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With one month remaining before submissions close, Visit Qatar is calling on content creators across the country to participate in ‘Qatar Through Your Lens’, a competition celebrating the nation’s culture, lifestyle, and unique character. The initiative invites locals and residents to share their creative interpretation of Qatar, with entries accepted until December 20.Participants are invited to submit either a short video of 30–60 seconds or a single photograph that captures one of the competition’s themes, which include Qatar by Night, Beach and Coastal, Arts and Culture, Heritage, Sports Events, and Culinary. All entries must be original, culturally appropriate, and shared on Instagram using the hashtags #QatarThroughYourLens and #ViewQatar, while tagging the official Visit Qatar account.Winners will be announced during the first week of January 2026. Prizes across the video and photo categories total up to QR600,000, with additional rewards including staycations, exclusive access to Visit Qatar events, and opportunities for future creative collaborations.

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a public awareness campaign in the Sealine area to promote traffic safety culture among car and motorcycle sports enthusiasts. The campaign included a visit to the Sealine Car Track and meetings with supervisors, participants and spectators to highlight safety procedures and the importance of following them. It also featured awareness activities, interactive competitions and the distribution of educational materials to help raise awareness among young people and reduce risks. **media[382254]** Lt. Col. Hadi Mohammed al-Hajri, media and communications officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said during the campaign that the directorate is committed to the safety of visitors to the Sealine area and to promoting traffic awareness across all segments of the community. He noted that the awareness messages rely on being physically present among the target audience to ensure clarity and impact. Lt. Col. al-Hajri stressed the importance of protecting the lives of racers and motorsport enthusiasts by adhering to safety rules and requirements, adding that they should set an example for other young people. He also praised the efforts of the Qatar Traffic Safety Society and the organisers of the Sealine track, commending their co-operation in providing a safe environment that enables young people to pursue their interests within well-regulated guidelines.

Years of Culture is joining 'From the Homeland,' an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), to present a cross-cultural exchange celebrating family heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity.As part of the upcoming Qatar-Argentina-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, the initiative introduces a series of interactive experiences connecting Qatari traditions with Latin American artistry and shared community values.Taking place from November 12–15 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center Hall 03, this year’s exhibition explores the power of family and community as the foundation of creativity.The Years of Culture booth highlights how Qatari craftsmanship and cultural heritage intersect with Argentinian and Chilean artistry, promoting mutual understanding and exchange.Key experiences at the exhibition include the Coffee and Mate Exchange corner. This cultural ritual blends Qatari Arabic coffee and Yerba Mate, symbolising hospitality and friendship. Hosted by Norma Rolón, the daily experience features Arabic coffee provided by MSDF alongside Yerba Mate prepared by Argentinian guests.Another highlight is the Makers Meet – Witral Weaving Exchange, led by Chilean artist Lisbeth Pino Westermayer. This experience celebrates Qatari Al Sadu and Chilean Chilean Witral weaving as parallel expressions of native creativity. Visitors can explore visual panels, maps, and materials that highlight each loom’s origin and symbolism while learning about traditional craftsmanship and its cultural significance.Visitors will also be treated to musical performances, including a special instrumental set today, November 14, at 4pm, featuring four violinists and cellists from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.The exhibition opening hours are: November 14, from 2pm to 9pm; and November 15, from 9am to 9pm.

The Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Children's Literature Center, launched the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme. It aims to train participants in creating and executing comics that combine writing and illustration in a modern storytelling style.The programme is part of the "Children's Story Designer" initiative, within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy skills among the younger generation, striving to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a learning and sustainable society based on knowledge and creativity.The "Comics" programme is designed for participants aged 12-16 and targets 15 participants. The project will run for three weeks. During the programme, participants will learn the stages of comic book design, starting with writing, then scene layout, character design, and full scene illustration. They then add effects and text, and finally, colour and inking, continuing to produce their stories until the final production stage.Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum, explained the importance of the "Comics" programme, emphasizing that it is not limited to training children but is a genuine investment in the cultural future of Qatar. He stressed that the programme primarily aims to build a generation of authors and designers capable of producing innovative and engaging storybooks.**media[381079]**The director of the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum explained that this initiative opens up broad horizons for children, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of authorship in its various stages. Instead of being mere readers, children themselves begin writing stories from their own pure imagination and illustrating their comics, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and national values.Writer Asma al-Kuwari, director of the Children's Literature Center, said that the "Art of Writing and Illustrating Comics" programme is part of a series of initiatives implemented by the center in cooperation with the Qatari Publishers and Distributors Forum to promote reading and develop writing and literary and artistic production skills among children and young adults.She emphasized that the "Comics" programme aims to train participants in innovation and the creation of illustrated stories that combine writing and graphic design in a modern storytelling style. It also contributes to developing aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and the ability to narrate and express themselves both in writing and visually. She explained that the final products will be showcased to the public at the Doha International Book Fair.The "Children's Story Designer" programme is an innovative approach to teaching children and young adults the entire book-making process. Participants learn to write, illustrate, design, and market their stories independently, culminating in their publication in Qatari and Arab markets.

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.

The Years of Culture initiative unveiled the next stage of its global collaboration with Formula One (F1) driver Pierre Gasly of the BWT Alpine F1 Team: a new racing helmet designed by acclaimed Brazilian illustrator and street artist Fernando Chamarelli, inspired by the legacy of the Qatar-Brazil 2014 Year of Culture.Uniting art and sport on a global stage, Gasly is debuting two new helmet designs at Grand Prix races in The Netherlands and Brazil, each created in partnership with artists inspired by the mission of Years of Culture to build dialogue and mutual understanding through cross-cultural exchange. Transforming one of F1's most visible symbols, this partnership engages fans worldwide through the creative visions of artists from diverse international backgrounds.Chamarelli explained that the falcon is the main symbolic figure, representing Qatar's strength and culture. The colours of the Brazilian flag are woven throughout the design, merging with the maroon tone of Qatar's flag to create harmony between both nations. The shapes evoke the dunes of the Qatari desert and the green of the Brazilian rainforest, symbolising the connection between nature and land. Indigenous patterns and the sun represent energy and life, culminating in a colourful composition that celebrates the union of two cultures through art and symbolism.Pierre Gasly said: "Racing is a global stage that brings people and cultures together. Partnering with Years of Culture allows me to share the creativity and stories of artists from around the world. Each helmet I wear carries a piece of that dialogue."Gasly debuted the first helmet of the series on Aug. 31 at Circuit Zandvoort in The Netherlands. Created by Dutch artist Johan Moorman, the design reinterpreted Amsterdam's iconic façades and the palettes of the Dutch and French flags, integrating Gasly's personal heritage into the motif. Since its inception in 2012, Years of Culture has built lasting bridges between Qatar and nations across the world, building understanding through creativity, dialogue, and collaboration.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the second edition of the Fereej Art and Design Festival on Monday. The festival, organised by the ministry’s Visual Arts Center, will run until Nov 14 at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal, with wide Arab and international participation.The opening ceremony was attended by HE Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice; Dr Ahmed Hano, Minister of Culture of Egypt; Dr Mustafa al-Rawashdeh, Minister of Culture of Jordan; Mohammed Yassin Saleh, Minister of Culture of Syria; HE Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, Chairman of the General Tax Authority; a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Culture; and several ambassadors accredited to Qatar.HE the Minister of Culture toured the festival, where he viewed a number of the participating events and exhibitions. On this occasion, HE Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture, affirmed that the festival represents a fundamental pillar in the ministry’s strategy to support and showcase local talent. He noted that the main objective is to promote Qatari art and support Qatari artists across various art forms.He explained that the festival aims to reinforce Qatar’s position as a centre of cultural and artistic influence in the region. This year, the festival has witnessed a significant expansion in the number of art galleries, exhibitions, and workshops, with the participation of more than 120 artists representing over 20 countries.He noted that the festival aims to attract leading artists and art institutions from both within and outside the country, thus fostering cultural and creative exchange. He highlighted the key features of this year’s festival, explaining that it includes exhibitions by pioneering Qatari artists such as Yousef Ahmed, Salman al-Malik, and Mohammed al-Jaida, among others, in addition to a unique digital exhibition titled “Sana Qatar Sana Art”.The festival features more than 12 art exhibitions and 14 workshops, including seven international workshops in diverse fields such as Japanese Bingata art, Kuwaiti glass melting, creating colours from Australian nature, a Spanish gilding workshop, a fabric printing workshop from India, a floral plate workshop from Russia, and a live performance workshop from Kuwait. These and other experiences blend artistic heritage with modernity.The festival houses six main art spaces: the Exhibition House, the Art Workshops House, the Calligraphy House, the Ceramics House, the Artists’ Studios House, and the Seminars House, in addition to the Art and Design Market and the Children’s Courtyard area.The festival celebrates Arabic calligraphy, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as the creativity of young people in design, anime, and digital art. The festival programme also includes art activities for children, such as paint-pouring workshops, art school workshops, and a free drawing area.Furthermore, there are panel discussions and art seminars that bring together artists, critics, and the public, as well as live drawing sessions held in an interactive, open atmosphere.

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.