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As Qatar’s “Years of Culture” initiative marks its 15th partnership in 2025 — partnering with two countries, Argentina and Chile, in a single year for the first time — the program’s evolution reflects a broader shift in how the nation views culture as a form of international exchange. Initially a bilateral initiative designed to introduce the world to Qatar in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first ever held in the Arab world — Years of Culture has grown into a major pillar of Qatar’s cultural diplomacy. Today, the initiative embodies a global outlook that bridges cultures, fosters long-term relationships and generates dialogue across disciplines.

What began as a means to welcome the world to the Arab region’s first World Cup has evolved into a dynamic framework for international collaboration. From street art in Sao Paulo to film workshops in Tangier, from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra concerts to permanent public art installations, the program illustrates how culture can forge lasting connections. These include public art, participation in Qatar’s key economic forums and trade fairs, and social development initiatives.

The acclaimed “On the Move” exhibition, first presented during the Qatar-Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region 2022 Year of Culture, was later showcased in China — a legacy partner from the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture. Likewise, Paris-based Moroccan glass artist Sara Ouhaddou, who first collaborated with Qatar as part of “Our World is Burning” at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris for the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, later participated in the “Qatar | Morocco: Crafting Design Futures” residency as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.

Several major national initiatives have emerged from the relationships forged during earlier Years of Culture.

Lolwah Al Khater

Several major national initiatives have also emerged from the relationships forged during earlier Years of Culture. Most recently, Qatar and France announced a comprehensive memorandum of understanding that builds on the foundations laid during Qatar-France 2020. This wide-ranging agreement focuses on capacity building, collaborative exhibitions, professional training, joint research and digitization — demonstrating the enduring impact of cultural exchange.

Qatar’s approach is distinctive in how it intertwines formal diplomacy with grassroots engagement. Cultural diplomacy in Qatar extends beyond formal institutions. While embassies and cultural ministries play key roles, contributions also come from chefs, archaeologists, economists, volunteers and students. Programming includes high-profile museum exhibitions — such as this year’s “LATINOAMERICANO,” co-curated by MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, and Qatar Museums — as well as community workshops, library exchanges, trade fairs and initiatives grounded in social development.

The transformative impact of the initiative is strengthened by its decentralized and collaborative structure. Each cultural year is co-developed with the partner country, encouraging mutual ownership and cultural authenticity. Over time, this has produced a robust network of connections that organizers now draw upon to create multicountry programming. In 2024, for example, the National Museum of Qatar hosted a fashion exhibition spotlighting Moroccan designer Mohammed Benchellal, whose collection was produced using materials found in Doha’s car shops and created at the Liwan Design Studios and Labs.

The transformative impact of the initiative is strengthened by its decentralized and collaborative structure.

Lolwah Al Khater

This is an initiative that is well-suited to today’s interconnected world — and to a generation of young people who come from multicultural backgrounds, travel more freely than ever before and embrace opportunities for cultural exploration and exchange.

The layering of cultural years has also allowed the initiative to deepen thematically. Today, topics such as environmental storytelling, youth engagement and design futures are explored through joint residencies, academic symposia and museum exhibitions.

Yet Qatar’s broader vision for global engagement remains central. As it shapes its post-World Cup identity, Qatar has embraced cultural diplomacy as a vital expression of its international role — rooted in dialogue and intellectual exchange. For participants, particularly creatives from the Global South, Years of Culture offers a rare platform for visibility, resources and mutual learning.

It is not about exporting Qatari culture or importing others. It is about rewriting how culture can move — collaboratively, respectfully and without hierarchy. This ethos is exemplified by the contemporary Qatari art exhibitions that travel to former partner countries such as Germany, China and Russia, showcasing the work of young Qatari artists.

Once seen as a rising player on the global cultural scene, Qatar is now establishing itself as a hub of ideas, people, perspectives and possibilities. In the years ahead, Years of Culture may shift from a model of annual partnerships to one of ongoing, intersecting global dialogues — born in Doha but resonating far beyond.

• Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater is Minister of Education and Higher Education of Qatar.