Post by : Badri Ariffin

The groundbreaking for the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library took place in Doha, marking the start of this significant project spearheaded by the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs on Sunday.

In attendance were HE Minister Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, along with high-ranking officials and key players in cultural and endowment sectors.

Enhancing Knowledge and Waqf Initiatives

This library symbolizes a major initiative by the ministry aimed at amplifying Waqf's role in facilitating education, culture, and community growth. It embodies the ministry's commitment to utilizing endowment assets for scientific and cultural ventures, ensuring sustainable financial health.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Endowments' Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and the overarching objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in fostering human capital and cultivating a knowledge-centric society.

Modern Facilities Planned for Umm Ghuwailina

Situated in the strategically located Umm Ghuwailina area, the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library will span an impressive 4,015 square metres.

The design adheres to contemporary public library standards, integrating cultural, administrative, and investment functionalities. The architecture prioritizes effective public service delivery while generating sustainable Waqf revenue for ongoing operations.

Three Levels of Parking Infrastructure

The structure will consist of a tiered architectural design that combines space for both functional and educational uses.

Featuring three subterranean levels totalling 6,213 square metres, the library will include ample parking facilities for 156 vehicles, ensuring smooth traffic circulation and easy access throughout the premises.

Library Amenities Include Reading Halls and Study Spaces

The library will span from the ground floor to the second floor, covering 5,534 square metres.

Facilities will encompass a large main hall, various reading rooms, specific research and study areas, a multi-purpose room, a cafeteria, a VIP section, and visitor amenities.

On the mezzanine level, additional reading spaces and a designated children's library will be available. The first floor will feature an outdoor courtyard for researchers and classrooms equipped with modern technology. Library administration will occupy the second floor while still offering reading spaces and supporting facilities.

Investment Tower to Ensure Financial Sustainability

An administrative and investment tower is incorporated into the project, with floors three to seven covering an area of 7,870 square metres.

This tower will consist of 35 adaptable office spaces ranging from 98 to 226 square metres, designed to adapt to evolving market demands while generating reliable endowment revenue to support the library's educational and cultural functions.

Emphasizing the Need for Sustainable Cultural Endowment

During the ceremony, Eng. Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the General Directorate of Endowments, emphasized that this project exemplifies a sustainable cultural endowment model that harmonizes knowledge advancement with enduring financial sustainability through strategic Waqf resource utilization.

He highlighted that this library honors Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani's legacy, advocating that education is pivotal for nation-building and that endowment serves to maintain and advance this mission across generations.

Al Marzouqi added that the initiative exemplifies a balanced endowment model that meets current requirements while fostering future development. This cultural landmark is poised to enhance academic research and provide a progressive learning environment for students and scholars.

Further, he mentioned that the General Directorate of Endowments plans to continue expanding educational and cultural endowment projects through innovative strategies that enhance operational efficiency, ensure economic viability, fulfill donor expectations, preserve donor intentions, and contribute to Qatar's goals of cultivating a knowledge-driven society.

Fully Funded by Waqf Bank for Cultural Development

The Waqf Bank for Scientific and Cultural Development fully finances this project. Al Marzouqi noted that this funding underscores the growing significance of Waqf as a developmental tool that champions education, fosters informed future generations, and upholds enduring traditions.

Continuing the Legacy from 1982

Originally founded in 1982 in Umm Ghuwailina under the founder's endowment, the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library remains a premier Waqf library in Qatar, operating as an extensive knowledge hub with multiple reading areas, a section for periodicals, a children's library, and specialized services such as cataloguing, classification, lending, and acquisitions.

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