9th Qatar-UK Festival concludes

British Council Qatar, the British embassy and Katara – the Cultural Village celebrated the conclusion of the 9th Qatar-UK Festival, highlighting strengthened UK-Qatar connections, enhanced cultural collaboration and a shared commitment to engaging diverse communities.The two weeks of events united UK artists and Qatar organisations.Centred around the theme of People-to-People Connections, the festival celebrated cultural exchange and collaboration while commemorating British Council’s 90th anniversary.Highlights included a photography competition, interactive workshops, panel discussions, Abaya exhibitions and artistic performances, a statement said Monday.More than 5,000 participants were engaged throughout the festival’s duration, raising awareness of cultural collaboration and community-building.About 60% of participants were women, including leaders, artists, and audiences, highlighting the festival’s focus on inclusivity.The European Jazz Festival attracted an audience of 2,000, who enjoyed performances by four Welsh artists."This year’s programme has been a celebration of creativity and collaboration, illustrating how arts and culture can bridge divides and foster meaningful connections between communities in the UK and Qatar,” said British Council Qatar country director Dr Waseem Kotoub."The festival has been a testament to the power of people-to-people connections, celebrating our shared culture and creativity,” said British ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel. "By nurturing these relationships, we pave the way for future collaboration that aligns with our commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding.”