Latest news with #SheikhaAlMayassa
New York Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Art Basel Announces New Fair in Qatar
Art Basel, the world's largest organizer of commercial modern and contemporary art fairs, will be holding a new event in Qatar, in 2026. The fair is scheduled to take place in Doha in February, according to a statement on Tuesday from Art Basel, its Swiss-based parent company MCH Group, Qatar Sports Investments and a Qatar-based organization called QC+. This latest Art Basel initiative will expand a portfolio of international events that already includes major fairs in Hong Kong, Miami Beach, Paris and Basel. 'It makes sense for Art Basel to come to our region. It's the right time,' said Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in a phone interview on Tuesday. Sheikha Al Mayassa has overseen her country's ambitious program of cultural projects since 2005. 'This gives Art Basel dealers an opportunity to meet new buyers,' she added. 'Qatar has good contacts with Central Asia, India and Turkey. Africa is not so far away. It will give our local talent global visibility.' International art dealers are looking to expand their reach after two years during which aggregate sales have fallen, according to two editions of the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, regarded as the most reliable indicator of the art market's size and health. Geopolitical uncertainties and economic volatility saw sales decline 12 percent in 2024, according to the latest report. With its enormous wealth, primarily based on its vast fossil fuel reserves, the Middle East has long been viewed by the international art trade as a prime market for expansion. Until now, Art Dubai has been the region's most prominent art fair. The first edition of Art Basel Qatar is scheduled to be held in Doha's M7 creative hub and the city's Design District, near the National Museum of Qatar. 'The fair will launch as a tightly curated showcase featuring a select group of leading galleries and artists, designed to respond to today's market while laying the foundation for growth,' according to the organizers' statement, which did not give an estimate of the number of exhibiting dealers. With four museums already opened and four more in the planning, Qatar already has a formidable infrastructure of arts institutions. 'We have five or six commercial galleries, and we have a lot of private museums. It's all part of our long-term vision for the diversification of our economy,' Sheikha Al Mayassa said. Sport has also played a significant role in giving this small nation a global cultural reach, and in 2022, Qatar hosted the soccer World Cup. 'Growing the global art market, supporting artists and galleries and developing new collecting audiences is core to Art Basel's mission,' Noah Horowitz, Art Basel's chief executive, said in the statement. Horowitz added that the art scene in the Middle East and North Africa had 'undergone exponential growth in recent decades, with the establishment of world-class institutions.' Art Basel Qatar, Horowitz added, had the potential to 'create new touchpoints for the broadest possible audiences.'
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
DFI unveils programme for Doha Film Festival
Tribune News Network Cannes (France)/Doha (Qatar) Doha Film Institute (DFI) has announced the programming and awards sections for the upcoming Doha Film Festival (DFF), reaffirming its commitment to fostering bold, original storytelling and spotlighting underrepresented cinematic voices and diverse perspectives from around the world. The announcement was made during the 78th Cannes Film Festival which marks the 15th anniversary of Doha Film Institute, first announced in Cannes in 2010 by DFI Chair HE Sheikha Al Mayassa. With a total prize money of over $300,000, DFF will feature a dynamic official selection of films in four competition strands: International Feature Film Competition, showcasing powerful new works by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world; International Short Film Competition, highlighting innovative storytelling in a concise format; Ajyal Film Competition, judged by the festival's unique youth jury that offer fresh, generational perspectives; and the Made in Qatar Competition, dedicated to celebrating the creativity and talent of filmmakers based in Qatar. Running from November 20-28, 2025, the festival will also feature industry sessions, community screenings with a special programme for youth, and a range of engaging events, transforming Doha into a vital global meeting point for filmmakers, thought leaders, artists and audiences passionate about thought provoking cinema. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, chief executive officer of Doha Film Institute and festival director, said: 'Doha Film Festival is not only a celebration of cinema, but a platform for purpose-driven storytelling amplifying important voices that are redefining the global film landscape with depth, nuance, and truth.' 'It is the next chapter in our continued mission to nurture independent filmmakers, inspire new perspectives and foster cultural dialogue through cinema. The festival will offer a vibrant meeting point for film lovers, a stage for powerful stories and a launchpad for a new generation of cinematic talent. DFF is an expansion of the strong foundation we built with Ajyal Film Festival as a unique platform for self-expression and creative empowerment, and we look forward to guests celebrating the unifying power of film with us in Doha this November.' she added. DFF will retain popular elements of Ajyal while introducing new dimensions and represents the next step in Qatar's journey of cultural leadership, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue to benefit the global film community. Selected films will span a wide range of genres and themes, unified by a shared commitment to authenticity, artistic vision, and cultural relevance. Each competition will present awards that recognize excellence in filmmaking and provide meaningful support through funding and international exposure. At the heart of the festival are four main competition sections, each with distinguished international juries: the International Feature Film Competition jury will consist of five industry experts selecting winners in Best Narrative (with a prize money of US$75,000), Best Documentary (US$50,000), Best Artistic Achievement for feature narrative or documentary (US$45,000), and Best Performance (US$15,000) categories. A certificate of Special Mention will also be presented to a feature narrative or documentary. In the International Short Film Competition, judged by a three-member jury, films will compete for Best Film – Narrative or Documentary (US$20,000), Best Director (US$12,000), and Best Performance (US$7,000). Made in Qatar Competition will celebrate talent based in Qatar with awards for Best Short – Narrative or Documentary (US$15,000), Best Director (US$10,000) and Best Performance (US$5,000) reinforcing DFI's commitment to celebrating homegrown storytellers. Continuing the proud legacy and tradition of Ajyal, Ajyal Film Competition with a youth jury aged 16-25 will have an important presence at Doha Film Festival presenting awards for Best Feature – Narrative or Documentary (US$35,000) and Best Short – Narrative or Documentary (US$12,000). An Audience Award will also be presented during the festival with the winner receiving a certificate and trophy. Doha Film Festival will transform iconic locations across Doha into dedicated festival venues. Katara Cultural Village will host red carpet events and premieres, while Msheireb Downtown Doha will become the central hub for industry sessions and special events. The Museum of Islamic Art will present an intimate setting for short film screenings. The complete festival programme, jury members and competition titles will be announced in the coming months. For more information about Doha Film Festival, visit and
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QM hosts historic ceremonies at 19th Venice Biennale venue
Tribune News Network Doha During the pre-opening events for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hosted a series of historic ceremonies, discussions and celebrations on May 8, marking Qatar's heightened presence on this pre-eminent stage of the international art world. In Venice's Giardini, the heart of La Biennale di Venezia, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa welcomed Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro, President of La Biennale di Venezia Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, and Qatar's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Italy HE Khalid bin Youssef Khalifa Abdullah Al Sada to the site of the future Qatar Pavilion. When completed, the Qatar Pavilion will be only the third national Pavilion added to the prestigious Giardini in more than fifty years. 'Qatar will join the great chorus of nations in the Giardini, where architecture becomes diplomacy, and beauty speaks peace,' HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said before the invited audience of dignitaries, distinguished guests and media. 'Our Pavilion, crafted by the brilliant Lina Ghotmeh, will embody hospitality, resilience and our collective dreams. 'The Qatar Pavilion will be a home for exchange, for wonder, for the world — a place to engage in multiple dialogues that foster peace and inspire understanding. It will also be the place where we showcase the art, architecture and creativity of Qatar and our entire region of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.' HE Sheikha Al Mayassa then opened the temporary installation that Qatar is presenting on the site: Community Centre, designed by architect Yasmeen Lari/Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. Community Centre is part of the exhibition, 'Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa', Qatar's official presentation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition—La Biennale di Venezia. The exhibition continues at ACP-Palazzo Franchetti, where HE Sheikha Al Mayassa later welcomed guests to two discussions organised under the auspices of Qatar Creates and its Evolution Nation initiative, celebrating fifty years of Qatar's cultural journey. Yasmeen Lari, designer of Community Centre, conversed with renowned Indian architect Raj Rewal in a discussion moderated by Sean Anderson, Associate Professor at Cornell University and co-curator of Beyti Beytak. Speaking about the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, Yasmeen Lari said, 'The exhibition's theme of hospitality is about taking care of each other. So it is important to use materials that are not threatening to people and the planet and that have a certain warmth, like the bamboo of Community Centre. The decision by Her Excellency and the curators to bring Community Centre to Venice sends a very powerful message: wealth is not necessarily the criterion. It's how you treat the planet and how you treat the people.' For the second part of the conversations, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa engaged in a discussion about the future Qatar Pavilion with Lina Ghotmeh, founder and principal of the Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, moderated by noted architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said, 'This is a national pavilion that will reflect what Qatar does in the world, which is to support Arab voices across all pursuits—social, economic, and of course creative—and so it is important to have an Arab architect. Our goal is to elevate Arab creatives as well as others from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.' The Qatar Pavilion was conceived by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa with the support and guidance of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as a major new resource for the nation in its role of fostering dialogue and international exchange through its museums, exhibitions, artist residencies, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations and programmes. Envisioning the Qatar Pavilion in the Giardini as a highly important extension of this commitment, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa had requested a design that would speak to the values and histories that Qatar shares with others across its region while also engaging with the multi-layered fabric of Venice. Following the conversation with Lina Ghotmeh, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa officially opened 'Beyti Beytak. My Home is Your Home. La mia casa è la tua casa', ushering guests into ACP-Palazzo Franchetti's galleries and inviting them to an evening reception in the Palazzo's garden.
Qatar Living
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Living
Qatar opens pavilion at Venice Biennale
Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the country's pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia) in the historic Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy. During her opening speech, Sheikha Al Mayassa emphasised that the participation marked the beginning of a new cultural journey, reflecting Qatar's presence in spirit and stone. She noted that the pavilion demonstrates Qatar's commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting cultural exchange. 'The pavilion, which features an art installation by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari, embodies values of inclusivity and belonging, and aligns with this year's theme 'My home is your home,' she said. 'Qatar's participation (at the Biennale) goes beyond architectural construction. It presents a powerful cultural message that amplifies the voice of the region and showcases its heritage with confidence,' added Sheikha Al Mayassa. She highlighted that Venice, historically a bridge between East and West, serves as an ideal platform for conveying this message, adding that Qatar will soon join other nations in Giardini, where architecture becomes diplomacy and beauty speaks for peace. She pointed out that Qatar's pavilion, designed by talented architect Lina Qattouf, symbolises hospitality and resilience, reflecting shared aspirations. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa affirmed that culture is the foundation of the pavilion's design, with kindness as its language, making it not just an architectural structure, but a space for dialogue, wonder, and global engagement in conversations that inspire peace and cultural exchange. Qatar's new pavilion is centrally located within the Biennale gardens, near the renowned Book Pavilion. Qatar Museums' Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Saad Al Rumaihi said international exhibitions are a cornerstone of the institution's strategy to raise Qatar's cultural profile worldwide, noting that such shows help build cultural understanding and reinforce a creative economy. Qatar's ambassador to Italy Khalid bin Youssef Al Sada affirmed that the country's participation in this year's Biennale Venice is part of a strategic cultural vision aimed at promoting cultural dialogue with the world and strengthening bilateral relations with Italy, based on a firm belief that culture serves as an effective bridge for communication and understanding among peoples. Meanwhile, the Qatar pavilion organised the Beyti Beytak exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia. The exhibition explores how modern and contemporary architecture meets the needs of communities and reimagines a sense of belonging. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Qatar Tribune
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar inaugurates pavilion at Venice Biennale of Architecture
VENICE: Chairperson of Qatar Museums Board of Trustees HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has inaugurated the State of Qatar's pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia) in the historic Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy. In her speech at the event, Sheikha Al Mayassa emphasized that this participation marks the beginning of a new cultural journey, reflecting Qatar's presence in spirit and stone, noting that the pavilion demonstrates Qatar's commitment to fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting cultural exchange. She added that Qatar's pavilion, which features an art installation by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari, embodies values of inclusivity and belonging and aligns with this year's theme "My home is your home." Sheikha Al Mayassa said that Qatar's participation goes beyond architectural construction, presenting a powerful cultural message that amplifies the voice of the region and showcases its heritage with confidence. She highlighted that Venice, historically a bridge between East and West, serves as an ideal platform for conveying this message, adding that Qatar will soon join other nations in Giardini, where architecture becomes diplomacy and beauty speaks for peace. She pointed out that Qatar's pavilion, designed by talented architect Lina Qattouf, symbolizes hospitality and resilience, reflecting shared aspirations. Sheikha Al Mayassa affirmed that culture is the foundation of the pavilion's design, with kindness as its language, making it not just an architectural structure, but a space for dialogue, wonder, and global engagement in conversations that inspire peace and cultural exchange. Qatar's new pavilion is centrally located within the Biennale gardens, near the renowned Book Pavilion, adding a distinctive presence to the prestigious historical gardens that have showcased leading cultural and artistic creations for over fifty years.
