Doha: In recent years, Qatari-Russian relations have experienced significant progress across various fields, particularly in the cultural sector, which has played a crucial role in enhancing these ties.
According to Qatar News Agency, cultural collaboration has fostered mutual openness to the heritage and civilization of both nations, adding depth to bilateral relations and strengthening bridges between their peoples. In 2018, the Qatar-Russia Year of Culture showcased rich events that introduced each country to the other’s culture.
Qatar hosted cultural days in Russia alongside Moscow’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, offering Russian audiences the opportunity to explore Qatari heritage. One highlight of Qatar’s participation was the 31st Moscow International Book Fair, a key forum for the book industry in Russia. The event focused on children’s literature and celebrated Russian literature.
Qatar’s pavilion, organized as part of the Qatar-Russia 2018 cultural program, featured diverse publications in fields like arts, heritage, and literature, alongside works from Qatari publishing houses. The pavilion hosted discussions with two Qatari authors whose works had been translated into Russian, providing visitors a closer look at Qatar’s vibrant cultural scene.
Visitors also received a unique gift, having their names written in Arabic calligraphy by artist Saleh Al Obaidly, highlighting the beauty of Arabic script. That same year, the Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design organized a conference titled “Identify Qatar: (No) Limits of Architecture,” which included prominent architects and urban planners discussing innovative Qatari projects and parallels between construction in northern Russia and Doha.
Qatari architects emphasized balancing efficiency, beauty, sustainability, and cultural identity in modern architecture, with Doha emerging as a distinguished model of contemporary architecture in the Middle East. Qatar Museums also hosted an exhibition titled “Qatar Contemporary: Art and Photography” in St. Petersburg, supported by the Doha Film Institute and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar.
This major exhibition, held during the St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, was divided into two sections. The first, “Building a Vision: Photography from Qatar,” featured over 250 photos by 60 photographers from 28 countries living in Qatar, along with 200 rare images from Qatar Museums’ historical collections.
The second section, “States of Transformation,” showcased 100 contemporary artworks by 46 artists from various countries, offering Russian audiences a unique glimpse into Qatar’s artistic landscape. The exhibition highlighted Qatar’s evolving visual culture, presenting works ranging from portraits to architectural photography, enriching cultural dialogue and artistic interaction.
The 2018 Qatar-Russia Year of Culture successfully demonstrated the power of art and culture in bringing people together beyond geographical and cultural differences. As part of this cultural collaboration, Qatar also participated in the 7th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum, where high-profile Qatari figures highlighted the nation’s cultural achievements during a press conference on international developments as a framework for cultural exchange among nations.
The Cultural Village Foundation Katara’s Opera House hosted a concert by renowned Russian singer Zara, attended by Their Excellencies Ambassadors, diplomats, and a large Russian community audience, as part of the Qatar-Russia 2018 cultural program. This initiative emphasized the importance of supporting social and charitable endeavors while shedding light on the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
The Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture created a vital platform for deepening cultural exchanges between the two countries, strengthening ties between cultural institutions in Doha and Moscow, and offering opportunities to explore each other’s artistic and cultural heritage. This program highlighted the capacity of art and culture to transcend geographical and political barriers, laying the foundation for mutual understanding among nations.