Culture

Doha, Qatar: This February, Qatar Museums presents a vibrant programme of cultural and creative experiences for all ages, complementing the citywide calendar of exhibitions and public programmes taking place during Art Basel Qatar (5-7 February) that include performances by Tarek Atoui and Rirkrit Tiravanija; three major solo exhibitions by international artists at the Fire Station, and an exhibition on contemporary Ghanaian artists at Liwan Design Studios and Labs. Alongside these presentations, Qatar Museums’ February programme also features a photowalk at a historic coastal Qatari village, curated tours of the we refuse_d exhibition at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and a series of I. M. Pei–related activations at ALRIWAQ, making February a dynamic month across Qatar Museums’ venues. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art presents a book discussion that delves into abstraction and materiality, in addition to a workshop on free-form drawing and curated tours of we refuse_d, on view until February 9. Curator-led tour: we refuse_d exhibition February 3, 2026 | 4PM – 5PM | English Join curators Nadia Radwan and Vasif Kortun for a tour and explore the works of 15 artists, gaining insight into the dialogues, newly commissioned works, and curatorial vision that bring the exhibition to life. No registration required we refuse_d: A Curatorial Presentation by Nadia Radwan February 4, 2026 | 4PM – 5:30PM | English The curators of we refuse_d, Nadia Radwan and Vasif Kortun, offer an in-depth introduction to the exhibition framework along with the historical research and political context which informed their curatorial decisions. No registration is required Book Presentation: Things Bigger Than What Can Be Seen with Oraib Toukan and Yazid Anani February 4, 2026 | 5:30PM – 7PM | Arabic and English A conversation between scholar and writer Oraib Toukan and Yazid Anani, a senior curator at Art Jameel in Jeddah. The two will discuss materiality, abstraction, and the ‘soil grain' of images. The book brings together a selection of Toukan’s essays, translated into Arabic for the first time. No registration required Workshop: Drawtastic February 14, 2026 | 4PM – 6PM | English Enjoy the freedom of expression with the entertaining workshop of Drawtastic! There are no limitations or guidelines, just a model to draw or paint in any medium or style you desire. Join us for an interactive and fun art session! Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is holding its monthly storytelling sessions in English and Arabic, as well as an art workshop tailored for children. Workshop: An Artist’s Adventure February 3 & 4, 2026 | 4PM – 5:30PM | English and Arabic The workshop for children aged 8-11 will begin with a story focused on the world of art. Together, the workshop instructor and young participants will explore this creative, colourful world, followed by an activity, where children will be able to explore different craft mediums to expand on the things they learned during story time. Registerhere Story Time: Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi February 24, 2026 | 8PM – 9PM | English and Arabic Children aged 5–11 will read Natasha Khan Kazi’s Moon’s Ramadan at the MIA Library, which hosts story-led activities that bring environmental themes to life through readings, hands-on arts and crafts, and interactive learning inspired by museum objects. Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As part of the I.M Pei: Life is Architecture exhibition at ALRIWAQ, which will also be on display for Art Basel Qatar, Qatar Museums is inviting the public to several activations related to the late Chinese-American architect. I.M. Pei Literature Salon February 1, 2026 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM | English LiteratureSalon is a weekly series that invites adult participants to engagewith fiction, poetry and essays inspired and/or written by Chinese writers, in dialogue with visual works presented at the exhibition. Register here Curatorial tour: I.M Pei: Life is Architecture February 2, 2026 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM | English Join Zahra Khan, Art Mill Museum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, for a guided tour of the I. M. Pei and the Making of the Museum of Islamic Art: From Square to Octagon and Octagon to Circle exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The exhibition is an in-depth exploration of Pei’s design for one of Doha’s most celebrated landmarks. The tour continues into the Al Riwaq, in I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture exhibition where participants will gain a wider understanding of I.M. Pei's seven-decade career and life. Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read Also Lecture in Doha explores evolution of Qatari women's traditional dress Qatar Museums to present wide-ranging cultural programme to mark the inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar Doha Metro updates metrolink services ahead of major events on January 30 ‘QVerse Island’: Qatar Airways launches first-ever digital destination in Fortnite QM Central Exhibitions is offering workshops on storytelling and the use of ink, as part of the The Rooted Nomad: MF Husain programme. Medium and Movement Workshop February 2, 2026 | 5PM | English Age: 9-14 This workshop, introduces young participants to the dynamic and expressive medium of ink. Using nib pens and water brushes, students will explore how movement—of the wrist, arm, or entire body—can influence mark-making. Focusing on fluid and bold brushstrokes, the session encourages expression and boosts confidence in visual storytelling. Register here Frame By Frame: A Workshop on Storytelling February 3, 2026 | 5PM | English Age: 13+ The mixed media workshop introduces participants to cinematic styles and narrative techniques, by showing examples of India’s iconic artist the late MF Husain’s artworks. Using colouring materials, participants create a story board which focuses on memory and collective experience. Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lusail Museum is launching the third lecture in its Lusail Museums Conversations series, where leading international historians and thinkers explore the Late Ottoman era. Public Lecture: Arab-Ottoman Imperialists of Istanbul at the Fall of a Multicultural Empire by Mostafa Minawi February 16, 2026 | 5:30PM – 7PM | English In this lecture, historian Mostafa Minawi brings to life the experiences of Arab members of the Ottoman imperial elite living and working in Istanbul at the turn of the twentieth century. Drawing on archival research and his award-winning book Losing Istanbul (2022), Minawi reconsiders narratives of nationalism and ethno-racialisation, showing how loyalists from across the empire navigated identity, power, and belonging during the final years of Ottoman rule. To register, contact: [email protected] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fire Station is holding a series of lectures at its auditorium with gallery owners, curators, and artists from its nine-month long Arts Intensive Study Programme (AISP). International artists Chung Seoyoung and Haroon Mirza, whose solo exhibitions at the venue coincide with Art Basel Qatar, will also lead special discussions. A Conversation with Andrée Sfeir-Semler, Tom Eccles and AISP participants  5 February 2026 | 11:15 AM – 12:15 AM | English Register here A Conversation between Chung Seoyoung and Hoor Al Qasimi,moderated by Harry C. H. Choi 5 February 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | English Register here  A Conversation between Haroon Mirza and Jessica Cerasi 5 February 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | English Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tasweer is inviting photographers to imagine how Al Areesh, a Qatari coastal village with traditional Qatari architecture that was abandoned in the 1970s, could be reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary photography. Photowalk: Reimagining Al Areesh Village with photographer Khalid Ismail February 7, 2026 | 3PM – 5PM | English In collaboration with Qatar Museums Archeology Department, Tasweer – is offering a creative photowalk at the historic village of Al Areesh. Participants will explore the site’s textures, architecture, and atmosphere while engaging with conceptual and fine art approaches and experimenting with framing, composition, and re-staging. Through thoughtful observation and creative interaction, photographers are encouraged to bring props or use natural elements to construct compelling visual narratives that breathe new life into this evocative landscape. Meeting point: National Museum of Qatar parking lot at 1:00 PM* Ticket Price: 50 QAR Register here *Transportation will be provided Workshop: Photography Painting with Light February 21, 2026 | 8PM – 10PM | English A practical workshop focused on light painting techniques at Tasweer, Bayt Al Wakrah. The session also covers the basics of long-exposure settings, controlling shutter speed, and using handheld light sources to create patterns, outlines, and motion effects. Location: Bayt Al Wakra Ticket Price: 50 QAR Register here The Review Room: Photography Portfolio Reviews with Khalifa Al Obaidly and Khalid Ismail February 25, 2026 | 8PM – 10PM | English The Review Room offers a rare free opportunity for participants to receive direct, in-person feedback on their work from leading voices in the photography world. In this dedicated portfolio review session, participants will engage in focused one-on-one meetings with renowned professionals in the photography field. The reviews are designed to provide constructive critique, insights into the industry, and guidance on developing a cohesive and impactful photographic practice. Location: Bayt Al Wakra Ticket Price: 50 QAR Register here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liwan Design Studios and Labs is offering an industry sensitisation session for fashion designers, as well as textile and fibre-based artists in Qatar. Workshop: Secrets of Supima February 1 & 2, 2026 | 2PM – 6PM | English Join us for an engaging sensitisation session with Supima cotton, a global leader in textile manufacturing. Participants will explore Supima manufacturer’s agricultural practices, sustainability approach, and fiber qualities, with hands-on comparisons of different cotton types to understand how fiber choice impacts fabric quality and specifications. Register here Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar invites children and families for a new season of play and dynamic activities at Dadu Gardens, offering a unique space to explore learning through open-ended play. Dadu Gardens Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday until April 2026 Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of nature and discovery at Dadu Gardens. A captivating Dadu Museum activation to engage your senses, ignite your curiosity, engage with hands-on activities for children under 12 and their parents, and leave you with unforgettable family memories. Register here This year Qatar Museums celebrates Evolution Nation, a campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.

General

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Labour and Chair of the Workforce Planning Committee (WPC), HE Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri on Thursday chaired the WPC's regular meeting, which reviewed key developments shaping Qatar's labour market landscape. The meeting examined the advancement of strategic initiatives and national programmes designed to strengthen the capabilities of Qatari talent, expand national workforce participation in the private sector, and attract highly skilled expatriate professionals in alignment with evolving labour market demands and long-term economic priorities. Discussions underscored the Committee's commitment to fostering a competitive, resilient and sustainable labour market, consistent with the objectives of the National Strategy for an Effective and Highly Productive Workforce and Qatar's Third National Development Strategy.

Government

Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met Thursday, January 29, 2029,with Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs andSenegalese Abroad of the Republic of Senegal, HE Cheikh Niang, who is visiting Doha. Discussion during the meeting dealt with bilateral relation and ways to bolster them; regional developments; and boosting efforts aimed at cementing security and stability in Africa in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.