QNL honors emerging Library Leaders with QIMAM Award

Doha, Qatar, 13 July 2025: Qatar National Library (QNL), home of the IFLA Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Office, has honored two emerging library professionals as the first recipients of the QIMAM: Qatar-IFLA MENA Award for Aspiring Minds.

Raghad Ghanem Alqahtani from Saudi Arabia and Salma Mohamed Ayoub from Egypt were recognized for their leadership potential and community impact. The award provides librarians with the opportunity to attend the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Kazakhstan from 18 to 22 August 2025.

Launched to foster the development of future industry leaders, the QIMAM Award attracted strong interest, with 40 applicants from across the MENA region. Following a rigorous selection process, eight candidates advanced to interviews held on 21 and 22 June. The finalists represented Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.

A distinguished panel of experts evaluated the candidates based on their contributions to the profession and their commitment to advancing libraries. The panel included Professor Hassan Awad AlSereihi, President of the Special Libraries Association, Arabian Gulf Chapter; Dr. Heba Ismail, Vice President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information; Mrs. Anfel Toafek from Algeria, a member of the IFLA MENA Regional Division Committee; Mr. Mohammed Saif, Director of Communication at QNL; and Mr. Maxim Nasra, Head of the Preservation and Conservation Center at QNL.

Professor AlSereihi praised the QIMAM Award as a “brilliant initiative,” which was led by Ms. Eiman Al-Shammari of the IFLA Regional Office and Qatar National Library. “I was pleased to participate in evaluating the applicants who met the criteria. Listening to their stories, ambitions and career paths was both enlightening and encouraging,” he said. “I was deeply impressed by their knowledge, dedication and aspirations for the future. I only wish there had been four or more awards available to recognize the many distinguished candidates. The final selections were based on a fair evaluation process that reflected the collective judgment of the committee. I congratulate the two winners and encourage the rest to continue pursuing their goals. They, too, were exceptional."

Dr. Ismail said she was honored to serve on the evaluation committee. “The experience was truly inspiring, offering me the opportunity to witness the passion and professionalism of the emerging generation of librarians in our region. The applicants’ diverse backgrounds and experiences reflect the dynamic growth of the sector. This initiative not only provides valuable professional opportunities, but also helps foster a cohesive regional community that champions innovation and development. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Qatar National Library and the IFLA Regional Office for their commitment to empowering young professionals. I am proud to support their efforts and their ambitious vision."

Abeer S. Al Kuwari, Director of National Collections and Special Initiatives at QNL, noted that the Library was proud to honor two outstanding individuals with the QIMAM Award. "This initiative aligns perfectly with QNL’s mission to foster professional growth and regional collaboration. We are excited to see the lasting impact these emerging professionals will have on the community."

Commenting further on the importance of the initiative, Ms. Alshamari, the Acting Manager of the National Collection at Qatar National Library and the Manager of the IFLA Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, said the award reflects the Library’s strong belief in the power of youth to shape the future of the profession in the MENA region. “We are honored today to support the next generation of library leaders and to play a role in the journey of two aspiring minds who demonstrated strong leadership potential. We look forward to seeing their contributions,” she said.

The awardees will gain access to global best practices and an international network of professionals, advancing their personal development and further strengthening libraries in the region.

QNL has been at the forefront of knowledge-sharing and regional collaboration. The QIMAM Award reflects the library's commitment to developing librarianship across the region, an effort that gained momentum following QNL’s designation as the first IFLA MENA Regional Office in 2023.

The IFLA World Library and Information Congress will take place from 18 to 22 August 2025. Registration for the event is still open. For more information and to register, please visit: https://2025.ifla.org/home/welcome-message/