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Katara Cultural Village’s Hall 12 has been transformed into a vibrant global space brimming with artistic expression, as the 7th Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF 2025) continues. The festival brings together a distinguished group of international artists in a creative celebration that reinforces Katara’s role as a cultural bridge connecting the world through art and diversity.Running until Dec 12, the festival features the participation of more than 500 artists from 83 countries, representing various artistic schools and creative styles. The event offers a rich visual panorama that reflects the power of individual experiences and the convergence of cultures. Iraqi visual artist Jaafar Diaa of the Ashnon Arts Foundation said he is presenting two surrealist works titled 'The Fate of the Book in the Modern Age and Transcending Time', noting that the festival “is wonderful and features strong works from diverse artistic schools, making it a truly unique experience.”Indian artist Sugandha expressed her delight at participating for the first time, saying: “I am thoroughly enjoying this experience. The festival is large and gives us the opportunity to connect with artists from different countries. I was happy to meet artists from all over the world.”Ana de Negri from Spain explained that this is her second participation “after the success of last year’s edition,” noting that the Spanish delegation includes a large group of artists and two dedicated pavilions. She also expressed her pride in representing Spain again.Iraqi artist Tina Arfali stated that this is her first participation in Qatar, adding: “The opening was wonderful. My work combines Arabic calligraphy with photography using mixed media techniques to add depth and unique artistic texture.”Meanwhile, Iranian artist and university professor Mansoureh Valikhan said she is delighted to return for a second year, emphasising that her work received significant appreciation.She explained that the theme of her participation centres on Iranian folklore, using colours and patterns inspired by Iranian heritage. QIAF 2025 continues to host a daily programme of artistic performances, workshops, and public activities, reaffirming its position as one of the most prominent creative platforms in the region and a global event celebrating art in all its forms and expressions. 

Katara Cultural Village inaugurated Tuesday the Syrian Corner in the vicinity of the Golden Masjid, with the opening of a model of the 'Minaret of the Bride' inspired by the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, designed by the visual artist Zaina Abara.The work embodies one of the most important architectural symbols in Islamic history and Damascene memory, as the Minaret of the Bride is the oldest minaret of the Umayyad Mosque, and constitutes a spiritual and architectural symbol that has been linked to the city's conscience for centuries.The model was executed in a contemporary artistic style that preserved the spirit of Damascene architecture and its decorations, while the presence of jasmine stands out as a symbol of identity and nostalgia, giving the work an emotional dimension that expresses the relationship of Syrians with their history and aesthetic memory.In his remarks, General Manager of Katara Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said that the opening of the Syrian corner falls within Katara's vision to enhance the presence of arts and cultural symbols in the public space of the Cultural Village, and to make human heritage available to the public in an interactive way, which contributes to strengthening bridges of communication and cultural dialogue between peoples.Charge d'Affaires at the Syrian embassy in Doha Dr. Bilal Turkiya emphasised that the artwork embodies a deeply rooted cultural and spiritual value in the history of Syria, as the Minaret of the Bride is not only an architectural landmark that the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus boasts of, but also a symbol of the oldest continuously inhabited capital that has carried throughout its history a message of intellectual and cultural radiance whose impact has extended from Damascus to the capitals of the world.He added that the presence of this model in Katara represents a cultural bridge connecting Damascus and Doha, and allows the public to learn about the depth of Syrian heritage and its authentic aesthetics, expressing his gratitude to Katara for embracing this work that embodies the memory of a people and the identity of a city.In turn, artist Abara said that the Minaret of the Bride is a historical, spiritual, and cultural symbol linked to the city of Damascus for centuries, expressing her hope that the artwork will serve as a bridge between memory, nostalgia, and hope. She noted that reinterpreting the minaret in this artistic form aims to preserve its authenticity and keep it alive in the collective consciousness of future generations.The sculpture represents an artistic restoration of the oldest minarets of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, which were built in the Umayyad era and then witnessed successive architectural touches throughout the ages. The work is based on highlighting the geometric and decorative details that characterize the Damascene architecture, with a contemporary treatment that enhances the symbolic dimension of the minaret as a cultural radiance.Abara, who resides in Qatar, is a member of the Qatar Fine Arts Society. Her work focuses on documenting and reformulating the Arab visual identity in a contemporary aesthetic language. She has participated in local and international exhibitions and held a solo exhibition in Katara in 2018.

Katara Cultural Village hosted an event on Tuesday on the culinary culture of Peru, spotlighting the rich culinary heritage of the South American nation. The event featured presentations that highlighted the environmental and natural resources that have shaped Peruvian lifestyles across various historical eras. **media[381056]** Peru's ambassador to Qatar, Gonzalo Voto Bernales Gatica, praised the collaboration with Katara, describing it as a distinguished platform for cultural exchange and a vital bridge connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. He expressed his appreciation for organising the event, which celebrated iconic elements of Peruvian cuisine, most notably Ceviche, a dish inscribed by Unesco in 2023 on its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. **media[381057]** The ambassador emphasised that Ceviche is a key cultural symbol, reflecting Peruvians' deep connection to the ocean, rivers, and land. He noted that the dish embodies Peru's geographic and ethnic diversity and its rich cultural fusion, while also representing the intergenerational transmission of knowledge through fishing practices, market traditions, festive rituals, and communal values.

Katara Cultural Village has honoured the top three winners of the inaugural Katara Prize for Manuscripts and Archaeological Sites 2024 at a ceremony attended by scholars and cultural figures.The first prize was awarded to Syrian researcher Walid al-Suraqbi, while Egyptian researchers Ahmed Abdelbaset and Ahmed Abdelsattar shared second place. The third prize went to Noha Hussein al-Hefnawi, also from Egypt. The event also recognised members of the award’s judging panel — Dr Omar al-Ajli, Dr Mohammed al-Rahawi and Dr Samir Qaddouri — as well as Abdullah Mohammed Bilal, head of Mauritania’s manuscript house association, for his efforts in preserving Arab manuscript heritage.Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Katara’s General Manager, said the award reflects Katara’s commitment to reviving Arab and Islamic manuscript heritage as an essential part of cultural identity and intellectual history. He added that the initiative complements Katara’s other major literary awards, including those for the novel, Arabic poetry, and the Prophet’s Poet.

Katara Cultural Village has organised a Turkish cultural evening in collaboration with Katara-chaired Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), the Turkish embassy in Doha, and the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre.A number of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, an audience from the Turkish community, and lovers of oriental music in Qatar were in attendance.The evening, marking the Turkish Republic Day commemoration, featured interaction from the public, rejoicing to the cultural atmosphere, with Turkish singer Zehra Ozgelik performing heritage and contemporary song compositions that ranged from *muwashshahs to patriotic songs, reflecting the cultural identity of Turkiye and its artistic richness.Addressing the event, Turkish ambassador Dr Mehmet Mustafa Goksu said that everyone celebrates this day as Turkiye approaches its second centennial, at an event elevated by the distinguished presence and patriotic spirit of attendees, creating an unforgettable occasion.Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centre (Doha) director Anwar Cidek highlighted that music is a global language that unifies peoples and brings cultures together.He noted that through its programmes, the centre strives to promote cultural exchange between Turkiye and Qatar.The evening is part of a series of joint cultural events that Katara holds with the Turkish embassy and the centre in Doha, manifesting the depth of historic and humanitarian ties between the Qatari and Turkish peoples, aiming to shore up bilateral cultural dialogue through arts and innovation. – QNA

Katara Cultural Village, in collaboration with the embassy of Uruguay, has inaugurated an art exhibition titled “South Wind” by Uruguayan artist Emilio Mederos, marking the bicentennial of Uruguay's independence.The exhibition in Building 47 showcases 17 paintings that oscillate between geometric and abstract expressions, epitomising the artist's distinctive idiom that fuses geometry, art, and creative intuition into a seamless visual harmony.Mederos's works encapsulate his vision of cultural exchange and artistic confluence between South America and the Arab world, employing vibrant hues and intricate compositions laden with shared civilisational and human symbols that transcend geographic boundaries and evoke a profound aesthetic dialogue.Speaking on the occasion, Uruguayan ambassador Marcelo Gerona stressed that the showcase represents an artistic bridge connecting Uruguay and Qatar, manifesting the shared human values between the two nations through the language of art and innovation.The exhibition is part of Katara's persistent efforts to forge people-to-people connections in the realm of arts and to elevate creative dialogue among artists from a wide swath of nations to new heights.

Katara Cultural Village, in co-operation with the Business Forum, held the 25th edition of the Katara Tech Forum under the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Education: Opportunities and Challenges."The forum brought together a distinguished group of experts and specialists, including Dr Anas Bouhlal, Regional Programme Specialist for Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Training; Kholoud al-Mannai, Director of E-Learning and Digital Solutions at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE); Dr Shaker Ahmed al-Ashwal, Executive Director of the Global Institute for Studies in partnership with Arkansas State University (USA); and Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq, CEO of AI Qatar.The session was moderated by writer and media personality Issa bin Mohammed al-Ishaq.In his opening remarks, Thamer Al-Qadi, Director of the Information Technology Department at Katara and Chair of the Katara Tech Forum, emphasised that the current technological revolution imposes a shared responsibility on all stakeholders.He pointed out that AI is no longer merely a supportive tool, but a genuine partner in shaping the future of education.He added that AI offers opportunities such as curriculum development, innovative personalised learning methods, and empowering teachers to focus on creativity.However, these opportunities come with challenges related to privacy, ethical use, and human capacity building.Al-Qadi noted that Katara's co-operation with the Business Forum reflects the close link between education, technology, and the economy, stressing that investing in knowledge and technology is an investment in humanity and the future.He underlined that the forum serves as a platform for exchanging experiences and ideas, and for turning challenges into opportunities.For his part, Chairman of the Business Forum Saad Mohammed al-Dabbagh said the event's theme aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on human and knowledge-based development.He affirmed that AI has become a national necessity for serving the future, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to harness modern technologies in developing education.Kholoud al-Mannai stated that MoEHE was among the first ministries globally to begin training its teachers on the use of AI since 2022. She stressed that the purpose of the technology is not to replace teachers but to empower them and ease their workloads.She added that the ministry has developed a digital competency framework for both teachers and students tailored to the local context and is currently working on an e-learning governance framework to ensure the safe and responsible use of digital tools in schools.Dr al-Ashwal praised the higher education environment in Qatar, noting that around 60% of universities in the country offer specialised programmes in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.He emphasised the importance of identifying real educational needs and directing AI use toward achieving educational goals.Meanwhile, Dr Bouhlal highlighted Unesco's role in promoting AI ethics, explaining that it is the only international organisation that has developed a comprehensive framework for this field. He also pointed out the cultural specificities of the Arab world, which require a unique approach to dealing with artificial intelligence, emphasising that AI is not a substitute for human intelligence but a tool that broadens educational horizons and enhances inclusivity.Concluding the discussion, Abdulaziz bin Ibrahim al-Ishaq stressed that education is undergoing a fundamental transformation thanks to AI, calling for the preservation of values and ethics as the true challenge in this domain.He noted that the issue does not lie in the use of technology itself, but in its outcomes and direction.In closing, participants exchanged views and ideas on the role of artificial intelligence in advancing education and addressing challenges while preserving the cultural and intellectual identity of Arab societies. (QNA)

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.

Katara Cultural Village hosted the closing event of the 21st High Street Art Exhibition with an interactive evening that marked the end of a series of activities hosted by the exhibition over the past few days, showcasing contemporary, impressionistic, and abstract works that addressed issues of society, and human identity.Throughout the evening Katara provided cultural and artistic platforms that enrich the visual arts scene in Qatar, allowing artists from various backgrounds to showcase their works to the public, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the local scene.The Qatar Fine Arts Society, the co-organiser of the event, ensured that the exhibition was an open space for creativity and artistic dialogue.Artists and members of the public came together in an interactive environment that reflected the status of visual arts as a bridge for human and cultural communication.

Katara Cultural Village launched Saturday the activities of World Space Week 2025 at the Al Thuraya Planetarium (Building 41).The event will run until October 7 from 5pm-8pm, featuring the participation of a number of experts and specialists, as well as a wide audience of enthusiasts and students from various age groups (eight years and above).The event reflects Katara’s commitment to promoting scientific and astronomical culture and raising awareness about space and its sciences through activities that combine knowledge and entertainment.The initiative aims to enrich scientific thinking within the community – particularly among youth – and to encourage innovation and discovery.The programme encompasses workshops, shows, and lectures held over four days.On the first day, activities featured a short film screening and a lecture on “Phases of the Moon”, presented by astronomy expert Dr Bashir Marzouk, in addition to a children’s workshop on “Thunder of the Moon”.On the second day, there will be a lecture on the basics of astrophotography delivered by Rabia al-Kuwari, followed by a presentation on the “Journey of the Photographer”.The third day will feature Dr Jörg Matthias Determann from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, presenting a lecture in English on “Space for Everyone”.This will be followed by a 3D film screening of Polaris, and a storytelling session for children titled Khalifa and Amal’s Journey to Space.The final day will focus on the environment and space, including a lecture on “The Importance of Environmental Preservation and Its Role in Living in Space”, organised in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.The day will also feature the screening of the film Stars – Losing the Dark, a children’s workshop on “Planting a Seed”, and a closing activity called “Message to Space”.Katara stressed that World Space Week is part of its diverse educational programme aimed at connecting the public with modern science and presenting scientific content in an engaging and interactive way.The foundation also noted that the Al Thuraya Planetarium has become a leading scientific destination in Qatar, offering visitors enjoyable and educational experiences.

Katara Cultural Village has launched the “Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads” photo exhibition, which is organised in co-operation with the Katara Centre for Public Diplomacy and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).The exhibition was attended by a number of ambassadors as well as the Unesco representative for the Gulf States and Yemen and director of the Unesco Office in Doha, Salah El Din Zaki Khaled.Running until October 14, the exhibition displays 30 photos from 21 countries, selected in the international competition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", organised by Unesco.Katara general manager of Katara Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti stressed that the exhibition reflects the close co-operation between Katara and the Unesco, confirming the mutual appreciation for culture and art, and for building bridges of communication between cultures and people.He stated that they are creating a new path inspired by the Silk Road, connecting the East to the West and the North to the South through artwork that reflects the unique human heritage of various cultures.Dr al-Sulaiti emphasised the significant role of Arabs in promoting Arab culture along this historic trade route.He also noted that the exhibition highlights Katara's ongoing efforts to foster collaboration with various organisations to promote the importance of cultural exchange, understanding, and peace among nations.Zaki Khaled described the exhibition as an expression of the Unesco's celebration of the community and cultural participation of youth through the activities of the Unesco Silk Roads Programme of the Unesco Social and Human Sciences Sector, and voiced his appreciation of the efforts of the Katara Cultural Village in co-operation and joint work.He said that through the international competition exhibition "Youth Lens on the Silk Roads", the Unesco aims to enhance youth engagement with their cultural heritage and share their ideas with the world.Zaki Khaled noted that the exhibition showcases vibrant perspectives from young artists living or travelling along historical routes, reflecting their spirit of creativity and collaboration.Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said the contest, in its fourth edition for 2024, received 300 applicants from 21 countries, of which 30 were selected.They completed their works that reflected the cultural heritage of their countries, which are located on the Silk Road.In a related context, photographer Abdulrahman Abdullah from Bangladesh shared that his contribution to the exhibition was inspired by a heritage festival in Katara, highlighting Qatar's cultural legacy.His photograph features a person holding a falcon, symbolising the care for heritage.Abdullah said that Katara's support for such exhibitions fosters the development of artists' talents, particularly among emerging photographers. – QNA

The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) is organizing "World Space Week" from 4 to 7 October 2025, featuring a series of scientific and cultural activities, workshops, lectures, and film screenings at the Al Thuraya Planetarium - Building 41. By hosting these events, Katara is keen to raise awareness and spread scientific culture among various segments of society. These initiatives reflect Katara's commitment to supporting the fields of science and space, through organizing educational and entertainment programs that contribute to enriching astronomical knowledge and opening new horizons for the public, especially young people and students, to discover the secrets of the universe and keep pace with scientific progress. World Space Week at Katara will include a wide variety of activities such as educational workshops, specialized lectures, and captivating scientific film screenings inside the Al Thuraya Planetarium, delivering an immersive experience that blends entertainment with knowledge. Highlights of the lecture program include "The Phases of the Moon" delivered by Dr. Bashir Marzouq, and "Basics of Astronomical Photography" delivered by Mr. Rabia Al Kuwari, both covering important aspects of space science. Another key session, "The Importance of Environmental Preservation and Its Role in Living in Space", which will be presented in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, reflects the shared commitment of national institutions to the fields of space and sustainability.