Doha:Qatar National Library recently hosted the third event in its "Qatar Contemporary History Series," which took place over two days on September 26-27, 2026. The program included a public lecture and an interactive workshop designed to enhance research skills related to Qatar's contemporary history. The event attracted academics, students, and researchers interested in exploring various approaches to historical study.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatar Contemporary History Series was launched in January 2026 and aims to deepen public and academic engagement with the modern history of Qatar and the Gulf region. The series offers lectures, workshops, and discussions to bring together scholars, students, and the community, encouraging them to utilize Qatar National Library's resources for critical, evidence-based research.
The public lecture, titled "Research Skills in the Study of Qatar's Contemporary History: Methods and Sources," was delivered by Professor Mahjoob Zweiri from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Professor Zweiri discussed the stages of historical research, such as formulating research questions, choosing methodological frameworks, and evaluating sources like official documents and academic literature. He highlighted how these approaches could be applied to study Qatar's history within its regional and international context.
Noorah Al Yazidi, Manager of Special Projects and Engagement at Qatar National Library, emphasized the importance of equipping the community with robust research methodologies to preserve and interpret national history accurately. Professor Zweiri added that the program supports discussions on historical periodization and equips researchers with the skills necessary to study Qatar's contemporary history rigorously.
The event concluded with an interactive workshop on September 27, 2026, titled "Practical Applications in Research Skills: The Study of Qatar's Contemporary History." Participants engaged in hands-on exercises to practice formulating research questions, selecting sources, and organizing research materials. The workshop also covered academic referencing and citation techniques in line with international standards.