Art Basel is coming to Qatar

In a landmark move that underscores the strength of Qatar's vibrant cultural landscape and the dynamic arts ecosystem of the MENA region, Art Basel, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), and QC+ have announced a partnership to launch Art Basel Qatar in Doha. The fair will debut in February 2026, with its inaugural edition held at M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb, in close proximity to world-renowned landmarks including the National Museum of Qatar.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, shared exclusively with The Kurator: “Art Basel Qatar is an extension of our national vision to make culture a cornerstone of sustainable development. It will strengthen the creative economy, nurture talent, and attract global partnerships, creating a legacy that extends well beyond the fair itself. The launch of Art Basel Qatar will be a milestone event that reflects how strategic cultural investment can power economic diversification and inspire future generations.”

Offering a gateway into the creative culture of the Middle East for the stakeholders and audiences of Art Basel, the launch of the fair will expand the circle of collectors, gallerists, artists, and cultural leaders from the MENA region and beyond. Art Basel Qatar reinforces Qatar’s position as a global arts hub, with a unifying power to create new opportunities for the production, dissemination, and discovery of art. It aims to go well beyond the operation of an art fair, with year-round touchpoints both in Qatar and across Art Basel’s global platforms.

Charged by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with realising Qatar’s ambitions across multiple areas of social and economic development, Sheikha Al Mayassa has elevated the nation to a leading position in global cultural exchange. Under her leadership, Qatar has assembled world-class art collections, developed a growing list of celebrated museums and exhibitions, and founded design and photography festivals, along with incubators for the film, fashion, and design industries.

Ongoing initiatives include the creation of the future Art Mill Museum, development of the Lusail Museum, and the establishment of a permanent Qatar Pavilion in Venice’s Giardini della Biennale di Venezia. Bringing the world-renowned Art Basel fair to Qatar and the region through educational programming, market development strategies, and public arts engagement, Art Basel Qatar will holistically integrate into the cultural fabric of the nation and further catalyse a thriving network of collectors and galleries.