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Their Highnesses Attend the Opening of the Functions of Doha 2010 - an Arab Capital of Culture
January 28th, 2010 Under the patronage of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, the functions of Doha 2010 - an Arab Capital of Culture kicked off under the slogan "the Arab Culture is the homeland and Doha is the Capital" at the Sheraton/Doha on Thursday evening. The President of the Syrian Arab Republic Mr. Bashar Al Assaad accompanied by his consort Mrs. Asmaa, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of U.A.E's Supreme Council and ruler of the emirate of Al Sharjah honored by their presence the ceremony. The ceremony was attended as well by a number of Excellencies Sheikhs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officials and distinguished guests invited by Qatar. H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage and president of the supreme ceremonial committee of Doha 2010- an Arab Capital of Culture affirmed in his speech delivered on the occasion that selecting Doha as an Arab Capital of Culture for the current year, which comes after last year's selection of Jerusalem is the culmination of similar celebrations witnessed by the Arab capitals since 1995. H.E. said that Qatar is aware of the role it should assume in order to preserve our rich heritage in all its material and non material forms, consisting of architecture, literature, proverbs, values, traditions and arts, guided by and implementing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Heir Apparent. In line with this vision, we chose "the House of Wisdom" as the opener of our celebrations which will go on for an entire year. H.E. concluded his speech emphasizing the pride of Qatar in its wise and brave leadership and all the efforts taken to maintain our genuine Arab culture through preserving our heritage, encouraging scientific research, mastering the new technologies and opening up towards all the cultures in a sense of mutual respect and tolerance. The "House of Wisdom" operetta concluded the ceremony as a cultural message presented by Qatar showcasing the Arab history and the shining past of the Islamic Nation and its present, shedding the light on the values of culture and knowledge.
H.E. added that "it is a great honor for Qatar to be the capital of Arab culture this year and a center for knowledge offering to humanity great minds who developed sciences and arts all over the world." Dr. Al Kuwari noted that the golden era of Al Mamoon in Baghdad had the main influence in the establishment of sciences and knowledge through "The House of Wisdom" the creation of which was the fruit of a mature and cultural vision and a conscious appreciation for the role of science in the nations' lives.
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