tag

What began as a space for people to celebrate their passions is becoming a platform for Qatar’s artists, aspiring entrepreneurs, and creative communities, with Geekdom founder Abdulla al-Musallam calling on young people to embrace their interests and turn their talents into opportunities. Geekend 2026, held from October 1 to 3 at the Geekdom Building on Lusail Boulevard, recorded its highest attendance yet, bringing together artists, illustrators, families, independent creators, and small businesses to celebrate creativity and shared interests. Speaking to Gulf Times during the event, al-Musallam, who is also the chief administrative officer of the Doha Film Institute, said the growing turnout reflected the community’s increasing appetite for spaces where people could express themselves freely and connect with others. “We’ve seen record numbers this year attending the event,” he said, describing how families across generations had come together over shared interests. “I’ve seen a lot of people make new friends, exchange, adding each other on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok. And it’s lovely to see these friendships happen over bonding, over things that they are passionate about.” For al-Musallam, this sense of belonging is central to Geekdom’s purpose. The event isn’t simply about entertainment or showcasing creative work; it’s about providing a welcoming environment where people can discover others who share their interests. The growth, however, has brought a new challenge. “The event is growing in a way that we didn’t expect, that we need to actually find a bigger space to accommodate everybody,” he said, adding that the aim was to serve the community more effectively as it expands. This year’s Geekend placed particular emphasis on artists and illustration, with three days of live drawing competitions inviting participants to respond to announced themes and create artwork on the spot. Their work was displayed on the Visit Qatar wall, allowing visitors to see the creative process unfold. An illustration contest organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan also culminated in an award ceremony during the event, bringing together local artistic talent and Japanese cultural influences. Al-Musallam said the standard of work produced by participants was a reminder of the creative potential within Qatar. “There is a lot of raw talent in Qatar,” he said. “When you see the actual products, they are really mind-blowing.” Beyond the artwork, Geekend also provides a platform for independent creators and small businesses seeking to reach audiences and establish themselves in the market. Al-Musallam said organisers selected around 27 participants for the latest edition from more than 100 applicants, including small businesses and individuals showcasing their creations. The limited spaces reflect the growing demand for opportunities to exhibit, sell products and connect with customers. Yet al-Musallam stressed that Geekdom’s work extends beyond selecting vendors for a weekend event. “Geekdom is not just a pop-up event. It’s a year-round programme,” he said. Throughout the year, Geekdom works with individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs, collaborating with organisations such as Scale7, Qatar Development Bank’s creative business incubator, and Media City Qatar to help creators understand how to establish and grow their ventures. The support includes guidance on business planning, pricing, monetisation, and inventory management — practical skills that can be difficult for creators who start with passion but have limited business experience. “When Geekdom first started, people were passionate,” al-Musallam said. “They didn’t care if they sell one product for QR50, but it cost them QR100.” Helping creators understand the financial realities of running a business is therefore an important part of the programme. The intention is to help individuals move from selling their work occasionally to building sustainable businesses, while making them aware of the resources available in Qatar. Al-Musallam said the programme also encourages participants to consider establishing their own businesses, helping them find a place within the country’s wider creative ecosystem. For him, the initiative is personal. He founded Geekdom in 2013, driven by his own enthusiasm for the communities and interests that inspired the platform. “Geekdom is my baby,” he said, reflecting on how the initiative has grown beyond what he initially imagined. His message to young people who may feel hesitant about sharing their interests or presenting their work is simple: they should not be embarrassed by what excites them. “Celebrate your passion. Be unapologetically geeky,” he said. “If I can come and enjoy and be proud of what I am, what I am passionate about, why can’t you?” As Geekend continues to attract larger crowds and more creators seek opportunities to participate, Geekdom’s next challenge will be to find room for that growth while maintaining the community spirit that shaped its beginnings. For al-Musallam, success lies not only in attendance figures or the number of businesses taking part, but in whether people leave feeling confident enough to share their work, meet like-minded individuals, and take the next step toward turning a passion into something of their own.

More than 1,600 speakers and creatives from around the world have applied to take part in Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Bil-Arabi 2026 initiative, which will be held in Doha on September 19-20, programme director Dr Zaidoun al-Kinani has said.He said the strong response reflects both the depth of emerging creative talent and a growing desire among innovators to present original ideas and experiences in Arabic.This year’s edition, under the theme Building with Our Ideas, is founded on the belief that innovation is the first step towards a better future, al-Kinani told reporters.Ideas fulfil their value, he said, when they become practical projects and solutions with a tangible and lasting effect on people’s lives.The initiative seeks to demonstrate the Arabic language's ability to carry new thinking in science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, alongside its established role in literature and heritage.Al-Kinani described Arabic as a bridge between communities and a language through which creativity can cross borders.Bil-Arabi, he added, brings together innovators from diverse fields to exchange knowledge and explore solutions linking technology with cultural heritage.Turning that vision into daily practice, al-Kinani said, requires Arabic to be used to produce knowledge, debate contemporary issues and create content.Making scientific and technological resources available in Arabic, he continued, while developing supportive digital tools, would enable young people to research and innovate in their mother tongue.The 2026 programme will address issues shaping people’s lives and futures, including media, technology, artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, genomics, precision medicine, entrepreneurship, economic innovation, peacebuilding, community resilience, environmental sustainability, heritage and cultural identity.It will also examine science fiction as a way of understanding the future, as well as sports and social work.Speakers are selected primarily on the originality of their ideas and their potential to deliver positive impact or offer solutions to societal challenges, producing a programme of diverse regional and international voices.Keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions will create an interactive setting that combines listening, experimentation and participation.Main-stage talks will present experiences and ideas, while workshops and exploratory sessions will give visitors practical exposure to innovation, digital storytelling, debating and critical thinking.Beyond Doha, the “Bil-Arabi” series has taken the initiative to cities and communities through smaller events adapted to local contexts.Activities have been held in Damascus, Amman and Djerba, alongside participation in events in Riyadh, Istanbul and Oxford.The three-stop 2026 tour brought together 14 speakers and more than 1,000 participants from 15 countries, supported by 10 strategic partners.Al-Kinani said that the expansion created local spaces for dialogue, amplified community-led ideas and reinforced Arabic as a language of creativity and innovation.Young role models in science, technology and entrepreneurship will also share their experiences, while specialist-led sessions will help participants develop critical thinking and express their ideas with confidence.Organisers hope participants will leave with new ideas, opportunities for collaboration and the motivation to turn discussion into action.Al-Kinani said the wider ambition is to make Arabic a natural medium for thought and innovation, enabling young people to discuss science, technology and entrepreneurship with the same confidence they bring to culture, heritage and literature.Bil-Arabi ultimately aims, he stated, to inspire ideas in Arabic that can enter technology ecosystems, genomics research, sustainability projects and cinema, allowing Arab communities to contribute more fully to knowledge, innovation and a shared human future. 

The Art Mill Museum has launched a public call inviting people in Qatar and around the world to reflect on one of humanity's most universal questions: “What does home mean to you?”The open call, titled "What Does Home Mean to You?” encourages participants to share personal stories and creative works that explore the idea of home beyond its physical definition.Through videos, written reflections, photographs, drawings and other visual media, contributors are invited to capture the memories, relationships, identities and emotions that shape their sense of belonging.The initiative gains particular significance as the museum prepares to bring its acclaimed "My Home is Your Home" exhibition to Doha in autumn 2026.A curated selection of submissions will be presented digitally within the exhibition's learning space, allowing visitors to encounter diverse perspectives from people in Qatar and across the globe while fostering dialogue on identity, culture and shared human experience.Selected contributions will also become part of an evolving online publication and digital archive, ensuring the conversation continues beyond the exhibition and remains accessible to wider audiences.Originally launched in October 2025 alongside the “My Home is Your Home” exhibition at the Qatar Pavilion during the Venice Architecture Biennale, the initiative invited participants to reflect on the meaning of home in a rapidly changing world.Since then, the Art Mill Museum's Learning and Public Engagement team has been building a growing digital archive of stories that reveal how the concept of home varies across cultures, generations and lived experiences.The museum said the project is rooted in the belief that home is deeply personal.For some, it is a place or a homeland; for others, it is defined by family, memories, friendships or a feeling of comfort and security.Bringing together these diverse narratives creates a collective portrait that celebrates both the richness of individual experiences and the values shared across communities.Creative submissions will be accepted until September 30, with the museum encouraging artists, writers, photographers and members of the public of all ages to take part in the cultural initiative.The project forms part of the Art Mill Museum's broader vision of placing public participation at the heart of cultural storytelling as it progresses towards its official opening in 2030.Developed by Qatar Museums on Doha's Corniche, the future Art Mill Museum will transform the historic flour mill site into a major international centre for modern and contemporary art.Designed by Chilean architecture firm Elemental, led by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Alejandro Aravena, the museum will anchor Doha's cultural corridor alongside the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, offering expansive exhibition galleries, public gardens and creative spaces dedicated to artistic innovation and cross-cultural exchange. 

Saudi entrepreneur, luxury lifestyle influencer, and communications specialist Reem Al Swaidi is embarking on exciting new chapter as she relocates to Doha, bringing her regional expertise, creative vision, and passion for connecting people across the Gulf. Known for her work at the intersection of fashion, luxury, culture and business, Reem’s move marks more than a change of address. It reflects her commitment to strengthening creative collaborations within the region and building meaningful bridges between Gulf markets. As Qatar’s fashion and cultural landscape continues to evolve, Reem will work alongside internationally renowned brands as they expand into the Arab market, helping them navigate the region with local insight, cultural understanding, and genuine connections. Drawing on years of experience and an established network of industry partners, tastemakers, creatives, and brand leaders, she will support launches, events, and partnerships that resonate authentically with regional audience. “I am incredibly proud to begin this new chapter in Doha and contribute to Qatar’s growing fashion and cultural scene,” said Reem Alswaidi. There is so much energy, creativity, and opportunity here. I look forward to working with internationally renowned brands entering the market while celebrating the incredible talent that already exists in the region. My goal is to create meaningful connections, build lasting relationships, and help bring the Gulf even closer together through creativity, culture and shared experiences.” Reem is also passionate about shining a spotlight on Qatar’s emerging designers, artists, entrepreneurs and creatives. Through her platform and collaborations, she hopes to introduce local voices to wider audiences while encouraging greater cultural exchange across the Gulf. With fresh opportunities, exciting collaborations, and a new city to call home, Reem Alswaidi's journey in Doha is only just beginning—and it promises to be one defined by creativity, connection, and a shared passion for celebrating the very best of the Gulf.

The Qatar National Library (QNL) has announced the launch of its summer programme, starting from the beginning of July, for heritage professionals, children, families, and career-minded adults. The programme covers cultural conservation, STEM exploration, creative arts, literacy, and professional development. The month opens with a specialsed gathering for the heritage community. On July 1, Qatar National Library, in its capacity as the IFLA PAC Regional Center for the Arab Region, presents the webinar “Emergency Grants for Cultural Heritage: Opportunities and Application Process,” delivered by Romana Delaporte, Project Co-ordinator at Cultural Emergency Response, an international NGO that provides first-aid support to cultural heritage threatened by conflict, climate change, or natural disaster. The session will explore the scope and objectives of available grants, the types of projects eligible for funding, application requirements and selection criteria, and practical guidance drawn from previously supported emergency response initiatives. The first of July also marks the start of the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, offered in partnership with the Kutubee interactive reading platform. Running for six weeks until 15 August, the challenge encourages children aged 6 to 14 to keep reading through the summer months and to guard against the seasonal learning loss commonly known as the “summer slide.” Participants work toward reading goals scaled to their age group, building language skills, broadening their knowledge, and strengthening critical thinking and creativity along the way. The winners will be announced in September 2026. On 15 July, the Seventh Summer Camp opens, with each track designed to engage and inspire a different age group. The tracks run on a weekly basis. The Library welcomes its youngest visitors with the Fun Summer Camp for Toddlers, a bilingual two-hour play camp for children aged 1 to 4. Featuring sensory toys, building toys, art activities, and storytelling sessions, it offers a nurturing and imaginative environment for children and their families. Storytime for Children offers an equally enriching experience for children aged 7 to 12, combining expressive storytelling with puppetry to take young audiences on imaginative journeys through carefully chosen stories. The programme aims to foster a love of reading, stimulate imagination, and strengthen listening and communication skills in a joyful and nurturing setting. For children aged 7 to 10, a dedicated STEM activity blends science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experimentation, inviting young participants to test ideas, solve problems, and explore how the world works in a spirit of curiosity and discovery. Teenagers aged 13 to 17 are invited to “Make with Me,” a craft and art-making session that draws older participants into a world of colour and imagination, encouraging creative expression in a lively and inspiring environment. Career development takes centre stage later in the month with “Skills Hub: Your 2026 Career Launchpad,” a three-part series running on July 21, 22, and 23. Led by Adrian Wallwork, author of more than 50 textbooks for publishers including Springer Nature, Cambridge University Press, and Oxford University Press, the series examines both how and how not to use AI tools at every stage of the job search. The first session, on July 21, addresses writing CVs, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters that stand out to human recruiters and automated screening systems alike. The second session, on July 22 , prepares attendees for every stage of the interview process, from initial online assessments to in-person meetings. The third session, on July 23, examines the human skills most likely to endure in a rapidly changing job market and explores how to identify and develop them. Each session may be attended individually or as part of the full series. 

The Doha Design District (DDD) has unveiled its new initiative “Mada & Sada”, a platform designed to support creatives from the first spark of an idea through design, production and exhibition, creating a space where innovation meets cultural expression.The initiative was launched during a special evening featuring live performances, immersive creative experiences, cultural exchange and an exclusive preview of shortlisted submissions from the DDD’s Public Art Open Call.Speaking to Gulf Times, DDD marketing and communications manager Zaouk Lara said that the vision behind “Mada & Sada” was to create a platform that reflects the full creative journey rather than focusing only on the final outcome.“‘Mada & Sada’ represents the complete creative process – from ideation, design and production to exhibition,” she said. “It is about bringing together creative expression, hands-on practice and innovation within one unified experience.”Lara added that the initiative aims to encourage creatives to explore new ideas while providing them with opportunities to connect with audiences and showcase their work in meaningful ways.“Creativity does not start when something is displayed; it begins much earlier with a thought, a conversation or a concept,” she explained. “We want to support that entire journey and create an environment where ideas can grow.”The launch event highlighted the importance of public art and its role in shaping communities by bringing creativity into everyday spaces.Guests experienced interactive installations, artistic performances and a preview of selected works from the Public Art Open Call, showcasing emerging ideas from creative talents.Lara noted that the Doha Design District continues to work towards building a stronger creative ecosystem in Qatar by connecting designers, artists, innovators and the wider community.“Our goal is to make creativity accessible and create opportunities for people to engage with art and design in different ways,” she said. “We want visitors not only to see creative work but also to understand the story and effort behind it.”The Public Art Open Call forms a key part of the initiative, giving artists the opportunity to present concepts that contribute to Qatar’s evolving cultural landscape.With “Mada & Sada”, the DDD hopes to strengthen the connection between creators and audiences while positioning design and art as important elements of cultural dialogue and innovation. 

Design students in Qatar are entering higher education with unprecedented awareness, global outlook, and a keen sense of cultural responsibility, according to Amir Berbic, the dean of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) in Qatar. In a recent interview, he detailed how the profile of today’s design students has evolved, as well as the challenges and responsibilities facing creative education in a rapidly changing world. “Today’s students come in far more aware of the world around them,” Berbic said. “Many have already been making, sharing, and responding to work online, so they arrive with a sense that their ideas can reach outside their own circle, have impact and matter.” “In Qatar, we also see students who are very conscious of place,” he added. “They’re thinking about how global conversations intersect with local culture, and they want their work to be meaningful both here in Qatar but also in a more diverse international context.” The dean stressed that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and new technologies has added pressure to creative education. “There is real pressure to focus on tools and speed rather than thinking and intention,” Berbic stated. “Technology will keep changing, but creative education cannot become a race to keep up with the latest platform.” “Our role is to help students ask better questions, understand context, and make thoughtful choices,” he said. “AI can be powerful, but creativity requires critical judgement and human intention for it to be meaningful.” About balancing artistic freedom with the demand for employability in design education, Berbic said that artistic freedom at VCUarts Qatar is not seen as a trade-off with employability. Encouraging independence, adaptability, and confidence, he noted that the school nurtures the very qualities employers value. At the same time, students are guided in professional expectations, learning to work with clients, collaborate across disciplines, and communicate their ideas effectively. The approach aims not to constrain creativity, but to equip students to carry their unique voices into successful professional careers. Berbic highlighted the institution’s role in shaping cultural identity. “We are part of the cultural ecosystem, not separate from it,” he stressed. “That means creating space for dialogue, experimentation, and reflection, and taking seriously the role design and art play in shaping how a society sees itself.” “In Qatar, that responsibility includes engaging with the nation’s heritage, with the roots and the heart of the country, while also allowing room for new interpretations and perspectives,” Berbic said. Asked how the university encourages critical thinking in a region where global and local influences constantly intersect, the dean said: “Students at VCUarts Qatar are encouraged to engage with complexity and embrace ambiguity instead of rushing to simple solutions.” “They are guided to conduct thorough research, challenge assumptions, and consider the cultural implications of their creative decisions,” he continued. “Because our students move between local and global references every day, critical thinking becomes a practical skill, not an abstract one,” Berbic said. “It’s about learning how to navigate multiple perspectives with care and clarity and then translating that understanding into creative expression that is thoughtful, grounded, and intentional,” he added. Addressing common misconceptions about creative careers, Berbic said creative careers are often seen as unstructured or lacking practical opportunities, but an education in the arts and design provides essential skills that are increasingly important across multiple sectors. He added that the discipline, research, and problem-solving that underpin creative work build a strong, marketable skillset, equipping graduates with abilities that extend far beyond traditional creative industries and are highly sought after in today’s job market. About the kind of creative leaders Qatar need in the next decade, Berbic said: “Qatar needs leaders who are thoughtful, forward-looking yet grounded – people who understand context and responsibility as much as innovation.” “Leaders who can work across cultures, listen carefully, and respond with integrity,” he added. “Creativity in the next decade will be about building meaningful, sustainable futures, problem solving and bridging gaps.” 

Doha Design District (DDD) hosted its first Talent Gathering, an initiative designed to introduce local artists and designers to the District while fostering opportunities for engagement and collaboration within Qatar’s creative community.The programme began with a session, led by DDD director Dana Kazic, who outlined the District’s mission, vision, and long-term business strategy. Attendees were able to directly engage with the DDD and Msheireb Properties team, gaining insight into DDD’s role as a strategic collaborator.The programme also included a guided tour at the DDD building, offering the community an overview of the various spaces and facilities available. The tour highlighted the ecosystem being developed to support design-led businesses and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Indian community organisation Qatar Tamizhar Sangam (QTS), conducted the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Literary Festival recently, inspiring young minds through an expanded line up of creative and literary competitions.This year’s edition was broadened to include drawing, essay writing, and poetry competitions, in addition to the traditional elocution event. More than 250 students from various Indian schools in Qatar participated across sub-junior, junior, and senior categories.The organisers noted that the expanded range of competitions was aimed at fostering inclusivity and inspiring more students to participate — an initiative closely aligned with Dr Kalam’s belief in nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children.The prize distribution ceremony and a special poetry event had Embassy of India's deputy chief of mission Sandeep Kumar as the chief guest. Winners in each category were honoured with trophies and certificates, while all participants received certificates of appreciation.Adding an intellectual dimension to the event, a talk show on Sangam Literature was conducted, exploring its immense influence on ethics, life values, and contemporary culture. Scholars and speakers discussed how Sangam literary works continue to guide modern society with timeless wisdom on humanity, love, valour and moral conduct.The festival concluded with renewed inspiration for participants and attendees, echoing Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s guiding words: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”

Stars of Science, an initiative hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, is marking its 17th season, celebrating its evolution from a televised competition into a leading scientific and creative movement that is helping shape the region's innovation ecosystem.Since its launch in 2009, the initiative has supported the development of 55 innovative projects and partnered with hundreds of educational institutions, inspiring thousands of young people to pursue their ideas. Its alumni now play an active role in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the sustainability of the region's innovation cycle.To date, 175 graduates from 18 Arab countries have produced impactful innovations in health technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and education.The winner of Season 17, Dr Laid Dardabou of Algeria, exemplifies the programme's legacy. His innovation, ViDa — a smartwatch system that estimates Vitamin D levels and helps prevent related mental health symptoms — secured top public votes and earned the judges' praise for its integration of biotechnology and emotional well-being.

The Theatre Affairs Centre has announced a new training workshop, titled 'Play Writing', presented by academic and playwright Dr Sharif Manjoud, set to take place from November 15 to December 3 at the Ministry of Culture's Theatre Affairs Centre.This workshop is part of the centre's initiatives aimed at supporting local theatrical talent and honing the skills of young writers. It is expected to combine theoretical and practical aspects, enabling participants to learn the fundamentals of creative writing, the components of a theatrical text, plot development techniques, and character development.The workshop also forms part of the centre's strategy to develop the theatrical movement in Qatar by empowering creative individuals in all aspects of theatrical work, particularly in writing, which is the cornerstone of the creative process.During the workshop, Dr Manjoud will address several key topics, including the concept of dramatic action, conflict construction, and theatrical dialogue. He will also provide an analytical reading of a number of international and Arab texts, encouraging participants to prepare short scripts that will be presented and discussed at the end of the workshop before a specialised committee.

The Ministry of Culture organised a dialogue session Wednesday evening entitled "Opportunities of the Creative Economy in a Changing World," on the sidelines of the "Art and Design Village" festival at Darb Al Saai.The session aimed to highlight the pivotal role of the creative economy as an engine for sustainable development and to explore its new horizons in light of rapid global transformations, particularly in the fields of technology and digital transformation.The session was presented by media personality Iman al-Kaabi.The speakers discussed the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for the flourishing of creative industries and reviewed successful models in this field.Hamid Ibrahim, head of Creative Operations at Kogali, emphasised that the partnership with Disney+ to produce the series "I wago" represents a pivotal step. He explained that the most significant advantage lies in leveraging the immense global reach of the Disney brand, renowned for its rich heritage and extensive experience in animation.Ibrahim summarised the philosophy of working in the creative economy with the phrase, "Thinking in terms of the entire ecosystem". This perspective goes beyond simply creating a character for a film; it encompasses adapting that character into a series or designing them for products like lunchboxes, confirming that the industry is growing and expanding in this way.Abdulaziz al-Kubaisi, owner and founder of Lusail Art Production Studios, highlighted the importance of integrating creativity with the economy, calling for the transformation of studios and creative activities into "sustainable economic platforms in the face of global competition."Al-Kubaisi explained that the creative economy is the art of transforming creativity, activity, and hobbies into income-generating economic value, noting that this concept represents the turning point from pursuing a hobby to establishing a business.Qatar-based filmmaker Obada Jarbi emphasised that documentaries and feature films represent a long-term investment tool and a form of soft power capable of building a creative economy that reflects local identity and culture. He stressed that this type of content can replace traditional public relations and advertising campaigns.Jarbi discussed the pivotal role of cinema as a "long-term investment" for the country, adding that many major global cities owe their popularity primarily to what has been portrayed in films, thus reducing the need for massive advertising campaigns.Qatari entrepreneur Nada Khamis Mohammed al-Sulaiti, founder of Alama Jewellery, revealed the motivation behind launching her brand in 2011. She explained that growing up in a home deeply rooted in heritage inspired her to be the one to tell Qatar's story, emphasising that Qatar is "the most deserving of telling our identity and stories" to the world.Qatari entrepreneur Abdullah al-Mana called on young people and the community to adopt the concepts of the creative economy as a fundamental pillar for diversifying income sources, stressing that this economy opens "new and numerous horizons in industries" away from total dependence on the traditional economy.