Qatar National Library emphasizes Arab library leadership at IFLA WLIC 2026, honoring emerging leaders from Oman and Lebanon with the QIMAM Award.
Doha, Qatar Aug 16, 2026 ALN: Qatar National Library Strengthens Arab Library Presence at IFLA WLIC 2026 in South Korea
Library Honors Emerging Leaders from Oman and Lebanon with the QIMAM 2026 Award
Qatar National Library participated with a high-level delegation of experts in the 90th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan, South Korea, where several of its senior officials led panel discussions showcasing the Library's pioneering efforts in library and information management.
While Dr. Arif Shaon, Head of Digital Curation, Preservation, and Access at the Library, participated in sessions discussing digital preservation and the safeguarding of documentary heritage, Ms. Tan Huism, Executive Director of Qatar National Library and Chair of the IFLA National Libraries Section, played a prominent role in the congress by leading panel discussions that highlighted the transformation of the information landscape and discussed digital transformation and the enhancement of regional cooperation.
As part of efforts to strengthen the Arab presence at the congress, Qatar National Library, in its capacity as the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa, organized the Arabic Caucus under the theme "Voices from the Region: Shared Priorities and Prospects for Future Cooperation" on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The Caucus program included an opening session presented by the Qatar National Library team, followed by an address from the Regional Committee for the Middle East and North Africa, alongside a brief presentation of survey results regarding the current state of libraries in the region and an open discussion on prospects for future collaboration.
The caucus also witnessed the announcement of a list comprising 52 members from the MENA region appointed to various IFLA positions and committees for the 2025–2027 term, reflecting a notable Arab professional presence and a geographic and specialized diversity that enhances the region's role in shaping the global future of the library and information profession.
Through its role in supporting young leaders, Qatar National Library pays special attention to empowering young professionals in the library sector, an effort embodied by the QIMAM Award, which was launched by the Library as part of its role as the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa to be the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world.
The award, which received widespread interest with more than 40 applicants from various Arab countries, aims to prepare the next generation of leaders in the library sector and provide a unique opportunity for winners to attend the World Library and Information Congress, explore global best practices, and build international professional networks.
The award is granted to emerging library specialists aged 20 to 30 with no less than four years of experience, in recognition of their leadership capabilities and tangible impact in serving their communities. A high-level judging panel of regional experts was formed to evaluate the candidates based on criteria of professional achievement and commitment to library development.
During the Arab Librarians Forum in Busan, the two winners of the QIMAM Award were honored, in a step that reaffirms Qatar National Library's commitment to supporting young talent and investing in the future of the library and information profession in the Arab region.
Ms. Ruaya Al-Kharusi from Oman and Ms. Nour El Ayoubi from Lebanon won the award this year in recognition of their outstanding leadership capabilities and unwavering commitment to advancing library and information services.
This award provided the two winners with the opportunity to attend the IFLA Congress held in Busan, South Korea, from 10 to 13 August.
Regarding the regional impact of this initiative, Dr. Eiman Al-Shammari, Acting Manager of National Collections at Qatar National Library and Manager of the IFLA MENA Regional Office, said:
"At the Regional Office, our goal is to create a vibrant and interconnected network of professionals capable of driving positive change. By exposing exceptional talents in the library field to international best practices and providing them with the opportunity to connect with a broad network of peers in the field, we are preparing them so they can return to their countries and elevate the standard of library services and information provision across the region."
For her part, Al-Kharusi, a Senior Information Specialist at the Music Library of the Royal Opera House in Oman, expressed her profound gratitude for this recognition, saying:
"Winning the QIMAM Award constitutes a pivotal milestone in my professional career, and it encourages me to continue growing in this field. Attending the IFLA Congress, interacting with professionals from around the world, and gaining valuable insights from international experiences and best practices is a unique opportunity that will enable me to contribute to the development of the services we provide in my institution and community."
El Ayoubi, a Specialist at the Medical and Health Sciences Library at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, shared her colleague's enthusiasm, stating:
"I am proud and delighted to win this award, which will encourage me to continue my journey in the library and information field. I am incredibly enthusiastic about attending the IFLA Congress, networking with specialists from diverse fields, and learning about innovative practices in the library sector. I am confident that this experience will expand my horizons, spark new ideas, and help me grow and develop to become a library specialist capable of making a sustainable impact in our communities."
Qatar National Library hosts the IFLA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which supports regional cooperation, professional development, and greater engagement of libraries and information professionals in IFLA initiatives.
As part of this role, QNL delivers training and capacity-building programs, facilitates knowledge exchange and professional networking, and supports regional initiatives that address the needs and priorities of the library community.
Through these efforts, QNL helps strengthen collaboration, amplify regional voices, and advance the library and information profession across MENA.
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