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Qatar's FIFA World Cup 2022 legacy continues to influence global sport, with the country now supporting preparations for the 2026 tournament in North America through knowledge transfer and international co-operation, officials said at a summit in Washington, DC.Jassim al-Jassim, CEO of Qatar's Local Organising Committee for Football Events (LOC), highlighted the country's enduring contribution to international sport during the Foreign Policy Sports Diplomacy Summit held at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington. The event marked the 250th anniversary of the US and the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026.The summit brought together leaders from the government, diplomacy, media, and investment sectors to examine sport's growing role in fostering international co-operation, strengthening cultural ties, and driving economic development.Addressing participants, Qatar's ambassador to the US, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani, said the country's World Cup journey extended well beyond the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."The expertise and partnerships built through that tournament continue to support the global sporting community, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 across North America," he said. "We are proud that Qatar's hosting legacy is contributing to the next chapter of World Cup history."Speaking on a panel titled "Welcoming the World: Leadership Lessons From Mega Event Hosts", al-Jassim reflected on the lasting impact of the first FIFA World Cup held in the Middle East and Arab world, describing it as a catalyst for long-term national development rather than a one-time event."For Qatar, hosting FIFA World Cup 2022 was never the finish line. It was the foundation for building long-term national capabilities," he said. "We weren't building for one event; we were building an ecosystem and a generation of expertise."Al-Jassim noted that Qatar continues to benefit from the infrastructure, partnerships and international relationships strengthened during the tournament, while emphasising the importance of its human legacy."Thousands of people developed new skills and capabilities that continue to contribute to Qatar and to international sport," he said.He also highlighted the cultural significance of hosting major sporting events, saying the World Cup provided an opportunity to showcase Qatar's identity and values while helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the region."Sport is one of the few truly universal languages," al-Jassim said. "The World Cup gave us a platform to showcase who we are as a nation, but also who we aspire to be. The event became a bridge between cultures and a vehicle for mutual understanding."Since staging the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has continued to expand its profile as a global sports destination, hosting a series of major international events, including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and several FIFA tournaments.Al-Jassim said the successful delivery of such events depends not only on infrastructure but also on a highly skilled workforce operating across a wide range of sectors."Hosting at this scale is ultimately about people," he said. "What delivers those events are thousands of highly trained people working together across security, transport, operations, technology, media, hospitality and healthcare."Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico, al-Jassim underscored Qatar's commitment to sharing its expertise with future host nations.Under a memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, a team of Qatari experts who played key roles in delivering major tournaments has been deployed to several host cities in the US and Canada to support preparations for the expanded 48-team World Cup. A second group of officials and stakeholders is also participating in an observation programme focused on the management of cross-border mega-events."Every tournament leaves its own unique mark on football and on the world," al-Jassim said. "Qatar 2022 was a historic moment for the Middle East and Arab world. FIFA World Cup 2026 will be historic for different reasons."Qatar's sporting calendar remains busy, with the country set to host the second of five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 19 to December 13, further reinforcing its position as a leading venue for major international sporting events. 

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), represented by Managing Director HE Hassan Al Thawadi, took part in a high-level reception at United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark World Football Day. The event showcasedthe enduring impact of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the world turns its attention to the global sporting event’s next edition.Hosted by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the UN under the theme "From FIFA World Cup 2022 to FIFA World Cup 2026: A Legacy in Motion," the event focused on the significance of Qatar 2022 and the legacy it carries onto the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.Speaking at the reception, HE Hassan Al Thawadi, said: "For the Arab world and the Middle East, Qatar 2022 was a moment of pride that belonged to far more than one country. It proved that a region too often defined by others could host the world on its own terms with warmth, excellence and a story worth telling.”He added: “We never intended the tournament to be a moment in isolation. From the day we won the bid, our ambition was to build something that would outlast the final whistle, in infrastructure, in expertise, and in the connections forged between people. Today, we see that ambition come to fruition as the lessons learned in Doha continue to shape how the world delivers its greatest sporting experiences.”The SC and FIFA recently announced signing a knowledge and expertise transfer Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at supporting the delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2026.Under the agreement, a dedicated team of SC experts from Qatar have been deployed to several Host Cities across the United States and Canada to share their expertise across a wide range of functional areas. A second contingent of SC staff and stakeholders is engaged in an observation programme designed to deepen understanding of cross-border mega-events.As the first FIFA World Cup held in the Middle East and the Arab world, Qatar 2022 set new benchmarks for innovation, operational efficiency and fan experience, delivering a compact, sustainability-conscious model of hosting that has since informed major event delivery worldwide.Since then, Qatar has hosted a number of major sporting events,including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. In 2025, the country made history by hosting the finals of three FIFA competitions in the space of three weeks, including the first 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup.Later this year, Qatar is set to welcome the world once again when it hosts the second of five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from 19 November to 13 December.

 Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum, on International Museum Day 2026, celebrates its role as an arts and culture landmark that embodies inclusivity and diversity, staying true to the vision of renowned modern art master Maqbool Fida Husain. Housed within QF’s Education City, the museum is a natural extension of QF’s belief that learning unlocks human potential. Education City’s diverse community, representing more than 119 nationalities, echoes Husain’s own life across cultures. Born in India and later a Qatari citizen, he drew inspiration from South Asia, the Arab world, and the Global South, making the QF-based museum that bears his name the perfect reflection of his legacy. “M F Husain was a true polymath – a painter, a filmmaker, a photographer, a calligrapher, a designer,” says Kholoud al-Ali, executive director, Community Engagement and Programming at QF. “He was endlessly curious, and having a museum dedicated to his work within QF reflects our community development mission – a place where art becomes a pathway to discovery, to critical thinking, and to creative exploration.”From its inception, the museum was imagined not as a closed institution, but as a living, inspirational environment open to all. Whether you are a child visiting for the first time, a family spending a weekend together, a tourist passing through Doha, or a scholar with deep knowledge of Husain’s practice, there should be a way for you to connect with what is on display, according to al-Ali. Within Education City, the museum thrives in a landscape defined by learning and exchange: a 12-square-kilometre ecosystem that brings together K-12 schools, QF’s homegrown Hamad Bin Khalifa University, international partner universities, research institutes, community facilities and programs, and major cultural institutions. Besides, Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum, Education City also houses Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, which holds the largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art in the region and has been part of Education City since 2010, and the Media Majlis at QF partner university Northwestern University in Qatar – the Arab world’s first museum dedicated to media, journalism, and communication – sits within the same landscape. Education City is also home to over 100 public artworks, including the Al Azzm sculpture, designed by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed al-Thani; Damien Hirst’s The Miraculous Journey at Sidra Medicine; and Louise Bourgeois’s Maman within Qatar National Convention Centre. It also houses Seeroo fi al ardh, Husain’s final and most ambitious artwork, which is now part of Lawh Wa Qalam: M F Husain Museum. “When you place a museum dedicated to Husain inside this ecosystem, you are saying something important – that art is not separate from science, from research, from education. They all belong to the same landscape of human knowledge,” al-Ali says. Husain’s works, from tributes to Nobel laureate Sir C V Raman to the visionary Seeroo fi al ardh, embody the dialogue between art, science, and history.“Placing his museum here feels entirely right,” al-Ali says. “It is a living, inspirational institution, and Education City is the only context in which it could exist in this form.” Accessibility is central to this mission. Entry to Lawh Wa Qalam M F Husain Museum is free, tours are offered in both Arabic and English, and audio guides are being developed for 2026. A dedicated family exhibit is being created to ensure children feel the museum belongs to them, while the immersive Art in Motion gallery offers an inviting entry point for those who may feel intimidated by traditional spaces. 

Katara Cultural Village, in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, will host the “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy” exhibition at 5.30pm Monday (December 29), at Building 45.The exhibition will highlight the cultural, humanitarian, and sporting legacy of the first World Cup to be held in the Arab region and the Middle East.It will offer an interactive experience showcasing the milestones of Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and its exceptional organisational successes.The values it embodied include bringing people together, sustainability, innovation, and Qatari cultural identity.The exhibition will also highlight the lasting impact of the tournament on various levels, including infrastructure development, the promotion of cultural and artistic activities, and the support of community initiatives.Furthermore, it will document unforgettable moments that will remain engraved in the memories of fans worldwide.This exhibition reflects Katara and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy's commitment to preserving and enhancing the tournament's legacy for future generations, consolidating Qatar's position as a global cultural and sporting destination. 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha recently celebrated the Phantom’s 100th anniversary at the first reveal in the Middle East of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.Limited to just 25 examples worldwide, it represents the most complex and technologically ambitious project ever undertaken by the marque’s Bespoke Collective, a moving tribute to Phantom’s enduring legacy of excellence and artistry.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Chris Brownridge unveiled the Phantom Centenary Private Collection at the National Museum of Qatar, honouring 100 years of the marque’s pinnacle product. Symbolising a century of stories, Phantom Centenary introduces new techniques and is the result of over 40,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.Fitted with rear seats in high-resolution printed fabric developed with a fashion atelier and completed with 160,000 stitches, the Bespoke masterpiece reflects artistry in every detail. The most intricate woodwork ever crafted by Rolls-Royce debuts groundbreaking firsts: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. A unique Spirit of Ecstasy is created in homage to the first Phantom, cast in solid 18-carat gold, then plated in 24-carat gold, hallmarked and enamelled specially for the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. It is a symbol of the marque’s relentless pursuit of excellence and represents the ultimate canvas for Bespoke capabilities.For a century, Phantom has stood as the definitive expression of Rolls-Royce - an exquisite showcase of craftsmanship, individuality and timeless luxury. Through each generation, advances in design, engineering, materials and technology have secured its status as the world’s most revered luxury motor car and the ultimate canvas for the marque’s most imaginative Bespoke creations.Omar Hussain Alfardan, managing director of Alfardan Corporation, said: “Phantom is far more than a motor car; it is a timeless symbol of excellence. For over a century, it has stood as a true cultural icon: a reflection of achievement, artistry, and enduring influence. From its inception, Phantom has embodied the ultimate expression of success and personal vision, brought to life through the mastery of Bespoke craftsmanship.“This centenary celebration pays tribute to Phantom’s legacy of peerless distinction, and to the discerning clients of Qatar whose passion for innovation, individuality, and progress continues to define the spirit of modern luxury. We are proud to honour this remarkable milestone and to celebrate Phantom’s continuing presence in the ever-evolving story of elegance across our region.”James Crichton, regional director, Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added: “Phantom has defined the very essence of Rolls-Royce - an enduring benchmark of luxury, craftsmanship and engineering mastery. Across eight generations, it has reflected the values and aspirations of our clients while remaining true to its unmistakable character.“In many ways, the story of Phantom is the story of Rolls-Royce itself - a journey guided by artistry, innovation and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. We are proud to be celebrating Phantom’s legacy here in Doha - a city that continues to inspire the marque’s vision of progress and prestige.”Various generations of Phantom were placed centre stage - from the original Phantom I to the contemporary Phantom VIII - each representing a defining moment in the marque’s century-long pursuit of perfection.Among the more recent motoring masterpieces was Phantom Scintilla, a radiant expression of Bespoke artistry inspired by light itself. The heritage selection included the distinguished Phantom I Continental, epitomising the grace and refinement of the 1920s; Phantom II, admired for its dynamic touring character; and Phantom III, the first Rolls-Royce to feature a V12 engine, setting the template for future generations.The stately Phantom V and Phantom VI reflected the marque’s long-standing association with royalty and world leaders, while Phantom VII marked the dawn of a new era at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, redefining modern luxury for a new generation.Completing the display were the exquisite Phantom Zenith Drophead Coupé and Phantom Zenith Edition, highly exclusive creations celebrating the close of Phantom VII production, alongside Phantom VIII, the purest modern expression of effortless luxury, built upon the marque’s Architecture of Luxury.Completing this remarkable display of Phantom motor cars was a celebration not only of engineering excellence but of enduring artistic inspiration, as guests experienced a curated display of eight original artworks created by the marque’s designers.Displayed along the event’s History Wall, each piece echoed a tradition first established in 1910, when artist Charles Sykes produced paintings for early Rolls-Royce catalogues. Together, they paid tribute to Phantom’s eight generations, reinterpreting their spirit through a contemporary creative lens and celebrating the model’s evolving role in culture.The celebration not only honoured the heritage of the world’s most revered luxury motor car but also reflected the enduring passion of Rolls-Royce clients in Qatar for the marque’s innovation and craftsmanship. As Phantom enters its second century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha remains a true home of Bespoke luxury in the region – where heritage and modernity continue to move in perfect harmony.

Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani unveiled the major retrospective “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told” on Thursday, marking the official kickoff of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)’s 50th-anniversary celebrations across Doha. The celebration featured the recognition of major donors, the prestigious Anniversary Awards Dinner, themed *Recognising Evolution – A Journey from Tradition to Tomorrow, and the “Taste Evolution: Collaboration Dinner”, presented by Qatar Creates. **media[373167]** The opening was attended by QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi and NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani, among other dignitaries and guests. “A Nation’s Legacy” chronicles the NMoQ’s journey, from its establishment in 1975 as the region’s first national museum to its reinvention in 2019 as a cutting-edge experiential institution housed within an iconic building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. **media[373173]** According to the QM, the NMoQ’s 50th-anniversary festivities began on October 22 with a symbolic voyage of the historical dhow Fateh Al Khair. Bearing the museum’s logo, the dhow sailed along the Doha Corniche, serving as a visual narrative of continuity, resilience, and transformation. **media[373169]** The ceremony was enhanced by cultural maritime performances, featuring renowned Qatari singer Munsoor al-Muhannadi, highlighting the museum’s role as a vital bridge between past heritage and future generations. “For half a century, the NMoQ has safeguarded the legacy of our nation and our national treasures while continually developing new means of storytelling through the latest advances in technology,” Sheikh Abdulaziz said in a press statement. **media[373168]** “With ‘A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told’, we invite audiences to join us in celebrating the institution’s remarkable record of honouring our heritage while imagining what is to come.” NMoQ Research and Collections deputy director Dr Abdullah Mohammed al-Sulaiti told reporters during the press preview that extensive public programming will form part of the exhibition, aimed at nurturing creativity, learning, and cultural participation across all age groups. Key among these initiatives is “NMoQ Late: Our Heritage, By Young NMoQ”, which aims to empower teenagers by offering creative expression opportunities, after-hours access, and culturally relevant initiatives. This effort seeks to position the museum as a vital “third space”, a welcoming environment where youth can connect, collaborate, develop skills, and build a sense of ownership within the community. The QM added that the NMoQ’s learning and outreach programmes, such as workshops, educational activities, and immersive experiences, will further connect audiences with Qatar’s heritage. Specialised culinary initiatives like collaborations with Chef Noof, Desert Rose, and cooking classes at Jiwan will explore food as a living heritage, demonstrating how traditional practices are preserved, adapted, and celebrated today. These programmes will transform the exhibition from a historical survey into a vibrant, interactive journey celebrating Qatar’s past, present, and future. The QM noted that the anniversary celebrations included a special tribute dedicated to the significant donations that have enriched the QM’s collections and sustained the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. These gifts were highlighted as a reflection of deep civic pride and the shared commitment of individuals, families, and institutions to safeguarding Qatar’s legacy. The celebrations also featured a live musical performance from Dana al-Meer and Hala al-Emadi, who reflected Qatar’s evolving national identity through a lively fusion of traditional Arabic and modern sounds. It concluded with “Taste Evolution: The Collaboration Dinner”, a culinary experience crafted by Chef Noof al-Marri and QC+’s Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Cheminade, blending authentic Qatari flavours with contemporary techniques.