Qatar's Years of Culture Initiative Secures International Partnerships Through 2030

Qatar has unveiled its upcoming cultural exchange partners, extending its highly successful Years of Culture initiative through 2030. Five European nations – Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, and Spain – will join previously announced partners Egypt and Greece in a series of programs designed to foster deeper cultural understanding and international cooperation.

The announcement, made on Friday, confirmed a phased approach to these new collaborations. Qatar will engage with Italy in 2028, followed by the Netherlands and Switzerland in 2029, and concluding with Portugal and Spain in 2030. These partnerships will build upon the existing programs with Egypt and Greece, scheduled for 2027.

Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Years of Culture, emphasized the initiative's enduring impact on global relations. "Now completing its fifteenth edition, Years of Culture continues to expand the bonds of friendship between Qatar and countries around the world through meaningful cultural exchange while supporting our nation’s creative industries and social and economic development," she stated. She added, "Building on the foundation of impactful partnerships that we have established, we look forward to a new chapter that brings Qatar into dialogue with countries across the Mediterranean and Europe, connected by histories of exchange, creativity, and diplomacy."

Since its inception in 2012, the Years of Culture initiative has been dedicated to cultivating enduring relationships between Qatar and partner nations through diverse avenues such as art, heritage, cuisine, music, sports, education, and economic collaboration. The program aims to promote cross-cultural dialogue, strengthen international ties, and encourage mutual understanding.

The upcoming collaborations will continue the dual-partner model, following successful pairings with Argentina and Chile in 2025, and Canada and Mexico in 2026. In 2027, Qatar's engagement with Egypt and Greece will delve into the shared cultural legacies and their influence on contemporary creative industries, featuring exchanges in literature, art, design, music, and heritage. The program will commence with Qatar's participation as Guest of Honour at the Cairo International Book Fair in January 2027.

The 2028 partnership with Italy will highlight shared historical ties in archaeology, fashion, design, and heritage preservation. This collaboration will also mark a significant milestone with the inauguration of Qatar's permanent national pavilion at the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh. This pavilion is notable for being the first new permanent structure in the Giardini in 30 years and only the third in five decades.

In 2029, Qatar will collaborate with the Netherlands and Switzerland, focusing on their respective contributions to innovation, diplomacy, design, humanitarianism, and sustainability. The initiative will conclude its current phase in 2030 with Portugal and Spain, continuing a tradition of engaging with FIFA World Cup host nations.

Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates with a wide array of cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators to organize a comprehensive schedule of events. These include exhibitions, festivals, trade fairs, artist residencies, academic exchanges, and public events hosted in both Qatar and its partner countries. The programs often extend beyond the official partnership year, fostering long-term institutional relationships, professional networks, and community connections.