More than 450 artists from 70 countries are set to participate in the seventh Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF 2025) this December, transforming Doha’s Katara Cultural Village into a global hub for creativity. The six-day event, organised in collaboration with Maps International, will run from 7 to 12 December under the theme “Sustainability and Innovation in Art.”
Festival Programme and Key Events
Audiences can expect a rich and varied artistic programme featuring international art exhibitions, live painting sessions, and dynamic performances. The festival schedule includes a cultural evening on 8 December, followed by interactive workshops led by international artists on 8 and 9 December.
An art conference with interactive dialogues is scheduled for 9 December, providing a platform for discussion and exchange. Other highlights include a cultural connections dinner on 10 December, an art and sustainable fashion show and art auction on 11 December, and the QIAF Awards Ceremony, which will conclude the festival on 12 December.
A Hub for Cultural Exchange
Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, general manager of Katara, described the festival as a pioneering platform for creativity. “Since its inception, the festival has become a pioneering platform that opens its doors to creativity and provides a broad space where artists and creatives can present an exceptional diversity of artistic visions and styles,” he said in a press statement.
He added that the partnership with Maps International reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global centre for culture. The event reinforces Qatar’s growing reputation as a destination for art, a trend seen across the region with initiatives like the opening of a major new arts hub in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.
Rashmi Agarwal, founder of Maps International and director of QIAF, expressed pride in the continued collaboration. “The Qatar International Arts Festival has become one of the most prominent global platforms that celebrates artists and brings them together in Qatar for a celebration of cultural and creative diversity,” she stated.
Sustainability and Technology in Art
This year’s theme will place a special focus on environmentally friendly artistic practices and the role of modern technologies in shaping the future of art. The emphasis on green practices aligns with Qatar’s broader commitment to sustainable development goals and responsible innovation.
Through its exhibitions, workshops, and live performances, QIAF serves as a platform for cultural convergence. The festival aims to foster artistic dialogue between different cultures and consolidate Qatar’s role as a significant centre for international art and cultural exchange.
