Qatar (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Qatar closed its
2025 Year of Culture with Argentina and Chile at Polo AlMarsa, announcing
Canada and Mexico for 2026, linked to the FIFA World Cup, continuing the 2012
cultural programme.
As GULF TIMES reported, the Qatar–Argentina–Chile 2025 Year
of Culture officially ended during the Polo AlMarsa Years of Culture
Championship Trophy. They mentioned that this event brought together cultural
exchange and international sport. The ceremony marked the close of a
year.
Organisers used the occasion to announce Canada and Mexico
as Qatar’s partner countries for the 2026 Year of Culture. The announcement
confirmed the continuation of a programme that has become a central part of
Qatar’s international cultural agenda. During 2025, the partnership with
Argentina and Chile featured exhibitions, performances, education projects, and
community activities held in Qatar and across Latin America.
What countries are
partnering with Qatar for the 2026 Year of Culture?
According to officials, the 2026 Year of Culture with Canada
and Mexico has a strong historical link to global sport. The FIFA World Cup
2026, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the
same tournament that led to the creation of the Years of Culture
initiative.
The Qatar World Cup opportunity has created an opportunity
to develop new initiatives as a follow-on effect from Qatar’s–USA 2021 Year of
Culture program. The Years of Culture program is a continuation of Sheikha Al
Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s vision and commitment to cultural
diplomacy that was initiated in 2012 to recognise and celebrate Qatar’s
dynamic,
innovative and evolving cultural community as well as help
promote Qatar as a trusted partner within the global cultural community.
Each Year of Culture has several Key Areas of Focus that
encompass all aspects of culture, education, business, and the creative
industries. Through cooperative partnerships between the State of Qatar and
various cultural organisations, embassies, companies, artists and educators,
the Years of Culture create opportunities for cultural exchanges, collaborative
projects, and the exchange of ideas that build long-term relationships and
provide ongoing opportunities for collaboration.
In the Years of Culture initiative, Qatar has partnered with
Japan in 2012, the United Kingdom in 2013 and Brazil in 2014, and will continue
to develop partnerships with other countries and regions in the future as
opportunities arise. Qatar received worldwide attention when it was named the
host country of the FIFA World Cup in December 2010.
Qatar’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup cemented
its place in the global arena as a leader in sport and culture and established
Qatar as a cultural capital of the world.
