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Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library (QNL), has partnered with Qatar Museums to launch "Cultural Crossroads: Qatar, Argentina, and Chile 2025," a new collaboration under the Years of Culture program.The cultural exchange program aims to foster mutual understanding between nations through a focus on shared heritage, literature, art, creative industries, and innovation.Through Qatar Reads Family Reading Program, the collaboration invites children and families across Qatar to explore the vibrant cultures of both Argentina and Chile, highlighting their distinct histories, artistic traditions, and storytelling heritage, from Argentina's literary legacy and tango influences to Chile's celebrated poetry and folklore.Among the materials developed for this collaboration are new cultural stories and reading resources inspired by the traditions, art, and landscapes of Argentina and Chile, encouraging young readers to discover connections between Qatar and these countries through storytelling.The Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, Guillermo Nicolás noted that the collaboration reflects a shared belief in the power of culture and literature to unite people. He said the initiative introduces Argentinian and Chilean stories and art to children in Qatar, helping to build "a future where understanding and mutual respect thrive.""Stories are bridges between cultures. Through initiatives like this, we introduce children to the beauty of Argentina's and Chile's heritage while also deepening their understanding of Qatar's role in celebrating global diversity. The Years of Culture program is proud to support projects that inspire empathy, friendship, and curiosity from an early age," said Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America Mohammed Al Kuwari.Adding to this, Qatar Reads Manager Fatema Al Malki emphasized that the initiative continues Qatar Reads' efforts to make reading an adventure for every family. "Partnering with the embassies of Argentina and Chile, along with Years of Culture, allows us to open new cultural horizons for families in Qatar," she said. "These stories remind us how books can bring the world closer to every child's home."To conclude the month-long celebration, Qatar Reads, in collaboration with the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Years of Culture, will host a closing cultural event on Nov.1, 2025. The event will welcome 100 children for hands-on activities inspired by Argentinian and Chilean heritage, celebrating the creativity, storytelling, and traditions of both nations.The Cultural Crossroads theme highlights the power of storytelling in connecting communities across continents. Through ongoing partnerships with embassies, museums, and cultural institutions, Qatar Reads continues to champion creativity, literacy, and intercultural dialogue.

A young artist stands before a blank canvas in his modest Dubai studio, heart brimming with ideas yet uncertain where his inspirations will take him. For years, he has created works reflecting his culture, struggles, and hope, only to find few genuine opportunities to share them with a world beyond his neighborhood.In an industry that often favors established names and international acclaim, many like this young artist have felt the doors of the art world firmly closed. But then, something shifts, a new opportunity opens, one that brings not merely visibility but a true chance for expression and growth.This is the ground on which Art Smiley operates, offering artists worldwide a platform to rise and be seen. It serves artists and art lovers, providing a vibrant meeting ground to enjoy a taste of global creativity that connects undiscovered creativity with appreciative audiences.Building a Platform That Levels the Playing FieldAt its core, Art Smiley is a UAE-founded art ecosystem created by art lovers themselves, Aruna Allam and Lurdh Allam. Established in 2017, it has become an expansive operation serving more than 3,500 artists across more than 50 countries.Art Smiley’s journey began with a simple premise: that art should be accessible, and that every artist, regardless of their background, deserves a shot at reaching an appreciative audience. Operating in a region renowned for its cosmopolitan flair and ceaseless ambition, Art Smiley quickly saw the need for a digital platform that offered opportunities beyond local markets.For founder Lurdh Allam, the Art Smiley Marketplace is much more than an e-commerce website. Through this digital hub, artists can display, sell, and even rent their work, showcasing paintings, prints, digital works, sculptures, or home décor pieces to both individual and corporate buyers.For artists, the process is streamlined: onboarding is simple, and the necessary digital tools, from pricing to branding, are provided, making it possible for even emerging talents to navigate the minefield of art sales. The platform serves both tech-savvy and traditionalists, with its hybrid setup: virtual exhibitions and the beauty of a gallery wall.Expanding Horizons: Business Services, Decor, and NFTsThe evolution of Art Smiley from a simple marketplace to a multifaceted art platform reflects an understanding of artists' needs beyond mere sales opportunities. As they fill larger canvases, these founders soon recognized that a single marketplace could not answer every creative need, nor satisfy the wider world’s hunger for art.This realization pushed Art Smiley to branch out into specialized territories and develop what has become known as its four-division ecosystem. Starting with its Business Services division, the platform targets hospitality, real estate, interior design, corporate, and government sectors. It provides end-to-end art solutions, including canvas and UV printing on diverse materials such as acrylic, metal, glass, and wood.This expansion into commercial services creates additional income streams for artists through commissioned projects, whether murals, sculpture, or just paintings. However, creativity does not stop with custom projects.Art Smiley also welcomes its Decor platform, which delivers curated wall art across the UAE, focusing on contemporary tastes and cultural resonance. It makes it easy for anyone to transform a space with just a few clicks, all without sacrificing the expertise of a dedicated team.Perhaps Art Smiley's boldest leap is to become a multi-chain decentralized phygital NFT marketplace combining the physical and digital. Integrating NFT capabilities through the company’s blockchain division bridges traditional art communities with digital collectors.This multi-chain decentralized marketplace blends physical and digital art collectibles, creating new revenue possibilities while introducing traditional artists to blockchain communities. The platform's hybrid approach ensures that artists comfortable with conventional media can gradually explore digital opportunities without abandoning established practices.Aruna Allam mentions, “Whether you're an art buyer, collector, business looking to beautify space, artist seeking exposure, or curator aiming to champion talent, Art Smiley offers integrated, end-to-end art services under one brand.”Bringing a Win-Win Situation in the Art CommunityThe story of Art Smiley resonates beyond the logistics of sales platforms and shipping policies. At the heart of its strategy is a commitment to address longstanding inequities in the art sector.For the artists, it tackles the isolation and economic challenges of building a career in a market crowded with established gatekeepers. With personal dashboards for artists and curators, built-in marketing support, and collaborative exhibition opportunities, Art Smiley gives its community the resources necessary to turn passion into profession.Lurdh Allam reveals, “It surprises many that more than 80 percent of our registered artists had never previously sold outside their own country. Art Smiley didn’t just give them a store; we gave them a stage. The real story isn’t technology or commerce; it’s empowerment.”Art Smiley’s impact can be seen in its high-profile commissions and projects that have left their mark on landmarks like St. Regis Dubai and Masdar City. Art Smiley has become a trusted solutions provider for B2B clients, respected not only for quality but also for reliability and innovation. At the same time, conversations flow freely, new art finds new homes, and possibilities stretch far beyond what might have seemed imaginable just a decade ago.Art Smiley Excellence that Speaks Art Smiley’s excellence from 2017 to today does not arise accidentally. It is built through a willingness to innovate: hybrid exhibitions blending virtual experiences with physical gallery walls, personalized curation that highlights both emerging and renowned artists, and a customer-first approach that extends from artists to buyers, collectors, hotels, and designers.With Aruna Allam and Lurdh Allam’s leadership, the result is an ecosystem where creative visionaries, everyday buyers, and corporate clients all find something of value, anchored in the trust Art Smiley has earned as a market leader.In 2020 and 2021, Art Smiley was recognized in the Gulf Capital SME Awards for “Digital Business of the Year,” along with its status as a finalist in the “Customer Focus of the Year” category, which is a testament to its strong standing in the region.Building Communities Through ArtRecognizing the beauty of art worldwide, Art Smiley scales its business services into Saudi Arabia and Qatar and positions its marketplace for the USA and Europe. Despite their expansion, it remains grounded in the principle of access. These expansions establish a clear mission: that art, in all forms, should be within reach, not only for those who can afford exclusivity, but for all who appreciate creativity.Art Smiley's journey represents more than a business success story; it embodies a philosophy that artistic talent deserves accessible pathways to professional fulfillment. The recent opening of its first physical gallery in Al Quoz, Dubai, featuring “Global Art Odyssey—Where Art Meets the World!”, marks a bold step, blending Dubai’s growing stature as a global cultural center with the inclusive ethos that shaped Art Smiley from the outset.Lurdh Allam observes, “The greatest change we’ve seen is in the artists' confidence. Every time a new piece finds a home, or an emerging creator makes a sale, we’re reminded that art’s true value lies in connection, and that’s what Art Smiley wants to keep building, every day.”Please visit Art Smiley’s website to learn more about its services.

Katara Cultural Village hosted on Tuesday an event on Malaysia’s flavours and food culture. It showcased a cornucopia of traditional dishes, musical performances, and high-profile presentations, reflecting the diverse ingredients and environments that have shaped Malaysian culture throughout history. Addressing the event, Malaysian ambassador Mohammad Faizal Razali, said that the food culture in Malaysia is a mirror of its identity and cultural diversity. The Malaysian cuisine, he said, weaves together flavours and traditions that embody the spirit of unity and coexistence within the community. Razali highlighted that this event commemorates identity and heritage, as well as people-to-people cultural relations. He emphasised that Malaysian food is a component that brings people together and expresses national harmony as a key feature. The envoy called on the attendees to explore the splendor of Malaysia’s landscape and its diverse culture, noting the collaboration with Katara and national institutions, a move that contributes to promoting cultural and humanitarian rapprochement between the two nations, elevating the exchange of creativity, hospitality, and tourism to new heights.

The Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) has returned to Rabat, upholding the cultural and diplomatic bond forged between Qatar and Morocco during the successful 2024 Year of Culture (YoC) initiative. In a statement, Qatar’s ambassador to Morocco HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer al-Thani said: “The Years of Culture initiative was never about a single moment, but about creating exchanges that continue to live on.” “Seeing that spirit carried forward through the Longines Global Champions Tour reminds us how sport can keep cultural connections alive long after the official celebrations end,” he said. Jan Tops, founder and president of the Longines Global Champions Tour, said: “What began as a collaboration under the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture has grown into an enduring connection, reminding us that horses have long been a bridge between people, traditions, and continents.” This year’s event marked the 15th leg of the 2025 Tour, held just before the Riyadh finale. The world’s top 30 riders competed in one of the most striking venues on the circuit, framed by the Hassan Tower, the Rabat Grand Theatre, and the Mohammed VI Tower, landmarks that embody the city’s harmony between tradition and modernity.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture, has commemorated the International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held in collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science and the Unesco Regional Office in Doha, the day was celebrated with a series of activities with HE the Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed AlKhater, in attendance. The events in Doha underscore the nation's enduring commitment to protecting its intangible heritage and drew a record turnout from enthusiasts, researchers, academics, and students. HE AlKhater inaugurated the heritage photo exhibition, capturing with depth and aesthetic beauty the elements of intangible cultural heritage in Qatar through a curated selection of photographs documenting traditional crafts, performing arts, and social occasions. An artistic exhibition exclusively devoted to school students was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, showcasing artworks inspired by Qatari intangible heritage, demonstrating the new generation's awareness of their heritage and innovation in expressing it in contemporary methods. The exhibition included the participation of Qatar Leadership Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation, and several schools, including Qatar Primary School for Girls, Qatar Secondary School, Umm Hani Primary School for Girls, which contributed with the segment "Girl of Qatar," and Voltaire Qatari-French School. HE Director of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture, Sheikha Najla Faisal al-Thani, highlighted the profound importance of intangible cultural heritage as the vibrant identity of nations and the memory of generations. This year's celebration represents an opportunity to renew national and global obligations to safeguard this invaluable legacy and ensure its transmission to future generations, as intangible heritage is a fundamental factor in promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding, she noted. HE Sheikha Najla further indicated that Qatar gives foremost priority to protecting its intangible cultural heritage as a core pillar of national identity and the mirror of Qatari society's spirit. She noted that the ministry executed several projects to inventory and document the components of Qatari heritage in collaboration with national institutions and the local community, including folk arts, traditional crafts, and literature. The ministry also affirmed its commitment to supporting artisans and folk artists through festivals and training workshops that contribute to imparting skills across generations and advancing them in ways that serve the national cultural economy. On the global stage, HE Sheikha Najla highlighted that Qatar actively engaged in Unesco initiatives and registered several of its heritage elements, including falconry, majlis gatherings, Arabic coffee, the palm tree, and henna, in partnership with Gulf and Arab nations, emphasising the unity of heritage and the interwoven roots of culture in the region. She stressed that safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is a shared responsibility that contributes to fostering national identity and the nation's standing on the global cultural stage. HE Sheikha Najla further affirmed Qatar's enduring commitment to protecting Qatari heritage in all its components and transmitting it to future generations in a renewed manner that keeps pace with the times while preserving authenticity. Senior cultural expert at the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, Dr Khalid Rashid al-Balushi, told Qatar News Agency that the committee serves as the key link between global, regional, and national entities, particularly in the cultural domain, unifying national efforts. He highlighted the close partnership with the Ministry of Culture in registering several intangible cultural heritage elements with Unesco, notably falconry, Arabic coffee, and henna. Qatar currently leads important Arab heritage files, such as the bisht and sambuq (traditional sailing boats), while continuing efforts to prepare additional files for registration, he noted. For his part, Director of the Unesco Regional Office in Doha for the Gulf States and Yemen, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled, said this celebration honours the living traditions, expressions, and practices that define the region's societal identity and connect generations. He noted that these cultural elements face increasing challenges today due to rapid urban expansion and weak intergenerational transmission. Qatar actively participates in this celebration, represented by the Ministry of Culture and the Qatar National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, through a series of events at the UN House in Doha, in collaboration with key partners such as the Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Group and the College of Education at Qatar University, Khaled noted. Khaled further added that the UN House hosts, until Octo 23, the fourth Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition, featuring 22 participants showcasing over 120 artworks, along with selected pieces from the Ministry of Culture and a dedicated corner for creative products by students of QU's Fine Arts Education Department, reinterpreting Qatari heritage in contemporary forms.

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's leading institution for art and culture, is thrilled to announce a landmark initiative to restore two of Qatar's most beloved cultural landmarks: the Qatar National Theater and the Doha Club. Celebrated for their role in shaping the country's cultural and civic life, these iconic venues hold a special place in the memories of generations. QM invited the public — whether as performers, audiences, or supporters — to share their memories, archival photos, memorabilia, or recordings. These contributions will help bring these stories to life in future exhibitions and digital archives, ensuring that the spirit of both spaces continues to inspire for generations to come. Since its opening in 1982, the Qatar National Theater has stood as a cultural landmark on Doha's Corniche. It is now being restored and modernized to once again serve as a hub for culture, creativity, and community. This national landmark will honour Qatari heritage while introducing new, state-of-the-art facilities, welcoming artists and audiences from Qatar and around the world. A space for performance and dialogue, it will continue to reflect the country's vision of connecting tradition with innovation. Constructed in the late 1970s, Doha Club was one of Qatar's first modern social and recreational venues and embodied the nation's early steps into modernization and cosmopolitan life. It hosted social gatherings, cultural exchanges, as well as diplomatic and sports events. With its pool, tennis courts, restaurants, and distinctive architecture, the Club was a beloved landmark for both Qataris and expatriates until its demolition in 2007. Now the Doha Club is set for revival as a space for community and cultural exchange for future generations.

Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture (MoC), took part Tuesday in the preparatory meeting of the General Cultural Committee of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), held under the chairmanship of Kuwait.This meeting is a precursor to the gathering of the undersecretaries of culture ministries in GCC member states, scheduled to convene ahead of the 29th session of GCC ministers of culture, set to take place tomorrow.The Qatar delegation to the preparatory meeting was led by the MoC’s director of the Department of Culture and Arts Abdulrahman Abdullah al-Dulaimi.The meeting featured a comprehensive review of the agenda, which included 14 items spanning various domains of culture, arts, and heritage, aimed at strengthening joint cultural co-operation.

The Ministry of Culture (MoC) has been awarded the European Certificate of Excellence (Two-Star Level) by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) following its successful completion of a comprehensive institutional assessment based on the latest EFQM 2025 Excellence Model.The MoC is the first ministry in Qatar – and the first cultural ministry in the Gulf region and the Middle East – to receive this recognition under the new EFQM 2025 model.This milestone, an official statement said Monday, reflects the ministry’s commitment to institutional excellence and reinforces its leadership in promoting a culture of quality and innovation within the public sector.The ministry attributed this achievement to its strategic response to the findings of its initial performance report, issued by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau as part of the inaugural Qatar Government Excellence Award.That report, the statement said, served as a catalyst for the ministry’s institutional development strategy.The MoC expressed deep appreciation for the substantial support provided by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau through training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, which it said played a pivotal role in enhancing institutional readiness and achieving this distinguished international recognition.This certification represents a strategic step forward in aligning institutional performance with global best practices.It also underscores the ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of cultural services in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to the development of a vibrant cultural sector that safeguards national identity and supports sustainable development.

HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thani met with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli, on the sidelines of Qatar's participation as Guest of Honor at the Baku International Book Fair, held from October 1st to 7th, in the capital, Baku.During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries in cultural fields and ways to support and develop them.HE Sheikh Abdulrahman affirmed that Qatari-Azerbaijani cultural relations are strong and promising, considering Qatar's participation as Guest of Honor in the exhibition as a reflection of the great importance of cooperation between the two countries following the Qatar Culture Days in Azerbaijan, held from April 10th to 13th.For his part, the Azerbaijani Cultural Minister praised Qatar's valuable and rich participation in the exhibition, which greatly reflects the features of Qatari culture, affirming that this highlights the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Culture offered a unique experience for visitors to the Baghdad International Book Fair through the ‘Reading Guide’ service available at its pavilion. The service aims to guide readers in choosing appropriate books that align with their interests, providing them with a unique and enriching cultural experience.The ‘Reading Guide’ service is one of the initiatives launched by the ministry, enabling visitors to identify their interests and reading preferences, then suggesting the most appropriate books. The questionnaire also provides detailed information about book prices and the publishing houses responsible for them, facilitating visitors’ search and purchasing at the fair and saving them time and effort in discovering new titles. In this context, the fair’s audience praised the ministry’s efforts, affirming their continued follow-up of all its initiatives through social media. They considered the ‘Reading Guide’ service to be one of the most impressive initiatives at the exhibition, particularly the ability to use a questionnaire that guides readers step by step toward precise choices tailored to their level of interest, making their experience at the exhibition easier and more enjoyable.

Fifteen calligraphers from around the world are competing in the finals of the international competition for Arabic calligraphy, the 'Ethics Award', organised by the Ministry of Culture, being held from September 1-8 in Doha. The finalists, selected from among more than 250 participants, will face a sophisticated artistic challenge for prizes totaling nearly half a million Qatari riyals.This event at the Rosewood Hotel in Doha, reflects the Ministry of Culture's vision of promoting Arab and Islamic arts and highlighting the aesthetic and ethical values of Arabic calligraphy.A group of leading calligraphers and experts are to oversee the judging process, ensuring evaluation according to the highest artistic standards. The competitions are accompanied by a diverse programme that includes specialized seminars and interactive workshops, allowing attendees to explore the various international art schools in this field.This enriches Arabic calligraphers, introduces them to the most prominent trends in the local cultural scene, and opens up broader horizons for communication between creative artists. The event is to conclude with a grand ceremony held in the theatre of the new Ministry of Culture building, during which the winners will be honoured and their creations showcased to the public. This celebration reflects the status of Arabic calligraphy in the hearts of generations and emphasizes its role as one of the most important components of the cultural and artistic identity of the Arab and Islamic nation.