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The sixth edition of the Katara International Amber Festival 2026, organised by the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, will kick off on Tuesday, January 13, and will run until January 16 at Katara Hall, Building 12, according to Katara’s Instagram account. The festival will open its doors to visitors, inviting them to explore the world of amber (Kahraman in Arabic) and its historical, cultural, and aesthetic value. The Katara International Amber Festival is the first-of-its-kind in Qatar and the largest in the Middle East. It holds a prominent position on the map of specialised international exhibitions, thanks to its wide and rare collections of natural amber and luxurious amber beads, which attract enthusiasts, collectors, and experts from both within Qatar and abroad. The festival attracts enthusiasts, collectors, and experts from within Qatar and abroad. The festival annually attracts a distinguished group of exhibitors, specialists, and enthusiasts of amber, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the history of this ancient natural material, learn about its sources and various types, and highlight its presence in traditional crafts, ornaments, and human and spiritual heritage across civilisations. The Katara International Amber Festival continues to strengthen its position as a platform that combines commercial and cultural dimensions. It not only showcases products, handicrafts, and artistic artefacts but also contributes to documenting and archiving the history of amber production and fostering direct communication between exhibitors, the public, researchers, and those interested in this field. Previous editions of the festival witnessed broad participation from numerous countries, with exhibitors presenting rare collections of natural amber. The festival also included information sessions and discussions with the public on methods of identifying amber, its geological history, and the most prominent amber mining regions worldwide. The festival highlights amber as a material that holds within it stories of time and nature, as some types of amber were formed millions of years ago, giving it a cognitive and cultural value that goes beyond being an element of decoration or acquisition. 

The second Gulf-European Cultural Forum commenced Saturday at the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, where the two-day forum is being held under the title ‘Katara and the Bridge of Andalusian Heritage: Enhancing Cultural Communication between the Gulf Arab States and Spain’. The opening was attended by a number of cultural officials and academics, alongside a distinguished group of creatives and culture enthusiasts. The organisation of the forum underscores Katara’s pioneering role in consolidating cross-border cultural dialogue and reviving shared civilisational and human values, particularly the Andalusian heritage, which historically served as a bridge of knowledge and culture between the Arab world and Europe. The second edition of the forum brings together 25 researchers and creatives from the Gulf Arab states and Spain, with the aim of enhancing intellectual partnerships and fostering civilisational understanding among peoples. The forum opened with an official ceremony that included a brief documentary presentation highlighting the forum’s journey since its first edition, which was held in Granada, Spain. In this context, Director of Events and Cultural Affairs Department at Katara, Khaled Abdulrahim al-Sayed expressed his pleasure at the launch of the forum at Katara, which continually seeks to strengthen communication among peoples through culture and the arts. He noted that Katara serves as a platform that brings together heritage and contemporary creativity, acting as a living bridge connecting civilisations. The General Co-ordinator of the forum, Dr Mohammed bin Abdullah Boudi said that the launch of the second Gulf-European Cultural Forum follows the success of its first edition, which was held in Granada in co-operation with the University of Granada. He stressed that such forums represent bridges of culture and knowledge between peoples and civilisations, strengthening fraternal, human, and cultural relations between intellectuals in Europe and the Arab world, particularly the Gulf states. He added that the forum constitutes an important step reflecting the vital role of culture in promoting dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding among different cultures. The first day of the forum witnessed the convening of the first intellectual seminar, which discussed the forum’s cultural and intellectual themes, with the participation of a number of academics and researchers, including Dr Safaa al-Alawi, Dr Jaime Ratia, Dr Susana Calbo, and Dr Mohammed Boudi. Their presentations addressed dimensions of cultural communication and manifestations of Andalusian heritage in shared human thought. The first day concluded with a poetry evening featuring several Arab and Spanish poets, including Trinio Cruz, Saeed al-Saqlawi, Shumaisa al-Nuaimani, Nabila Zubari, Maria Jose Munoz, and Francisco Javier, accompanied by musician Jose Agudo. The event offered a creative experience reflecting the richness of poetic convergence between the two cultures. The second day of the forum will be devoted to a book-signing event for a number of participants, including Dr Rashid al-Najm, Enginner Saeed al-Saqlawi, Salma Boudi, and Dr Jose Puerta. This will be followed by the second intellectual seminar, featuring Dr Jose Puerta, Dawood al-Bousafi, Dr Mashael al-Okaili, Ada Romero Sanchez, and Dr Anwar al-Saad, before the forum concludes with a poetry evening affirming shared human values and the importance of culture as a unifying language among nations.The closing poetry evening will feature Dr Rashid al-Najm, Emilio Ballesteros, Maria Jose Munoz, Francisco Javier, accompanied by musician Jose Agudo. 

General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti has emphasised that the National Day embodies the highest meanings of pride and loyalty to the homeland and highlights the values upon which Qatar was founded since its establishment, such as the values of sincere loyalty to the wise leadership and dedication to the nation’s progress and prosperity.The general manager of Katara said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) said theg National Day is an occasion on which we renew our pledge of loyalty to the leader of the nation His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and recall the great efforts made by the founding fathers in building this nation. This occasion is also an opportunity to instill national values in the emerging generations and deepen their connection to the history and authentic cultural identity of their country, he added.He explained that this year's National Day slogan, 'With You It Rises, From You It Awaits," expresses in depth the essence of these values, as it reflects the close relationship between the leadership and the people, and emphasise that Qatar’s renaissance and advancement are achieved through the dedication and efforts of its sons and daughters, whose contributions elevates the nation which looks to them for hardwork and sacrifice. He added that this slogan inspires all of them in Katara and in the various state institutions to move forward in a spirit of co-operation and responsibility to build a prosperous nation worthy of its deep-rooted history and solid identity.Regarding the contribution of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to reinforcing national identity and consolidating National Day values in society, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti noted that since its establishment, Katara has been a leading cultural beacon and a national landmark that effectively contributes to strengthening Qatari identity and enhancing values of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and leadership.He said that Katara believes that culture is the foundation upon which identity is built, and the most profound means of embedding it in the conscience of society. Therefore, at Katara, it is made sure that all programmes and initiatives are an authentic reflection of the components of the Qatari personality, such as its cultural heritage, value-based traditions, and creative aspirations.Through literary, artistic, and heritage events, as well as major festivals organised by Katara throughout the year, they work to enhance the spirit of citizenship, connect the younger generations with their cultural roots, and introduce them to the honourable civilisational achievements of their state.He pointed out that Katara pays special attention to children and youth, considering them the pillars of the future and carriers of national values, adding that the Cultural Village provides the youth with an environment that stimulates creativity and spaces to express their love for their country through art, literature, and theatre, contributing to building a generation that is aware of its identity and is loyal to its homeland.While speaking about the most prominent artistic events, initiatives, or exhibitions organised by Katara to accompany this year’s National Day celebrations, the general manager stressed that the Cultural Village is keen every year to present a comprehensive celebratory programme that reflects the spirit of the National Day and translates its lofty meanings into artistic and cultural experiences that delight the public and enriches national sentiment.  

The Cultural Village Foundation - Katara has launched a series of heritage workshops targeting older people as part of its efforts to preserve traditional crafts and pass them on to future generations. The initiative is being organized in collaboration with the Center for Empowerment and Care of Older Persons (Ehsan). The workshops provide a platform to highlight the expertise of older persons and acknowledge their contributions, enabling them to relive experiences while applying their skills in an interactive setting. This not only enhances their sense of giving and improves communication with their peers, but also facilitates the transfer of knowledge to younger generations. Studies show that engaging older people in creative and practical activities has a positive impact on memory and increases satisfaction with daily life. The program covers a range of authentic Qatari crafts. "Sadu" is one of the oldest hand-weaving arts used by Bedouins to produce tents and furnishings. "Naqda" involves embellishing fabrics with metal threads to add a distinctive decorative touch. "Gypsum" carving is a traditional craft used in old houses and mosques, while "Khous" refers to weaving palm fronds into baskets, mats, and other household items. The series began with a Sadu workshop for women and a Naqda workshop, followed by a Gypsum workshop for men scheduled for October 8-9. The program will conclude with a Khous workshop on October 15–16. Katara gives special attention to older people by offering activities tailored to their skills and needs, ensuring they remain active participants in Qatar's cultural scene. The foundation also encourages their involvement in cultural seasons and national celebrations, underscoring their role as bearers of popular memory and guardians of heritage. The collaboration with Ehsan reflects these efforts, as the center works to integrate older persons into community events, promoting values of loyalty and appreciation while giving them opportunities to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

Al Faisal Global Foundation for Culture and Knowledge and Al Faisal Publishing House have launched a new book titled "Hunting Memories: From a Necessity of Life to a Hobby's Delight" by HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani.The book will be released on the margins of the 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S'hail 2025), organized by the Cultural Village Foundation -Katara from Sept. 10 to 14.The 446-page volume is divided into eight substantive chapters brimming with real-life stories and vivid recollections. It includes a rich archive of photographs that capture adventures, risks, rare moments, and amusing episodes, making it both a visual and literary chronicle of hunting life.The work distills the essence of Sheikh Faisal's human and heritage-driven experience in hunting and falconry expeditions that spanned Qatar's wilderness and extended across the globe.It documents the historical transformation of hunting from a survival necessity in the past to a present-day sport and recreational pursuit embraced by falconers and enthusiasts throughout Qatar and the Gulf.HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani stated that he sought to document in this book what he saw, heard, and lived across more than 100 hunting and falconry journeys at home and abroad, in order to preserve this enduring legacy for future generations and for all those interested in the Qatari communities, as well as the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.His Excellency highlighted the nation's sustained efforts to preserve heritage through numerous institutions, initiatives, and exhibitions. He stressed that launching the book at this renowned exhibition reflects Qatar's mission and stature as a prominent regional and international destination for hunting and falconry enthusiasts.He applauded the organizers for maintaining the exhibition's standing until it evolved into a global platform bringing together falconers, hobbyists, and experts from around the world under one roof.The record turnout at this event across all age groups, particularly among young people and children, was a driving force behind the book's conception. He underlined that hunting has always been, and remains, a school of patience, responsibility, and self-reliance, and a cornerstone of Qatari and Gulf identity.His Excellency expressed hope that the book would serve as a reference for future generations and contribute to human knowledge, encapsulating the balance Qatar has achieved, with both leadership and people, between embracing modernity and opening the aperture of engagement with the world, while safeguarding its heritage through the timeless practice of hunting, passed down faithfully from one generation to the next.