Qatar Airways has launched a unique cultural partnership with Grammy Award-winning artist and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz, making history with a first-of-its-kind global creative platform. The collaboration was unveiled at Art Basel Paris 2025, where Qatar Airways also announced its role as Premium Partner across all five of Art Basel’s international fairs.
Qatar Airways Creative 100 Initiative
To mark the beginning of this groundbreaking partnership, Swizz Beatz’s The Dean Collection, co-founded with his wife Alicia Keys, has joined forces with Qatar Airways to create the Qatar Airways Creative 100. This annual initiative will honour 100 of the most influential creatives shaping global culture, spanning sectors such as art, design, music, technology, and sports. The Qatar Airways Creative 100 will debut in February 2026 at Art Basel Qatar, with a flagship event that will bring together the brightest minds from various industries.
The inaugural list of 100 includes figures like Grammy-winning South African DJ Black Coffee, Olympic fencing champion Miles Chamley-Watson, and Yoon Ahn, the American fashion designer behind AMBUSH and current Jewellery Director for Dior Homme. Notable inductees from the world of art include sculptor Kennedy Yanko and visual artist Patrick Eugene, both of whom push boundaries in their respective mediums.
A Platform for Global Creatives
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, expressed that the airline has always seen creativity as integral to its identity. “As the World’s Best Airline, creativity shapes how we innovate, connect cultures, and reimagine the experience of travel,” Al-Meer said. “Through the Qatar Airways Creative 100, we celebrate those whose ideas shape culture and bring people together through creativity and artistry across borders.”
Swizz Beatz also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Qatar Airways doesn’t just move people, it moves the world. That’s why this partnership feels so natural. Together, we’re creating a platform that shines a light on the most inspiring people of our time.”
Qatar Airways and Swizz Beatz: A Powerful Collaboration
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Swizz Beatz goes beyond the Qatar Airways Creative 100. It also extends to the airline’s passenger experience. Qatar Airways will introduce special onboard experiences, exclusive merchandise, and a dedicated digital platform that showcases content created by the global creatives involved in the initiative. The platform will feature films, podcasts, interviews, and city guides crafted by top talent from the Creative 100, along with exclusive masterclasses for Privilege Club members.
One of the first creative expressions of this collaboration is a special edition Formula 1® livery, designed to commemorate Qatar Airways’ role as Global Airline Partner. A further livery celebrating the airline’s partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be revealed at a later date.
Swizz Beatz: A Visionary Across Industries
Swizz Beatz, whose real name is Kassem Daoud Dean, is renowned for his multi-faceted career spanning music, art, and business. Alongside Alicia Keys, he co-founded The Dean Collection, which has been showcased in major exhibitions, including a 2024 show at the Brooklyn Museum. The collection features works by contemporary artists and is set to be displayed until 2030. Beatz’s collaboration with Qatar Airways reflects his broader vision of connecting culture with creative expression.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways also announced its global partnership with Art Basel, further solidifying its commitment to supporting the arts. As a Premium Partner, the airline will support all of Art Basel’s prestigious international exhibitions, including those in Basel, Paris, Hong Kong, and Miami Beach, as well as the newly launched edition in Qatar.
The Qatar Airways Creative 100 is poised to become a significant cultural milestone, offering a unique platform that connects creators from all over the world, while also reflecting the airline’s commitment to fostering creativity across borders.
