Doha: General Manager of the Katara Cultural Village Foundation Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti inaugurated the 7th Qatar International Arts Festival yesterday in the presence of several Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, media representatives, and invited guests.
The event, which is being held at Building 12 in Katara until December 12, forms part of the activities of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, creating a dynamic fusion of art, sport, and heritage.
In a statement, Al-Sulaiti confirmed that the festival, organized by Katara in cooperation with MAPS International, is featuring more than 500 artists from 83 countries.
He noted that since its start, the festival has become a leading platform for creativity and a welcoming space for cultural dialogue, where artistic experiences intersect and bridges of communication are built through the universal language of art. He added that the festival is a celebration of artistic excellence, a platform for cultural exchange, and an opportunity to promote noble human values based on dialogue and mutual understanding.
For her part, Founder and President of MAPS International Rashmi Agarwal praised Katara’s pioneering role in supporting the arts and creators from around the world, expressing her deep appreciation to the Katara Cultural Village Foundation for this fruitful collaboration.
She also extended thanks to all participating artists, noting that their works embody the spirit and message of the festival. She said: “The Qatar International Arts Festival is not merely a space for displaying artworks; it is a global forum where cultures converge, and human visions align through the language of beauty. Art reaffirms its enduring ability to bring people together, enhance dialogue and understanding, and build bridges between civilizations, regardless of geographical or linguistic differences.”
Earlier yesterday, Katara also saw the opening of the Football Memorabilia Exhibition at Building 18, Hall 2, with the participation of the Ahmed Jaber Al-Kuwari Collection and Majid Mohammed Al-Shuqairi. The exhibition offers a unique experience for football enthusiasts, displaying original player jerseys, sports shoes, and rare memorabilia associated with milestone moments in the Arab Cup. Innovative murals further document the tournament’s most significant scenes, creating a space that blends sport, art, and collective memory.
Events accompanying the Arab Cup continue along the Katara Corniche, attracting large numbers of visitors with artistic performances, shows, and diverse interactive activities.
