historian and Community College of Qatar lecturer Jassim Alshamari moderating the discussions.
The lecture offered an in-depth analytical reading of Qatar’s modern trajectory, situating its development within wider regional and global contexts. Professor Baabood traced the country’s evolution from the period preceding independence in 1971 through state-building, economic transformation and the emergence of an active foreign policy.
Chair of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Professor Abdullah Baabood; and historian and lecturer at Community College of Qatar, Jassim Alshamari at the event.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Professor Baabood said Qatar’s contemporary history is defined by “the determination of a small state, situated in a complex and often unstable region, to ensure its own survival while actively contributing to the survival, development, and prosperity of others.”
“Despite its size, the country has acted beyond its limitations to establish itself as a respected and influential actor on the global stage,” he said, adding that world leaders increasingly seek Qatar’s “counsel, support, and mediation.”
He attributed this role to a combination of strategic leadership vision and economic strength, particularly oil and gas resources, which enabled Qatar to pursue an active international role.“For small states, diplomacy is an essential and existential tool,” he said, adding that Qatar has emerged as “a trusted partner for international leaders and major global powers.”
During the lecture, Professor Baabood described contemporary history as “something we are currently living,” stressing that it is “still being codified, still forming, and still evolving.” He highlighted the challenges faced after British withdrawal from the region, the building of sovereignty and state institutions, and the adoption of the rentier state model before major shifts in the mid-1990s driven by gas development and a new national vision.
Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Professor Abdullah Baabood delivering the keynote lecture.
He also pointed to Qatar National Vision 2030 as a framework guiding economic diversification, human development and sustainability, emphaising Qatar’s growing global rankings in competitiveness, digital readiness and energy leadership, underpinned by the North Field and LNG exports.
Manager of National Collection, National Collection and Special Initiatives, and Manager of IFLA’s MENA Regional Office, Eiman Saleh Alshamari, Highlighting the library’s broader educational mission and its role in bridging gaps in formal academic study, said, “In light of current circumstances, where academic curricula do not always satisfy the curiosity of students and researchers, we believe QNL has a responsibility to provide comprehensive resources. These include not only books and materials, but also access to experts and scholars who can enrich understanding. It is important to remind people that knowledge goes beyond books.
“Engaging directly with specialists offers new perspectives and deeper insights into Qatar’s history. For this reason, we carefully select topics and speakers who contribute fresh and meaningful perspectives on Qatar’s contemporary history,” she told The Peninsula.
Alshamari emphasised the event reflected QNL’s core mission. “Our role is to highlight the contemporary history of Qatar through expert perspectives, whether academic or community-based,” she said.
The two day event which included lectures and workshops concluded yesterday.
