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.