Qatar's Years of Culture Initiative Announces Partner Countries for 2026 and 2027
In a momentous announcement, Qatar's Years of Culture initiative has unveiled its plans for cultural partnerships with countries across the globe for the upcoming years 2026 and 2027. This initiative aims to foster mutual respect, cultural exchange, and international collaboration through a variety of cultural activities. The selected partners for 2026 are Canada and Mexico, while Egypt and Greece will feature in 2027.
Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who chairs the Years of Culture initiative, emphasized the significance of this program, stating, "The Years of Culture initiative is one of our most important programs. As a legacy from the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, it has been building understanding beyond borders for over twelve years now. It was designed to showcase our culture across various continents, presenting our values and talents to new audiences while celebrating other nations through exchange here in Qatar. Currently, we are hosting Argentina and Chile. Next year, we will enjoy cultural exchanges with Mexico and Canada, followed by Egypt and Greece in 2027."
The Years of Culture initiative, which commenced in 2012, promotes long-term relationships between Qatar and its partner nations through numerous cultural, educational, commercial, and creative exchange programs. This initiative reflects Qatar's belief that cultural cooperation enhances dialogue, strengthens international ties, and fosters cross-border understanding.
The 2026 Year of Culture focusing on Canada and Mexico showcases a unique symmetry. The FIFA World Cup 2026™, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the same tournament that inspired the establishment of the Years of Culture initiative when Qatar won the bid to host it. This collaboration with the hosts of the upcoming World Cup highlights the unifying spirit of football, which transcends cultures and brings diverse peoples together.
In 2027, Qatar will honor the rich cultural heritage of Egypt and Greece—two civilizations that have significantly shaped world history and continue to influence contemporary culture, philosophy, and art.
Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates closely with cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators from partner countries to present a rich calendar of exhibitions, festivals, trade shows, residencies, academic exchanges, and public events. The preparatory work for these initiatives often begins well before the official year kicks off and continues long after, creating a lasting legacy and strong ties between nations.
Since its inception, the Years of Culture program has built important partnerships with countries including Japan (2012), the United Kingdom (2013), Brazil (2014), Turkey (2015), China (2016), Germany (2017), Russia (2018), India (2019), France (2020), the United States (2021), the MENASA region (2022), Indonesia (2023), and Morocco (2024). Currently, Qatar celebrates the Year of Culture with Argentina and Chile for 2025.
For further information, you may visit the official website at www.yearsofculture.qa or follow @yearsofculture on social media.
Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who chairs the Years of Culture initiative, emphasized the significance of this program, stating, "The Years of Culture initiative is one of our most important programs. As a legacy from the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, it has been building understanding beyond borders for over twelve years now. It was designed to showcase our culture across various continents, presenting our values and talents to new audiences while celebrating other nations through exchange here in Qatar. Currently, we are hosting Argentina and Chile. Next year, we will enjoy cultural exchanges with Mexico and Canada, followed by Egypt and Greece in 2027."
The Years of Culture initiative, which commenced in 2012, promotes long-term relationships between Qatar and its partner nations through numerous cultural, educational, commercial, and creative exchange programs. This initiative reflects Qatar's belief that cultural cooperation enhances dialogue, strengthens international ties, and fosters cross-border understanding.
The 2026 Year of Culture focusing on Canada and Mexico showcases a unique symmetry. The FIFA World Cup 2026™, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the same tournament that inspired the establishment of the Years of Culture initiative when Qatar won the bid to host it. This collaboration with the hosts of the upcoming World Cup highlights the unifying spirit of football, which transcends cultures and brings diverse peoples together.
In 2027, Qatar will honor the rich cultural heritage of Egypt and Greece—two civilizations that have significantly shaped world history and continue to influence contemporary culture, philosophy, and art.
Throughout each Year of Culture, Qatar collaborates closely with cultural institutions, embassies, artists, and educators from partner countries to present a rich calendar of exhibitions, festivals, trade shows, residencies, academic exchanges, and public events. The preparatory work for these initiatives often begins well before the official year kicks off and continues long after, creating a lasting legacy and strong ties between nations.
Since its inception, the Years of Culture program has built important partnerships with countries including Japan (2012), the United Kingdom (2013), Brazil (2014), Turkey (2015), China (2016), Germany (2017), Russia (2018), India (2019), France (2020), the United States (2021), the MENASA region (2022), Indonesia (2023), and Morocco (2024). Currently, Qatar celebrates the Year of Culture with Argentina and Chile for 2025.
For further information, you may visit the official website at www.yearsofculture.qa or follow @yearsofculture on social media.
Topics People & Culture）
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