Events in Qatar

See the key at the end of the calendar for contact details of various venues. Events are subject to a change of dates/cancellation due to COVID-19. See daily updates at marhaba.qa and follow the advice of the Ministry of Public Health.

April 2022

2 April The holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan; eating, drinking and smoking are forbidden in public by all. Most eateries close in daylight hours (some are open in the hotels), and bars and nightclubs will be closed. Work, school and shopping hours may change. Many restaurants provide a buffet-style Iftar meal to break the fast at sunset, and hotels have beautifully decorated tents for both Iftar and Sohour. Garangaou is celebrated on the 14th night. Children wear traditional dress and visit neighbours and friends to receive sweets and nuts to put in their Garangaou bag. Pre-packaged bags are available in supermarkets. 2 May Eid Al Fitr A public holiday, with activities such as Eid brunches and promotions in the hotels and shopping malls. K eep up to date with news of events at marhaba.qa

Everything you need to know about Ramadan in Qatar can be found at marhaba.qa, including cultural awareness, opening hours of malls, banks and hospitals, dining listings, and promotions. Events April – July

Until 21 Apr Project Spaces 2021 – 22 Solo and group shows by VCUarts Qatar students, faculty and staff, presenting their current artistic explorations. Visitors can schedule tours during the university’s working hours – visit the website to register. qatar.vcu.edu Ongoing The Year of Culture Qatar – MENASA 2022 This is the 10th Year of Culture, and to celebrate, Qatar Museums is partnering with an entire region – MENASA – with the participation of 26 embassies representing countries from across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. This will be a year of specially curated museum and art exhibitions, films, music and food festivals, and other cultural exchanges. See news and events at yearsofculture.qa and marhaba.qa Until 15 May Arab Immigrants in the US: Pursuing the American Dream Exhibition Part of the Year of Culture Qatar – United States 2021, the exhibition highlights aspects of Arab immigration to the US, like history and cultural conflict, as well as the impact of Arab literature on its American counterpart. qnl.qa Ongoing QNL Heritage Library permanent exhibition More than 400 books, manuscripts, historical photographs, maps, globes and travellers' instruments, depicting the interaction between Arabs and the West over the last few centuries, along with the history of science, literature, writing and travel. qnl.qa

Ongoing Seeroo fi al ardh Public Art Qatar Foundation is featuring works by the late Maqbool Fida Husain. During the 20 minute-show the artwork depicts human progress, beginning with mankind discovering God’s creations, leading to the manipulation of nature and machines to shape the world around them. Afterwards visitors may join a guided tour of the exhibition. At Education City. qf.org.qa

What's on at National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) To be Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You NMoQ presents a new large-scale installation by confirmed internationally renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, her first immersive video installation in the Middle East. Visitors are invited to 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 throughout the gallery representing neurons firing and communicating with each other. The bulbs have been programmed in choreography with sound and video featuring abstract footage of Qatar’s landscapes. The exhibition is best experienced if personal devices are switched off in order to shift focus towards activating different senses. 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: Adult residents of Qatar, children and resident students: Free. Non-resident adults: QAR50. Non-resident students: QAR25. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors to the Desert Rose Café, Jiwan Restaurant and the gift shops do not need to purchase an entry ticket. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. 4452 5555, nmoq.org.qa C4

May

9 – 13 Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition a high-profile gathering for jewellery aficionados, global brands, and aspiring designers. In 2022, DJWE will continue to showcase exclusive, beautiful and unique craftsmanship. visitqatar.qa øDECC 18 – 19 4th Solar Energy Systems Conference (virtual) The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), in conjunction with the Texas A&M University at Qatar, invites academia, industry executives, researchers, solar energy practitioners, policymakers and government representatives to exchange ideas and learn more about the latest solar technologies. aiche.org 24 – 26 Milipol Qatar Milipol Qatar, held every two years, showcases the latest innovative products and services for public and industrial security. en.milipolqatar.com øDECC 26 The Philharmonic at the Library: Unravel Programme includes Debussy 'Moonlight', Faure 'Pavane', Faure 'After a dream', and Maurice Ravel 'Mother goose suite'. At Qatar National Library, register at qnl.qa

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and QM Gallery Al Riwaq The museum's galleries, IDAM restaurant, MIA Café and the gift shop are closed until further notice for renovation. The Education Centre remains open – the MIA Library opening hours are Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. There is a free interactive 3D guide to the museum available while it is closed, as well as free online workshops, storytime and art classes until June 2022 – register at schoolsmia@qm.org.qa. Visitors can access MIA Park for individual sport activity in accordance with government guidelines. The Mathaf bus is a free shuttle service between Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station: Artist in Residence. 4422 4444, mia.org.qa C4

June

3 Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra: The Best of Franz Liszt Programme includes Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, S. 124, Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, S. 125, Les Préludes, Symphonic Poem No. 3, S. 97. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org ^Katara Cultural Village 6 – 9 Project Qatar The Qatari construction sector is the fastest growing in the Gulf region. The expo provides easy market access into this lucrative market, making it essential for everyone wishing to seize a share of these opportunities, whether as a buyer or supplier. projectqatar.com øDECC

7 – 8

CyberX Qatar Summit 2022 (in person and virtual) The 5th Edition of the CyberX Global Series and the 2nd CyberX Qatar Summit examines the growing risk of cyber attacks and the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. Qatar is building a secure cyber ecosystem to deal with potential cyber security-related risks – the summit will discuss initiatives, future trends affecting organisations and businesses, and provide solutions to address cyber security issues. Venue to be announced. cyberxqatar.com 8 The Philharmonic at the Library: Electronic Maqam At Qatar National Library, register at qnl.qa 10 June – Summer in Qatar and Shop Qatar 2022 Annual initiatives by Qatar Tourism, bringing 10 August entertainment, workshops, raffles and promotions to residents and visitors during the summer months. visitqatar.qa 19 – 21 78th AGM of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and World Air Transport Summit The second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar, having been first held here in 2014. Hosted by Qatar Airways. iata.org 21 – 23 Hospitality Qatar 2022 International hospitality and HORECA trade show, providing local, regional and international businesses access to opportunities in the country's hospitality sector. This year's show will focus on sports events, staycations, cruises and GCC travellers, as well as exhibitions, food festivals and other events that will drive the growth of Qatar’s hospitality sector in 2022. hospitalityqatar.qa øDECC

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

Ongoing Mathaf Collection, Summary Part 2 The collection is a selection of the museum's most iconic pieces. The new display features 20th and 21st century modern and contemporary art from the Arab World, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe – all historically connected to Qatar and the Arab Peninsula. Artists include Etel Adnan (Lebanon), Farid Belkahia (Morocco), Saloua Raouda Choucair (Lebanon), Faraj Daham (Qatar), Inji Efflatoun (Egypt), Abdulhalim Radwi (Saudi Arabia), Hassan Sharif (Dubai), Hussein Zendaroudi (Iran), Manal AlDowayan (Saudi Arabia), Wael Shawky (Egypt) and Hayv Kahraman (Iraq-USA). Opening times Saturday to Thursday 9 am – 7 pm, Friday 1:30 pm – 7 pm. Admission: Adult residents of Qatar, children and resident students: Free. Non-resident adults: QAR50. Non-resident students: QAR25. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Visitors to the Desert Rose Café, Jiwan Restaurant and the gift shops do not need to purchase an entry ticket. Mathaf is accessible by car, bus and tram. There is a free shuttle service between Mathaf and the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Library, and Fire Station: Artist in Residence. The Mathaf stop on the Education City public tram service is approximately 3 minutes away from the museum. Visitors are asked to dress modestly in keeping with Qatari culture. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2

July

10 Eid Al Adha Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this is an important holiday falling on the 10th day of Dhu al Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar. As the exact day is based on lunar sightings, the date varies between countries. Eid Al Adha is an official holiday in Qatar. For events and hospitality listings, visit marhaba.qa

Upcoming events

Sept IDC Qatar CIO Summit Research by IDC has shown that businesses in the Middle East are reviewing digital infrastructure models and strategies. This year the summit will examine the increasing pace of innovation and the region's evolving technology landscape, with keynote speeches, panel debates, and networking opportunities. At The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Oct Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF) One of the largest art festivals in Qatar, where hundreds of local and international artists can showcase their works. There are different events each day, including exhibitions, live painting symposium, fashion shows, masterclasses and cultural tours. qiaf.net ^Katara Cultural Village

Oct/Nov 10th Ajyal Film Festival – 2022 Special Edition The festival is the Doha Film Institute’s tribute to the country, in a historic year that sees the FIFA World CupTM come to Qatar. The Jury experience will be held 1 – 8 October, inviting nearly 500 Ajyal Jury members aged 8 to 25 to watch, analyse, and provide feedback on films from around the world. The Public Programme, to be held 22 November – 16 December, allows residents and visitors to experience cinema screenings across a number of locations in the country. Both events will feature films from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) as part of the Year of Culture – Qatar MENASA 2022. dohafilminstitute.com

March 2023 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) LDC5 is being held in two parts: the first was in New York in March 2022 at which adoption of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) was considered – renewed and strengthened commitments between the least developed countries and development partners, such as the private sector and governments. The second part will be in Doha in March 2023, where world leaders will formalise plans and partnerships to ensure the delivery of DPoA over the next 10 years. Venue to be announced. un.org/ldc5 Oct 2023 – Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar Under the theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment', The International Horticultural Expo will bring together the world asking visitors 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

Throughout the Year

Lectures, exhibitions and workshops • 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 • Katara Exhibitions, cultural and music events, and workshops. Call Centre: 182, katara.net B4 • Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Exhibitions, workshops and artist encounters. 4402 8855, mathaf.org.qa C2 • Museum of Islamic Art Workshops and educational programmes. 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, silent book 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 are subject to a change of dates/cancellation. The Sports Events Calendar can be found in the Sports section. To be included in our listings, email marhaba@qatar.net.qa m

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+Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) Qatar Foundation C2 4470 7000, qncc.qa øDoha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) C4 4033 1111, decc.qa ^Katara Cultural Village Lusail Street B4 182, katara.net Qatar Tourism visitqatar.qa