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Qatar Radio Celebrates 57 Years of Broadcasting

Qatar Radio celebrates its 57th anniversary, marking over half a century as a shining media beacon, echoing the voice of the nation across the globe and connecting its spirit with future generations.

Launched on June 25, 1968, Qatar Radio began with limited broadcast hours, gradually expanding over the years to reach 24-hour broadcasting. Throughout its journey, the station has remained committed to its audience with continuous modernization across departments and personnel, driven by boundless ambition and unmatched determination.

The first generation of radio officials and presenters successfully shaped the identity of Qatar Radio as a pan-Arab and Islamic institution that served the entire community. The station has carried the heritage and culture of Qatar by showcasing literary figures and presenting elements of Qatari customs and traditions through engaging and respectful content.

Directors of Qatar Radio:

1. Abdulrahman bin Saif Al-Maadadi: One of the earliest directors during the foundational phase in the 1970s. His era was marked by reliance on local talent and a focus on national and educational programming. He strongly supported preserving Qatari heritage through programs highlighting proverbs and folk stories.

2. Mubarak Jeham Al-Kuwari: A prominent figure in Qatari media, Al-Kuwari redefined the role of radio from traditional broadcasting to a national platform reflecting societal aspirations. He started young, gaining wide experience across departments before becoming director. His tenure emphasized modernization, local drama production, and strategic administrative planning while supporting ethical media practices.

3. Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari: Focused on cultural content, particularly Nabati poetry and heritage programs. He revitalized radio drama production and supported youth talent, fostering innovation and creativity within the station.

4. Abdulrahman Nasser Al-Obaidan: Led the station during the digital age, encouraging modern content for new generations. He introduced new technologies and enhanced Qatar Radio's presence on digital platforms.

5. Ali Nasser Al-Kubaisi: A key figure with a strong institutional vision. He emphasized internal work environment development and launched training plans to qualify media staff. He also restructured programs to align with Qatar's media vision.

6. Mohammed Nasser Al-Mohannadi: The current director, known for reinforcing the station’s Qatari identity. He has focused on interactive talk shows and strengthened public engagement, making the station more connected to everyday societal issues.

Pioneers Who Enriched Qatar Radio’s Journey:

Mohammed Al-Maadadi: Among the first writers and presenters who contributed to shaping cultural and social awareness. He also served as the general program supervisor and helped establish the sports bulletin.

Dr. Hassan Rashid: Announced the official launch of Qatar Radio with the phrase, "This is Qatar Radio from Doha." His deep cultural background and hosting of popular programs bridged tradition and modernity.

Ghazi Hussein: Known for his work in children’s programming, including "Open Sesame" and various radio dramas that shaped family-friendly content and regional drama.

Mohammed Zainal: Qatar Radio’s first sports voice, presenter of the first official sports bulletin, covering key events such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and a symbol of youth enthusiasm.

Radio Drama Pioneers: Actors like Mohammed Boujassoum and Sayyar Al-Kuwari enriched the station's legacy through impactful radio dramas that built a strong connection with audiences.

The Beginnings and Development: Qatar’s first radio broadcast began in 1965 with the Grand Mosque Radio, broadcasting Quran and religious content during Fridays and special occasions. Qatar Radio officially launched on June 25, 1968, with five hours of Arabic-language content, later increasing to 9 hours in 1969, 13 hours in 1970, 19 hours in 1982, and 24 hours by 2002.

To reach non-Arabic speakers in Qatar and abroad, English broadcasts began in 1971 and extended to 19 hours by 2004. Urdu broadcasts began in 1980, growing from one to three hours by 1989. French broadcasts were introduced in 1985, and in 1992, Quran Radio was launched to focus on Islamic teachings and contemporary issues through a religious lens.

The Voice of Qatar: Qatar Radio has played a vital role in reinforcing national identity and promoting Qatari values. Through its diverse programming, it has supported national development and covered political, economic, cultural, and sports events, both locally and internationally. The station has been a committed platform that supported citizens during key moments in Qatar’s history.

Qatar Radio continues to offer content in classical Arabic and Qatari dialect, raising awareness on issues like health, education, and the environment through informative programming.

News Content: Qatar Radio’s news programming covers politics, economics, sports, and culture. It has launched numerous news bulletins, talk shows, and analysis programs, and collaborated with Arab and international radio stations. It has hosted media conferences and regional dialogues with Gulf and Arab countries.

Radio Dramas and Plays: The station has produced popular radio dramas and plays that educate and entertain, supporting social unity and preserving Qatari folklore. These productions also promoted local artists and musicians.

Digital Technology: Qatar Radio has embraced digital transformation, upgrading studio infrastructure and broadcast systems. In the early 2000s, it moved to digital broadcasting, offering a new way to connect with audiences.

The station launched a modern website for online listening and access to archived content. The introduction of mobile apps allowed global access to Qatar Radio programs anytime, anywhere.