Events August – November

These are just some of the events taking place over the coming months – see our online events calendar at marhaba.qa for much more to do. For sports events see the separate calendar in this section. Events may be changed or cancelled.

August 2023

Ongoing Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture

This year's programme celebrates the mutual appreciation between the two countries in terms of their religious heritage, their appreciation of history and their aspirations for the future. The year-long event features performances, exhibitions, sports and culinary events, photography projects, residency and volunteer programmes. yearsofculture.qa

Ongoing QNL Heritage Library permanent exhibition Books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, globes and travellers' instruments depicting the interaction between Arabs and the West over the centuries, along with the history of science, literature, writing and travel. Use the new QNL app for quick and easy access to the collections or to make enquiries. qnl.qa

Until 31 Aug Discover the Whale Sharks of Qatar Qatar is home to one of the largest whale sharks’ aggregations in the world, and the coastal waters provide an ideal location to see large numbers of whale sharks gathering to feed close to the surface. Discover Qatar offers the chance to see these gracious creatures with an expert presentation on habits, feeding patterns and research being carried out in Qatar. discoverqatar.qa

Al Ruwais Port

Until 10 Sept Zwara: Focus On Forever Valentino (right) Inspired by the recent Forever Valentino exhibition, Qatar-based designers in the Zwara programme explore the conversations and crossover between fashion and other design disciplines. m7.org.qa M7, Msheireb Downtown Doha

Until 30 Sept Hayy bin Yaqdhan Exhibition Part of the 'One Book, One Doha' campaign by Qatar Reads, Qatar National Library has a new exhibition about the story of Hayy bin Yaqdhan, who grew up alone on a deserted island. This is a journey through Hayy's life, using versions of the book in English, Arabic and Dutch. qnl.qa

Until 7 Dec MetaWhat? The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everything we know, and the way in which we communicated with each other: Zoom, Roblox, Facebook changing to Meta. The exhibition examines the metaverse and the new generation of media and entertainment. Over 100 physical objects, artworks and installations shows what the metaverse can both bring to people's lives and what it can prohibit. Simultaneously is Gaia, a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram providing a new perspective of our place on the planet. mediamajlis.northwestern.edu

Until 16 Dec AIR 6 & 7 – The Present: The Future Of The Past (right) The latest group exhibition from Fire Station’s Artist in Residence (AIR) programme alumni, showing the creative process of 31 artists in the studio alongside their final artworks. firestation.org.qa

Fire Station

Until DFI Workshop: Watching the Classics – Making Movies Modern An online programme for filmmakers and cinephiles to deepen their knowledge of film history. dohafilminstitute.com

15 Jan 2024

What's on at National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

Until Olafur Eliasson: The Curious Desert The first exhibition of Olafur Eliasson’s work in the Gulf region, at two locations. Near the Al Thakhira mangrove in northern Qatar are 12 temporary pavilions forming an artistic laboratory in the desert. The gallery presentation at the museum features artworks exploring the Icelandic-Danish artist’s experimentation across many media, with models, watercolours, light installations and photos of Iceland.

15 Aug

31 Aug

Until AI Digital Centre Summer Programmes Creative workshops and field trips, covering coding through Minecraft, cybersecurity, design and engineering, filmmaking, and 3D and virtual reality. For ages 8 – 16, registration is required.

Until Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You A large-scale installation by renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, her first in the Middle East. Visitors embark on a journey of self-discovery through a multisensory experience that symbolises humanity’s collective unconscious and the power of the mind. A prominent part of the installation is the 'pixels', 12,000 LED lights strung on cables representing neurons firing and communicating with each other. The bulbs have been programmed with sound and video featuring abstract footage of Qatar’s landscapes.

15 Jan 2024

20 Jan 2024

Until A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum The exhibition features three amazing cars in the Mawater Gallery. The new Qatar Auto Museum will explore the past, present and future of the automobile and is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the cultural, educational and tourism sectors, the strong investments in the automotive industry, and Qatar's role as a host for global automotive events such as the Qatar Geneva International Motor Show and Formula 1.

24 Oct – The Shape of Time: Art and Ancestors of Oceania from The Metropolitan Museum of Art (right) Nearly 130 works from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Oceanic collection, being exhibited outside The Met for the first time in nearly a century. The exhibition is organised by the themes Voyaging, Ancestors and Time which explores the rich cultural heritage of Pacific Islanders over the last 400 years.

25 Jan 2024

17 Feb 2024

24 Oct – Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa: Stories of Coffee in Qatar and Indonesia Through a fascinating display of artefacts, photographs, and interactive elements, visitors can delve into the histories, traditions, and flavours of coffee in these two nations. Part of QatarIndonesia 2023 Year of Culture.

Headrest, Tami Islands, Papua New Guinea, mid to late 19th century, wood. The Michael C Rockefeller Memorial Collection, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Opening times: Galleries and shops: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm.

Jiwan Restaurant: Monday to Thursday, Saturday 12:30 pm – 8 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 8 pm.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa C4

September

2 Gulf Folk Meets the Philharmonic Masterpieces combining Western orchestral music with traditional Gulf folk genres. This concert is conducted by Kamoliddin Urinbaev from Uzbekistan, who will be presenting his new composition, 'Roh Al Maqam' (maqam meaning place/location in Arabic and referring to a system of melodic modes). qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre, Souq Waqif

5 – 9 S'hail – Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition A platform to preserve and promote the art of hunting and falconry, while also supporting educational and environmental initiatives. s-hail.qa Katara Cultural Village

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and Qatar Museums Gallery – Al Riwaq

Until Mosques in Qatar: Then and Now The exhibition takes us on an architectural tour of Qatar, depicting the earliest mosques through to the modern designs of today.

23 Oct –

Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran (below left) A four-part exhibition showing the critical role that silk played during the Safavid period (1501 – 1736 CE): The establishment of the silk monopoly and state-funded manufacturing, exploring the production and technical components of textiles; the rise of Isfahan as an imperial capital; fashion and trends in Safavid society; and contemporary commissions created by local designers inspired by Safavid textiles. 'Fashioning an Empire' was conceived by and first presented at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Washington DC in 2021–22.

25 Oct – Dan Flavin/Donald Judd: Doha (above right) QM Gallery – Al Riwaq hosts an exhibition of the work of Dan Flavin (1933 – 1996) and Donald Judd (1928 – 1994), two of the most influential figures of Minimalism, who met in 1962 in New York. Organised by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in collaboration with QM.

Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased online in advance.Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. There is a free shuttle service between MIA and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa C4

8 – 9 Masterpieces of Furniture Design (right) This curated exhibition showcases an exceptional collection of 50 furniture pieces spanning 200 years of design, each a true masterpiece blending innovation, artistry, and functionality. In partnership with the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. m7.org.qa

M7 Gallery, Msheireb Downtown Doha

15 Bizet's Carmen One of the most popular Western operas, with guest conductor Elias Grandy. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org QNCC

What's on at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Ongoing Mathaf Collection, Summary Part 2 Some of the museum's most iconic pieces, featuring 20th and 21st century contemporary art by artists from the Arab World, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe – all historically connected to Qatar and the Arab Peninsula.

Until Beirut and the Golden Sixties: A Manifesto of Fragility A multidisciplinary exhibition that examines a turbulent chapter in the development of modernism in Beirut, from the 1958 Lebanon Crisis to the Lebanese Civil War in 1975. The Beirut art scene of the 1960s saw an explosion of creativity and artistic experimentation, as seen in the 230 artworks and 300 archival documents from nearly 40 collections worldwide, alongside 8 works from Mathaf’s collection and a number of archival documents.

5 Aug 2023

26 Oct – De/Constructed Meaning (right) A collaboration with VCUarts Qatar, using an installation which acts as a writing device on sand to show the evolution of the Arabic script interpretations.

5 Mar 2024

5 Mar 2024

26 Oct – The Mailbox Project: Cities Under Quarantine The project arose from the COVID-19 isolation, with 57 handmade, handstitched books created in Beirut shipped to 19 different countries. Reza Abedini designed each book for a specific artist and asked them to do whatever they liked on the book's blank pages, using any medium. The project was first shown in Florence, Italy in 2021.

26 Oct – Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance (right) Moutashar’s first solo exhibition in Qatar, presenting new and existing works in a variety of media, bridging contemporary art with the heritage of the Arab-Muslim world. Inspired by Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns, his pieces challenge the categories his work might be placed in, including Abstraction, Minimalism and Op-Art.

5 Mar 2024

5 Mar 2024

26 Oct – Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism The exhibition depicts experiments in abstraction that show how Arab modernism differs from its counterparts around the world. The works show how regional artists have drawn ideas, visual elements, and techniques from the rich and diverse heritage of the Arab-Muslim world, particularly calligraphy and ornamentation.

Ongoing Art Lesson with Ismail Azzam Artist and curator Ismail Azzam is at Mathaf every Sunday and Monday 4 pm – 7 pm for lessons in different portraiture techniques using media like pencil, charcoal and paint. The lessons are for people with basic to intermediate sketching and drawing skills and each participant must bring their own sketchbook.

Opening times: Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm.

Admission: Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. There is a free shuttle service between Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station. The Mathaf stop on the Education City public tram service is approximately three minutes away from the museum. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2

October

2 Oct 2023 – Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar Under the theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment', The International Horticultural Expo will bring together the world to unite in the fight against desertification – one third of the world’s land surface is threatened by this global problem, increasing by 12 mn hectares per annum. There are four sub-themes: Modern Agriculture, Technology and Innovation, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability. This is the first horticultural exhibition to be held in a region with a desert climate and supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. dohaexpo2023.gov.qa Al Bidda Park

28 Mar 2024

10 – 11

Arab Fintech Forum Qatar's first forum for fintech leaders and startups, addressing both the challenges and opportunities of the global fintech ecosystem. arabfintechforum.com The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

10 – 12

Autonomous e-Mobility Forum The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is hosting the first event highlighting the latest trends and innovations in sustainable transport solutions. It will be a platform for exchanging experiences, ideas and having discussions on developments in the field of electric transport and self-driving mobility. aemobforum. com Venue to be confirmed

21 – 31 Street Art Festival Talented local and international artists come together to showcase their skills, transforming ordinary spaces into captivating works of art. Katara Cultural Village

23 – 25

The Big 5 Construct Qatar and Index Design Qatar An opportunity for everyone in the constuction and interior design industries to source products and services for all project requirements. thebig5-qatar.com, index-qatar.com DECC

24 – 26

Cityscape Qatar Cityscape provides opportunities for networking and learning about the latest real estate market trends in the region, particularly Qatar and its ambitious growth plans. cityscapeqatar.com DECC

November

6 – 8

Hospitality Qatar 2023 International hospitality and HORECA trade show, providing local, regional and international businesses access to opportunities in the country's hospitality sector, and further building on the developments made to the sector so far. hospitalityqatar.qa DECC

6 – 9

Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2023 The summit brings together leaders and visionaries to shape the future of the booming global wellness economy. The conference is held at a different location each year, and this 17th edition's theme is 'A Time for Transformation', reflecting Qatar's own transformation into a premier wellness tourism destination. globalwellnesssummit.com Msheireb

6 – 9

DFI Ajyal Youth Film Festival The Doha Film Institute's platform empower the region's youth and inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region. dohafilminstitute. com Katara Cultural Village

9 – 12 5th International Primary Health Care Conference Hosted by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) under the theme 'Primary Care Today: Lessons Learnt, Future Action for Sustainability', this high-profile event will convene more than 1,000 speakers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, eminent researchers, educators, students and stakeholders from across the globe. iphcc2023.phcc.gov.qa The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

14 – 18

Katara Traditional Dhow Festival This vibrant festival brings together an enchanting display of traditional dhows, intricately adorned with vibrant colours and elegant designs, showcasing the craftsmanship and seafaring traditions of Qatar. Katara Cultural Village

20 – 22

Qatar Travel Mart (QTM 2023) Sponsored by Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways, and Katara Hospitality to support the tourism sector in Qatar, the exhibition will have 35 countries participating, showcasing popular travel destinations and trends in tourism. qtmqatar.com

DECC

28 – 29

World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) 2023 WISE is a biennial summit and a range of ongoing programmes promoting innovation and building the future of education through collaboration WISE was established by Qatar Foundation in 2009 under the patronage of its chairperson, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. wise-qatar.org QNCC

Upcoming events

4 – 7 Dec 17th Annual GPCA Forum The forum will be held for the first time in Qatar, under the theme ‘Mobilizing Chemistry for Impactful Transformation’. The programme will highlight the crucial role of chemistry in driving innovation and sustainability in various industries, and will bring together global and regional chemical leaders to discuss topics like sustainability, innovation, portfolio transformation, and achieving true netzero emissions. gpcaforum.com

QNCC

20 Dec – Mal Lawal 4 Exploring the history of gaming, with a focus on the 1990s, through objects shared by private collectors. nmoq.org.qa National Museum of Qatar

Jan 2024

Lectures, exhibitions and workshops

Throughout the Year

• Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Dean’s Lecture Series. 4454 8400, qatar.cmu.edu C2

• Embrace Doha Workshops and events aimed at enriching the cultural experience of expats and visitors. embracedoha.net

• Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar Faculty Lectures. 4457 8100, qatar.georgetown.edu C2

• Heenat Salma Farm Workshops and activities including sadu weaving, pottery and aromatherapy. 5096 0007, heenatsalma.earth

• Katara Exhibitions, cultural and music events, and workshops. Call Centre: 182, katara.net B4

• Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Exhibitions, workshops, artist encounters and guided tours for families. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2

• Museum of Islamic Art Workshops, educational programmes, library and gallery tours. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa D4

• National Museum of Qatar Online tours, workshops, lectures, and activities for schoolchildren. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa C4

• Qatar Foundation Convocations, summits, and lifestyle and business-related workshops. 4454 0000, qf.org.qa C2

• Qatar National Library Workshops, educational and academic programmes, reading events and chess club. qnl.qa C2

• Virginia Commonwealth University of Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Gallery lectures, exhibitions, and community classes in art, design and crafts. 4402 0555, qatar.vcu C2

Music, drama and more

• Doha Film Institute Film screenings and festivals, workshops and educational programmes. dohafilminstitute.com

• Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Regular performances of Western and Arabic music. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha Pub Quiz at Shehrazad on the last Monday of each month. 4428 1555, radissonblu.com D3/4

• The Doha Players An amateur dramatic society that presents a range of shows and open mic nights throughout the year. See their Facebook page

• The Doha Singers Qatar's largest and oldest amateur choir. dohasingers.com

Events may be subject to a change of dates or cancellation. The separate Sports Events Calendar can be found in this section. To be included in our listings, email marhaba@qatar.net.qa

Keep up to date with all that is happening in Qatar by connecting with Marhaba on our social media channels, visit marhaba.qa and sign up for our weekly newsletter. m

Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Qatar Foundation C2 4470 7000, qncc.qa

Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) C4 4033 1111, decc.qa

Katara Cultural Village Lusail Street B4 182, katara.net

Qatar Tourism visitqatar.qa Qatar Museums qm.org.qa

By Sarah Palmer

Expo 2023 Doha will make history as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, and in the MENA region – indeed, the first to be held in a desert climate.

The six-month long event is a collaboration between the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and the International Association for Horticultural Producers (AIPH). BIE is the intergovernmental organisation based in Paris that oversees and regulates all international exhibitions that last more than three weeks and are of non-commercial nature.

Expo 2023 Doha will attract international visitors and feature participation from 80 countries and NGOs. The Expo is developed under Qatar National Vision 2030 and is being organised by the Ministry of Municipality.

The theme is ‘Green Desert, Better Environment’, addressing the challenges faced by hot desert nations with regard to desertification and sustainability. Historically, greening the desert was a challenge. It is now possible to achieve, and can be the answer to global water, energy, and food scarcity problems. One-third of the world’s land surface is threatened by desertification and an additional 12 mn hectares of arid land is emerging each year. Desertification has become a pressing global issue, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on the benefits of ecosystems that drylands provide. As land becomes more arid, so people will migrate from rural to urban areas, causing both an environmental and economic problem. To achieve – and maintain – a green desert, there is a need for a platform where people can come together to exchange information, technology and innovations.

Visitors will be inspired to explore and adopt change through four sub-themes: modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability. Expo 2023 Doha will also aim to attract cutting-edge global technologies and foster international collaborations to achieve goals.

According to Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General, Mohamed Ali Al Khouri, ‘By hosting this event, we are raising awareness about the importance of more sustainable livelihoods and sending a powerful sustainability message to all visitors and particularly younger generations.’

With the event lasting six months, it has the potential to create a an exceptional and lasting impact. The organisers and the ministry have worked on a strong thematic programme that involves a number of international specialised agencies and organisations. The overarching aim is to leave behind a substantial legacy and surpass the achievements of previous horticultural expos.

What Expo 2023 Doha Will Offer

The event is expected to attract a total of 3 mn visitors and will take place in the beautiful Al Bidda Park, spanning 1.7 mn sq m and overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf. There will be a slew of activities and entertainment suitable for everyone: business visitors, horticulture enthusiasts, tourists, families, and children.

On offer will be the extensive gardens in the park, thought-provoking talks, conferences, art and F&B choices. Facilities include congress and exhibition centres, a family amphitheatre, domes with indoor gardens, a cultural bazaar, a farmers market, an environment centre and biodiversity museum, and a grandstand arena.

One particular hightlight of the event will be the National Day celebrations, to take place on 18 December, to include a flag-raising ceremony with international official delegations in attendance.

Expo 2023 Doha will be divided into three distinct areas where volunteers will be assigned – between 3,000 and 4,000 will be recruited for the six month event.

The international area, located in the northern part of the park, will serve as the gateway to the expo and the main hub for international gardens, exhibitions, and events, covering an approximate area of 700,000 sq m. The family area, occupying a central position within the park, will provide a focal point for family-oriented activities, gatherings, and outdoor pursuits, encompassing an estimated area of 500,000 sq m. The third area, the cultural area, is located in the southern zone, and will serve as a venue for cultural and traditional activities, and exhibitions, and covers a space of approximately 500,000 sq m.

Expo 2023 Doha is scheduled to run from 2 October 2023 until 28 March 2024 – at 179 days, this is the second-largest event Qatar will host after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. The Expo promises to be yet another successful international event in Qatar!

For more information, call 184, visit dohaexpo2023.gov.qa, follow updates at marhaba.qa and on our social media channels.

m