The British Council Qatar, in partnership with key Qatari and UK institutions, has announced the 10th edition of the Qatar–UK Festival, set to run from December 2–12, 2025. This milestone event, themed ‘Creative Industries’, will celebrate a decade of cultural partnership and aims to bolster collaboration between the two nations in sectors ranging from fashion and design to gaming and technology.
A Decade of Strategic Partnership
Marking a significant evolution from its origins as a legacy of the Qatar-UK 2013 Year of Culture, the festival signifies a deep-rooted strategic alliance. The 10th edition is underpinned by a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UK’s Department of Business and Trade, the British Council, and Qatar Museums. This agreement solidifies a long-term commitment to advancing Qatar’s creative economy and fostering cultural exchange.
The festival also aligns with the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums, highlighting the nation’s sustained investment in arts, culture, and innovation as a core pillar of its economic diversification strategy.
Fostering Qatar’s Creative Economy
The festival’s programme is designed to merge culture with entrepreneurship, providing a platform for talent development and sustainable growth. Key events for the tech and startup community include:
- Creative Industries Forum: A flagship dialogue on December 10th at the National Museum of Qatar, bringing together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore collaboration in media, film, technology, gaming, and e-sports.
- Gaming & E-sports Showcase: An event on December 9th at the Teen Hub dedicated to the intersection of technology, youth culture, and digital innovation.
- Teen Hub Collaboration: A series of events focused on youth innovation, including sustainable fashion showcases and workshops on AI and art.
- Fashion Show: A major event at the Museum of Islamic Art that will spotlight emerging talent, sustainability, and heritage in Qatar’s burgeoning fashion scene.
Leadership on a Shared Vision
Leaders from both nations emphasized the festival’s role in driving economic and cultural progress.
Mr Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums, stated, “As Qatar Museums marks its 20th anniversary, we are honoured to celebrate this milestone alongside the 10th edition of the Qatar–UK Festival. Our partnership with the British Council continues to strengthen Qatar’s role as a regional and global cultural hub, championing creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that drive the creative economy forward.”
His Excellency, the British Ambassador to the State of Qatar Mr Neerav Patel, said, “The festival embodies the best of our longstanding friendship, creativity, collaboration, and shared ambition. It highlights how cultural exchange and the creative industries connect our people and open new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
Dr Waseem Kotoub, Country Director for British Council Qatar, added, “We look to the future with renewed energy and purpose, continuing our work to support Qatar’s growing creative economy and its ambition to build a knowledge-based economy as envisioned in Qatar National Vision 2030.”
About The Qatar-UK Festival
The Qatar-UK Festival is an annual celebration of the cultural and creative partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom. A legacy of the successful Qatar-UK 2013 Year of Culture, the festival serves as a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and exchange across various creative sectors. It brings together artists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators to foster talent, support economic growth, and deepen the people-to-people connections between the two nations. Key partners include the British Council, Qatar Museums, the British Embassy Doha, the UK Department for Business & Trade, Years of Culture, Media City, and Qatar Development Bank.
Source: Zawya
