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The Qatar Photography Centre (QPC), affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, has organised the “The Arab Cup through Qatari Eyes" exhibition as part of a series of artistic and cultural events accompanying the launch of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.The exhibition is aimed at reviving the visual memory of the tournament when it was hosted by Qatar in 2021, and to showcase the artistic beauty captured by the lenses of professional Qatari photographers.QPC director Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain highlighted the importance of this artistic event, which connects sports and visual culture.He said that the exhibition is the result of a collaborative effort, featuring the works of three Qatari photographers who covered the previous tournament: Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, Asma Ghanem al-Abdullah, and Ayed Ibrahim al-Sultan.Al-Buainain noted that the collaboration between the three photographers stemmed from their shared passion for documenting this prominent sporting event.The exhibition features 45 high-quality photographs, capturing memorable moments from all the matches of the previous edition of the Arab Cup.The official added that the images transcend mere sporting documentation, embodying the artistic and human aspects of the tournament, from the players' enthusiasm to the fans' reactions and the overall atmosphere in the stadiums hosting the event. 

Six ancient statues have been stolen from the National Museum of Damascus, which is one of the Middle East's oldest cultural institutions and houses a collection showing Syria's archaeological and artistic heritage.A source at the museum told Reuters that a thief broke a glass display case on Monday and apparently stayed inside the building until evening.Authorities have launched an investigation, according to the head of internal security in Damascus, Osama Mohammad Khair Atkeh.Khair Atkeh, quoted by state news agency SANA, said specialised teams were conducting tracking and search operations to arrest those responsible and recover the stolen artefacts.Security guards and officials were being questioned to determine the circumstances of the incident, he added.Established in 1919, the National Museum closed in 2012 because of fighting in the capital at the start of the country's civil war. It partially reopened in 2018, and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after rebels toppled former President Bashar al-Assad.

The Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, inaugurated the art exhibition "From Cuba to Qatar: Horses, Fibers, and Memories" by Cuban artist Yosvany Martinez this evening, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Doha. The opening ceremony was attended by Director General of Katara Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar Jose Enrique Enriquez Rodriguez, and diplomats, cultural figures, and members of the Cuban community in Qatar. Hosted at Building 47 and running until October 20, the exhibition features 29 artworks crafted using diverse techniques, including a sculpture made from natural fibers and plant-based paper. Martinez's pieces are distinguished by their artistic intimacy and reliance on organic materials such as the stalks of Espartio Macho, a native Cuban grass. The artist dries and dyes the fibers with natural pigments before incorporating them into his compositions, which depict horses and iconic landmarks of Havana, Cuba's capital. In his remarks at the opening, the Cuban ambassador expressed gratitude to Katara for its support, stating that this exhibition invites us to transcend geographical boundaries, where horses gallop freely and harmony emerges among the artworks. The recurring presence of horses reflects a shared cultural element between Cuba and Qatar. He added that the exhibition explores the richness of fibers and the cultural connections that unite peoples, contributing to mutual understanding, artistic collaboration, and intercultural dialogue. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the ambassador emphasized the strength of cultural ties between Cuba and Qatar, praising the ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Katara and Cuban cultural institutions. He noted that Katara recently hosted a Cuban musical performance, further cementing this partnership. He affirmed that the exhibition "From Cuba to Qatar: Horses, Fibers, and Memories" embodies his collaboration and reflects a shared commitment to fostering cultural and artistic dialogue between the two nations. He stressed that culture remains a vital bridge for human connection and mutual understanding. In a separate statement to QNA, artist Yosvany Martinez explained that he employed a range of artistic techniques in the exhibition, most notably fiber art. He described the fibers as a type of grass native to Cuban fields, which he harvests, dries, and dyes with natural colors before meticulously assembling them into his artworks on cardboard. Each piece begins with a pencil sketch, forming the foundation for his intricate compositions. Martinez further shared that he later expanded his artistic repertoire to include techniques such as oil on canvas and linocut printing, a method involving engraving on linoleum. He explained that he uses a fine carving tool known as a gubia to achieve intricate details, before passing the artwork through a printing press to complete the process. Concluding his remarks, Martinez revealed that several of his oil paintings featured in the exhibition are dedicated to the State of Qatar, as a tribute to the growing cultural ties between the two nations. He emphasized that he paints using a fine brush with individual bristles, allowing him to create textures that mimic the feel of natural fibers, symbolizing the unity of nature, art, and human memory.

A two-day cultural event celebrating Qatar's rich heritage and artistic identity kicked off today in Switzerland, offering visitors a curated immersion into Qatari culture, tradition, and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Katara Hospitality, the event marks the launch of a broader initiative aimed at preserving and promoting Qatar's cultural heritage on the global stage. Through this initiative, Qatari culture becomes an elegant guest within Katara Hospitality's luxury properties worldwide, blending authentic traditions with refined hospitality and contemporary artistic expression. The opening day was dedicated to VIPs and official guests, while the second day will be open to the public, allowing a wider audience to engage with Qatari heritage in an immersive cultural setting. The Ministry of Culture explained that the event provides a multisensory experience, featuring rare manuscripts, traditional books, artworks, cultural artifacts, and fragrances. Visitors can also enjoy live folk performances and sample authentic Qatari cuisine, offering a comprehensive view of Qatar's civilizational depth and its successful fusion of heritage and modernity. Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, expressed pride in the partnership with Katara Hospitality. This collaboration reflects Qatar's belief that culture is a bridge for dialogue and a window to the world, he said. This initiative embodies a living dialogue between Qatar's deep-rooted heritage and contemporary artistic expression. It is a call for intercultural exchange and a celebration of beauty in all its forms, he added. Al Ali emphasized the Ministry's strong commitment to promoting Qatari culture in international forums, thanking the working teams from both sides for creating a holistic cultural experience that leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, CEO of Katara Hospitality, Fahad Abdullah Al Mana, echoed this sentiment, expressing honor to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture to present this unique cultural event in Switzerland. "Hosting it at Burgenstock, one of our most iconic destinations, reflects the premium value Katara Hospitality places on cultural diplomacy." He added that Katara Hospitality sees its role not merely as a provider of luxury accommodation but as a platform for cultural storytelling. "Our mission is to present Qatari culture to the world as it is — authentic, beautiful, and inclusive. This is not about influencing other cultures, but about offering a genuine encounter that touches the senses and enriches the soul." He noted that the initiative plants cultural seeds that will remain in the hearts of visitors long after they leave, ensuring that Qatar's story continues through human connection and shared memory. His Excellency Qatar's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mohammed bin Jaham Al Kuwari, described the event as more than just a cultural showcase. This is a reflection of Qatar's deep commitment to culture as a bridge between peoples and civilizations, His Excellency said. His Excellency the Ambassador emphasized that for Qatar, development is incomplete without cultural prosperity. Culture is the soul of nations and their living memory, he added, highlighting that Doha has become a global hub for intellectual and cultural dialogue, a beacon of creativity and exchange. Al Kuwari stressed that in a world facing growing challenges, culture remains a powerful unifier. "Qatar rejects the logic of conflict and consistently advocates for dialogue and diversity, believing that culture can achieve what politics often cannot." He concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of Culture's dedication to spreading authentic Qatari culture globally and noted the many groundbreaking initiatives the ministry has launched over the past years to fulfill this mission.