Reaching Out: Qatar Foundation

In recent years, Qatar has surged as a destination for arts and culture, opening state-of-the-art museums and other cultural institutions, as well as providing residencies and commissions for leading international artists from all over the world. Now, more than ever before, creativity thrives at the heart of Qatari society, fuelling the nation’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading art hubs.
 
Since its establishment in 1995, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has worked tirelessly to support the country’s journey in the fields of education, research and development, empowering local communities to create a better world for all. QF’s world-class education programme offers lifelong learning opportunities, both enabling Qataris to thrive in a global environment and helping solidify Qatar’s cultural and economic development.
 
Also under QF’s banner are museums at the centre of Qatar’s art scene such as Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. The foundation also owns 150 works of art, with twenty per cent of the artists represented in the collection hailing from Qatar and forty per cent from the region more generally. The various pieces are located across Education City and include the installation Seeroo fi Al Ardh, which was the final artwork by the renowned artist M F Husain, as well as the granite sculpture, Azzm, designed by His Excellency Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani for the foundation’s 25th anniversary.

As part of QF’s vision, the first edition of Al Ghorrah for Literature and Arts at Oxygen Park in Doha’s Education City (ran from 28 November to 2 December 2024) offered local talents and creators a dynamic platform that celebrated the vast heritage of the Arab-Islamic world through a multiplicity of different art forms and cultural expressions. These ranged from musical and theatrical performances to storytelling, culinary experiences and interactive workshops, all with a view to fostering unity and inclusion between Qatar’s diverse communities.
 
“As a space for meaningful cultural exchange, Al Ghorrah supports grassroots artists by providing opportunities to showcase their talents in an environment that values and appreciates both the arts and literature,” said Hend Al Thawadi, QF’s Engagement and Activation Lead. “We are especially committed to nurturing this within schools in Qatar and across the region, ensuring the next generation is connected to their culture and literary heritage.”
 
The objective is to achieve a seamless synthesis of old and new, one that respects heritage while embracing innovation. “Our goal is to honour traditional art forms, while providing space for contemporary expressions that reflect the evolving cultural landscape,” Al Thawadi continued. “This initiative seeks to foster creativity, preserve cultural practices and create meaningful exchanges that resonate across generations.”
 
Designed to be both entertaining and educational, Al Ghorrah allows visitors to explore Qatar’s history and immerse themselves in the country’s culture and traditions, while still enjoying a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Combined with immersive experiences that engage with the audience, the week-long event offers a truly unique space for both artists and visitors to participate in and connect through different artistic disciplines, sharing in the beauty of creative expression. From the Daily Parade inspired by One Thousand and One Nights to spectacular performances by regional virtuosos, including Syrian theatrical actor Maher Salibi, Yemeni musician Sada Alebda and Egyptian singer and master oud-player Mustafa Said, Al Ghorrah’s first programme proved as exciting and varied as the cultures it sought to celebrate.

“Through this event, we aim to deliver an experience that is diverse, engaging and enriching, one where local communities, art enthusiasts and families can interact, participate and engage,” said Al Thawadi. “Ultimately, Al Ghorrah is designed to inspire, providing a valuable opportunity for connection and creative exploration.” Visitors were also encouraged to participate in a variety of creative activities, ranging from book-binding, miniature painting and calligraphy to lectures, storytelling sessions and culinary experiences featuring the flavours of countries including Egypt, Iran and Syria.
 
“Events like Al Ghorrah provide a powerful platform to bridge tradition and innovation, allowing children to experience their cultural roots in formats to which they can relate and be inspired by,” said Aisha Al Sultan, Performing Arts Coordinator, Pre-University Education, QF. “This approach not only celebrates heritage but also equips children to carry it forward in meaningful and dynamic ways.” The value that comes from engaging younger generations with such creative milieux is profound and potentially transformative. “Bringing cultural and artistic ideas to children is vital,” added Al Sultan. “It nurtures their creativity, builds a deeper connection to their heritage and fosters a sense of identity and belonging. In today’s rapidly changing world, where the ways in which children interact with and perceive the world around them is constantly evolving, it’s crucial to connect them to these concepts in creative and engaging ways. This shared experience strengthens intergenerational bonds and instills a deep appreciation for Arab and Islamic culture.”
 
The first edition of Al Ghorrah was met with tangible enthusiasm, especially from young Qataris, who fully embraced the experience. For those performing, the event was an opportunity to take pride in their culture and present the versatility and richness of Qatar’s creative expression, but the diverse programme of activities was no less inspiring for those simply attending. “The high level of participation – from school theatre competitions to choir performances – highlights how much children love being a part of something that honours their identity, while allowing them to explore and express themselves in vibrant, modern ways,” said Al Sultan.