The Years of Culture initiative launched a new children’s book under the title ‘The Mysterious Desert Delicacy,’ at the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), which will take place during the period of Jan. 14-24, 2026.
The book was developed in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press), and it is a creative legacy project of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, celebrating cultural storytelling, environmental heritage, and culinary discovery.
Written by American author Allison Taylor and illustrated by Damon Guthrie, the book introduces young readers to Qatar’s rare and culturally treasured desert truffle (fagga) through a tale of adventure and friendship.
The book intentionally combines education and cultural knowledge-sharing, featuring wildlife insights by ecologist Sara Abdul Majid and a truffle-inspired recipe by the former head of Alain Ducasse restaurants in Doha, Chef Damien Leroux.
Developed as a legacy of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, the book is a meaningful addition to the growing literary legacy of the Years of Culture programme, which celebrates cultural exchange between Qatar and its international partners.
The Years of Culture initiative spearheads long-lasting cultural partnerships between Qatar and other nations. It exists to promote respect and understanding among diverse cultures and serves as a catalyst for bringing people together, nurturing connections, encouraging dialogue, and deepening understanding.
At its heart, Years of Culture celebrates the power of cultural exchange, which enriches Qatar’s ties with partner countries beyond the dedicated year.
