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The winter sports programme launched in Doha is strengthening cultural ties between Qatar and Canada, using sport to foster youth engagement, technical development, and long-term people-to-people connections. The winter sports development initiative launched in Doha is positioning sport as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, with Canada playing a central role in fostering grassroots engagement and technical expertise in Qatar. The programme, introduced as part of the Qatar–Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, marks the beginning of a year-round effort to expand participation in winter sports while strengthening ties between the two nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch event, Karim Morcos, ambassador of Canada highlighted the cultural significance of the initiative, describing winter sports as “so intertwined with Canadian identity”. “Well, first of all, so happy to be here, a showcase of winter sports... we’ve got curling, speed skating, and we’re very excited to have the game between Canada and Qatar, the hockey game,” he said, expressing enthusiasm for the growing collaboration. The event brought together Canadian and Qatari amateur teams for exhibition matches, alongside interactive activities aimed at introducing young participants to sports such as skating, curling, and ice hockey. Morcos underscored the importance of youth engagement, noting the strong turnout at the event. “We’ve got hundreds of kids here today. They’re all seeing and trying sports... which are growing sports here,” he said. “They’re fairly new, so I think the opportunities are huge for youth. The more they get exposed to this, the more they want to play.” The ambassador pointed to existing infrastructure as a key enabler for growth, adding that the foundations for winter sports in Qatar have been influenced by earlier international exposure. He referenced the connection to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, noting that inspiration for Qatar’s winter sports facilities stemmed from that experience, creating what he described as “a very special link... between Canada and Qatar”. Beyond infrastructure and competition, Morcos emphasised sport’s broader societal role. “Sports are a unifying force in any culture,” he said, sharing a personal reflection on identity. “My father immigrated to Canada, and hockey was a unifying force. It was a way to connect with Canadian identity.” He added that similar dynamics could emerge in Qatar over time. “I see hockey will come back here in five or 10 years... it will be a unifying factor for Qataris and Canadians,” he said, expressing confidence in the country’s potential to develop quickly in the sport. Addressing the wider significance of such initiatives, Morcos stressed their importance in today’s global context. “In these uncertain times, sports is what makes us human, what unifies us,” he said. “Coming together... it builds that spirit, particularly for young people, and it brings us all together around culture and sports.” Canada’s contribution extends beyond symbolic engagement to practical support in building technical capacity. Morcos noted that the Canadian community in Qatar has played a key role in developing the sport locally. “Canadians love to play hockey. They created an association... bringing Canadian hockey and culture and know-how to Qatar,” he said. He added that Canadian diplomats and community members are actively involved in coaching and mentoring, helping to lay the groundwork for a sustainable winter sports ecosystem. As the programme unfolds, the initiative signals a shift from one-off cultural events to long-term collaboration, with sport emerging as a shared platform for exchange, development, and connection between Qatar and Canada. 

The Argentine Embassy in Doha recently hosted its third edition of ‘Art, Fashion, and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition’, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange as a key theme driving the relationship between Qatar and Argentina. Speaking to reporters at the event, Argentine ambassador Guillermo L Nicolas underlined the exhibition’s role in setting the stage for the ‘Qatar-Argentina Year of Culture 2025’, which features numerous events in Doha and Buenos Aires. He said the event aims to connect the traditions of both nations, showcasing elements such as intangible cultural heritage and artworks, including paintings created by several diplomats and their wives. Nicolas cited the recent exhibition of Latin-American art at the National Museum of Qatar as a successful precursor, describing it as “the gem of our cultural year.” The exhibition, which concluded on July 19, featured around 170 works by more than 100 pioneering and contemporary Latin American artists, including iconic pieces from Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, and Antonio Berni. He said that cultural exploration uncovered unexpected common ground, leading them to realise they are “much closer than we believe” through shared aspects like traditional garments, a love for horses, and the importance of family. The envoy pointed out that cultural diplomacy is a main element not only for showcasing national identity but also for improving international relations. He said it serves as the essential foundation for international relations, asserting it is the primary method to foster mutual understanding and to create a network through which political and economic ties can be successfully developed. He noted that despite the vast geographical distance, cultural comparison reveals deep similarities. According to Nicolas, the year-long initiative of Qatar Museums is designed to solidify the bond forged during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which saw an influx of approximately 45,000 Argentinian visitors. “We have an amazing connection between the two peoples during the World Cup,” he recounted, adding that the cultural initiative is “a good opportunity to continue this relation.” The envoy said such initiative aligns with Qatar’s vision of becoming a global cultural hub, an effort he lauded, noting Qatar’s “wonderful position in the cultural world.” He suggested that sports should be viewed as part of cultural tradition, as the Year of Culture facilitates the exchange of artistic expressions, allowing Qatari art to be showcased in Argentina and Argentinian culture to be displayed in Doha. Nicolas added that he sees the 2025 initiative as “just one more milestone” in the already strong political, economic, and trade relationship between the two countries.