Doha, 25 April 2026

Bazm-e-Ahbab Qatar (Friends Circle Qatar), an Urdu literary Indian community platform for the promotion of Urdu language and literature in Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Premium League (QPL), hosted a refined and culturally vibrant event in Doha. The gathering was organized to honor Doha based the distinguished Indian scholar, author, and poet Nadeem Maher, a respected and influential figure within Urdu literary circles across Qatar and the Gulf region. His remarkable journey of over 26 years in literature, authorship of eleven books, and participation in prestigious literary forums in more than thirteen countries were warmly acknowledged. Alongside his literary accomplishments, his gracious personality and intellectual depth were also admired.

It was highlighted during the event that Nadeem Maher had recently been part of an official delegation from Qatar’s Ministry of Culture that attended the World Book Fair 2026 in New Delhi, India. Led by HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad AlThani, Ministry of Culture of Qatar, Nadeem Maher was among the delegation members who presented a scholarly paper titled “Urdu-Hindi Literature in Doha’s Cultural Landscape,” reflecting the growing cultural dialogue between languages and communities in Qatar.

The Ministry of Culture’s pavilion at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, Delhi, India stood out for its elegant representation of authentic Arab and Qatari architectural design. It showcased Qatar’s intellectual heritage through publications by local publishers, while integrating modern elements such as artificial intelligence-powered digital displays, Arabic calligraphy, and traditional music. The pavilion attracted a wide audience, with visitors expressing keen interest in Arab culture, including traditional coffee, dates, musical instruments, embroidery, and lifestyle, while actively sharing their experiences on social media.

The Doha event brought together a diverse and enthusiastic audience of literature lovers, intellectuals, and members of various expatriate communities, including those from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The evening commenced on a spiritual note with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafez Abulkalam, followed by a soulful Hamd performed by Meraj Malik, setting a serene tone for the proceedings.

The program was thoughtfully organized by a dedicated team that included Dr. Farooq Haider as Sadr-e-Mushaira, Dr. Mirza Ghazanfer Baig as Convener, along with Dr. Khalid Shareef, Anwar Ansari, Munawar Ansari, Amjad Khan, Abid Khan, and Siraj Ansari. Their collective efforts ensured the event’s smooth execution and welcoming atmosphere.

The presence of distinguished guests further elevated the occasion. Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jeelani attended as Chief Guest, while Dr. Hameed Shaheed Bhatti and Ubaid Taher (renowned Urdu social media) were honored as Guests of Honour. They presented commemorative shields to Nadeem Maher in recognition of his valuable contributions to Urdu literature and his role in representing Qatar on an international stage. Nadeem Maher paid his gratitude and thanks to the Ministry of Culture of  Qatar for his selection as solo speaker representing the Ministry of Culture as a great honour for him and Urdu language circle in the country.

A highlight of the evening was the Mushaira, where accomplished poets captivated the audience with their expressive recitations, adding depth, elegance, and cultural richness to the gathering. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Mirza Ghazanfer Baig, who expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, poets, and attendees for making the event a memorable celebration of literature and shared cultural heritage.