Qatar Launches Summer Cultural Programme Across Canada

Qatar has launched a summer-long cultural programme across Canada as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture initiative ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The programme will feature exhibitions, fashion showcases, public art projects, film screenings, literary exchanges and youth discussions across several Canadian cities, highlighting cultural collaboration and people-to-people connections.

The initiative is supported by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Canada and includes partnerships with institutions such as Qatar Museums, Doha Debates, M7 and Qatar National Library.

Among the key highlights is a collaboration with Pierre Gasly during the Canadian Grand Prix, where the driver will wear specially designed helmets created by Qatari artist Ghada Al Suwaidi.

Fashion events will also feature prominently, with designers from Qatar participating in Fashion Art Toronto to showcase collections and connect with buyers and industry leaders.

In Montreal, Qatar Museums’ JEDARIART initiative will collaborate with the MURAL Festival, where Qatari artist Fatima Al-Sharshani will create public artworks blending Arabic calligraphy with contemporary street art.

The programme will also include a youth-focused Doha Debates event in Toronto discussing the future of football fandom during the World Cup period.

Later in the summer, Qatar National Library will launch a literary exchange initiative connecting Canadian schools and families with readers in Qatar through storytelling workshops and bilingual editions of Kalila wa Dimna illustrated by Qatari artist Wadha Al Athba.

Officials said the programme reflects Qatar’s wider vision of using culture and sport to strengthen international partnerships, creative exchange and long-term social connections.