Qatar’s Years of Culture (YoC) initiative has announced its cultural partners through 2030, expanding its collaborative efforts with countries in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Following the previously revealed partnerships with Egypt and Greece for 2027, the programme will focus on Italy in 2028; the Netherlands and Switzerland in 2029; and Portugal and Spain in 2030.
HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of the Years of Culture initiative, highlighted that as it enters its fifteenth edition, the programme continues to deepen ties between Qatar and other nations through cultural exchange, while supporting the country’s creative industries and broader social and economic development. She emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering friendship and dialogue with partner countries, connecting histories of exchange, creativity, and diplomacy.
Launched in 2012, the Years of Culture programme aims to enhance understanding and build enduring relationships between Qatar and its partner countries through a range of cultural activities. These include collaborations in art, heritage, food, music, sport, education, and economic sectors. The initiative reflects Qatar’s belief that cultural partnerships can promote dialogue, strengthen international relations, and encourage mutual respect.
The announcement also outlined the continuing dual-partner approach seen in recent years, with Argentina and Chile in 2025, Canada and Mexico in 2026, and now Egypt and Greece in 2027. The upcoming 2027 partnership will explore Qatar’s historical and cultural connections with Egypt and Greece, focusing on their significant cultural legacies and contemporary creative scenes. Programming for that year will kick off with Qatar as Guest of Honour at the Cairo International Book Fair in January 2027.
The 2028 partnership with Italy promises to build upon longstanding cultural ties, particularly in archaeology, fashion, design, and heritage preservation. This year will coincide with the opening of Qatar’s permanent national pavilion at the Venice Biennale’s historic Giardini della Biennale, designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh. Notably, this pavilion will be the first new permanent structure added to the Giardini in 30 years and only the third in 50 years.
In 2029, Qatar will work with the Netherlands and Switzerland, countries recognized for their leadership in innovation, diplomacy, design, humanitarian efforts, and sustainability. The final announced partners, Portugal and Spain, will anchor the 2030 Year of Culture, continuing Qatar’s tradition of cultural exchange with FIFA World Cup host nations.
Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates extensively with cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators to design a diverse programme of exhibitions, festivals, trade fairs, artist residencies, academic exchanges, and public events both in Qatar and in partner countries. Activities often commence prior to the official year and extend beyond it, fostering lasting institutional partnerships and people-to-people connections.