Large bold letters “Q+A Qatar and Arts” with the text “QATAR AND ARTS” below and its Arabic translation “قطر والفنون” underneath, all in black on a white background.

Cover by Aisha Al Sowaidi. Drawing on Qatar’s landscape, architectural memory and pearling heritage, the artwork was created for this issue of Q+A, with the print cover infused with Al Sowaidi’s home fragrance Soul Shelter to evoke a sense of memory and belonging

Q+A engages in dynamic dialogues about art, culture and ideas. It connects creative visionaries in Qatar, the Middle East and beyond with global audiences who share in the belief of the power of culture to transform our world.

Q+A — ISSUE #01

SPRING/SUMMER 2026
SPRING/SUMMER 2026
Pointillist-style drawing of a sailboat on the sea under the sun, with a person on the boat. Below the image, handwritten text reads: Sea, Salt, land, Sand, air, breath, home, Soul shelter...
  • Introduction

The Power of Culture

An exploration of how culture connects people, ideas and place, marking two decades of Qatar Museums
A woman with short hair wearing a black dress stands smiling in a bright, modern studio filled with architectural models, books, and design materials—evoking the creative spirit of Lina Ghotmeh.
  • Venice

The Architecture of Belonging

A visit to the Paris studio of Lina Ghotmeh, the architect of the forthcoming Qatar pavilion at the historic Giardini in Venice
A calm waterfront scene with traditional wooden boats on the water, modern geometric buildings inspired by Frida Escobedo, and lush palm trees lining the shore under a soft, pastel sky.
  • In Focus

Diplomatic Post

Mexican architect Frida Escobedo transforms Doha’s iconic General Post Office as the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Three people stand side by side against a plain backdrop at the Franca Fund Gala: a woman in a patterned dress and sunglasses, a man in a tuxedo, and a woman in an ornate long dress and headscarf. The photo is black and white.
  • Creative Voices

Fashioning a Lasting Legacy

Sheikha al-Mayassa, Anna Wintour and Francesco Carrozzini discuss Franca Sozzani's legacy the Franca Fund Gala, and the power of culture
A modern building with Art Basel Qatar signage, people gathering near the entrance, red wall, and a reflecting water feature. A car is parked on the right under a clear blue sky, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Art Basel Qatar.
  • In Focus

Art Basel in Numbers

Art Basel Qatar offered a portrait of a creative landscape on the rise
A person with long dark hair and glasses, reminiscent of a Rirkrit Tiravanija artwork, eats noodles from a metal bowl using chopsticks, holding the bowl with a towel against a white background.
  • Venice

Making Without Objects

Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija reflects on what it means to make art in a precarious world and his growing relationship with Qatar
A man in a white shirt and dark pants stands on a stone ledge holding a stringed instrument, evoking a saint Levant vibe, with ornate historic buildings and a large domed structure in the background under daylight.
  • Creative Voices

A Voice Beyond Borders

Sheikha Al-Mayassa & musician Saint Levant discuss cultural diplomacy, Palestine's creative ecosystem and Qatar National Vision 2030
A woman in a dramatic black dress and large hat, evoking the elegance of the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize, poses on a white horse rearing up on a stone staircase against beige walls and a blue sky.
  • In-Depth

Golden Threads

A celebration of the winners of the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize 2025 and a conversation with FTA founder Tania Fares
People stand and walk among large circular public art sculptures on a desert landscape, with some of their reflections appearing upside down on mirrored surfaces above them. The sky is clear and the scene is surreal and artistic.
  • In-Depth

In the Public Eye

Sheikha Reem Al-Thani of Qatar Museums reflects on how public art takes root in everyday life in Qatar
A black-and-white sketch of a person with short curly hair in a blazer, sitting with hands clasped and looking forward. Detailed fine lines for shading lend this Art for Tomorrow piece its striking realism.
  • Creative Voices

What Should the Art World Be Discussing?

The Big Questions: Farah Nayeri reflects on the questions shaping art, design and cultural debate today
A modern white building with large square windows, labeled M7, stands behind a shallow reflecting pool with clear water and greenery on both sides in Msheireb. Cars and pedestrians are visible near the entrance.
  • In-Depth

A New Old Town

Qatari architect Fatma Al Sehlawi explores how Msheireb Downtown Doha has transformed the historic heart of the city
Tall, curved walls made of dried palm fronds enclose an open outdoor space under a clear blue sky—an architectural gem reminiscent of installations seen at ArtBasel Qatar. A wooden double door stands in the light-colored building in the background.
  • In Focus

State of the Art

The inaugural Art Basel Qatar offered a new take on the conventional art fair format
A black and white photo of five people posing in a studio echoes the style of Rirkrit Tiravanija. Four stand while one sits, all in dark, loose-fitting outfits—two women in dresses and three men in jackets or casual clothing.
  • Venice

Gathering Momentum

Rirkrit Tiravanija leads a collaborative team to transform the site of Qatar’s future pavilion into a living, performative space at the Venice Biennale, bringing together film, music and food
A striking portrait of a man with wide eyes and an anxious expression, clutching his long dark hair with both hands. He has a mustache, goatee, and wears a white shirt with an open collar.
  • Notes

Face to Face

Two very different yet equally impressive portraits from the Qatar Museums collections
Shaikha Al Sulaiti, with wavy, shoulder-length hair, smiles while wearing a long, dark coat over a black turtleneck dress. She stands against a plain, light background with one hand on her hip.
  • Creative Voices

Tania Fares

Fashion Trust Arabia co-founder Tania Fares discusses nurturing talent, building global networks and defining a new generation of designers
Shaikha Al Sulaiti, wearing a black headscarf and a long red dress, sits relaxed on a light gray sofa against a beige wall, resting her head on her hand. A blue-gray rug is spread on the floor in front of her.
  • Creative Voices

My Doha: Shaikha Al Sulaiti

A personal portrait of the city, seen through the eyes of Qatari designer Shaikha Al Sulaiti
A woman wearing a black abaya and headscarf stands on a liwan balcony with light green walls and a metal railing, looking thoughtfully into the distance as natural light casts soft shadows around her.
  • In-Depth

Made in Liwan

Inside Liwan Design Studios and Labs, a former girls’ school that has been reimagined as a hub for Qatar’s creative community
Black and white sketch of a man wearing glasses and a suit jacket, smiling and looking slightly to the side. The detailed drawing with fine lines suggests he might be enjoying a conversation about Qatari food, on a plain white background.
  • Creative Voices

How Can Art Reflect a Changing Qatar?

The Big Questions: Tom Eccles curator of the inaugural edition of Rubaiya Qatar reflects on why now is the right moment for its arrival
A vibrant illustration depicts two figures in brown clothing riding a large, colorful mythical bird with multicolored wings and tail against a deep blue background, evoking an empire of light, accented by elegant Persian calligraphy.
  • Notes

In New Light

A landmark exhibition at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art traces five millennia of Afghan creativity
A person stands at the entrance of the Lawh Wa Qalam Museum, framed by blue mosaic tiles and a tall, pointed arch doorway, about to step inside through a golden door.
  • In-Depth

A Painter's Dream

How the new Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum went from sketch to reality (and the chance to colour your own version)
Chef Noof Al Mari, in a black headscarf, cooks at a wooden kitchen counter lined with spice bowls. She stirs food in a pan, with kitchen utensils and a yellow bottle nearby, in a warm and rustic room.
  • In-Depth

Spice of Life

Food writer Caroline Eden spends time with Qatari chef Noof Al Mari, discovering her vision to bring Qatari food to the world
Alla Abdunabi stands in an art studio surrounded by drawings on the wall, sculptures, and wooden art pieces. She wears a blue shirt, black pants, and a scarf, looking toward the camera with a calm expression.
  • Notes

Alla Abdunabi

Artist Alla Abdunabi shares her experience at the Fire Station in Doha
A tall, shiny, metallic sculpture with sharp, angular folds stands against a plain white wall on a gray floor, evoking gulf futurism as it resembles an otherworldly folded sheet of metal.
  • Notes

Interrogating the In-Between

An exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum in Qatar asks what “Gulf Futurism” means to artists in the region
A rough, irregularly shaped piece of orange-brown clay rock with jagged edges and a textured surface, photographed by Abdulrahman Al Muftah and isolated on a white background.
  • Creative Voices

Triptych: Abdulrahman Al Muftah

Qatari designer Abdulrahman Al Muftah shares his three biggest inspirations
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Contributors

The Creative minds that shaped the issue 

A detailed black-and-white sketch of a woman in traditional attire, wearing a long, flowing scarf over her head and shoulders, holding a plate and looking thoughtfully to the side—a timeless piece reflecting the rich arts of Q+A Qatar.

AISHA AL SOWAIDI is a Qatari multidisciplinary designer and director of Liwan Design Studios and Labs. Her work reflects a deep engagement with Qatar’s rapidly transforming urban landscape, blending memory and nostalgia with contemporary form and materiality.

Black and white sketch of a woman with chin-length hair, wearing earrings and a high-neck top, looking over her shoulder with a calm expression. Inspired by the Q+A Qatar and Arts scene, the background is plain white.

SILVANA TREVALE is a Venezuelan fashion photographer. In this issue of Q+A she photographed artists at Liwan Design Studios and Labs.

Black and white line drawing of a woman with straight hair in a loose topknot, wearing a buttoned shirt with a pocket. She is looking slightly to the side with a neutral expression, evoking the introspective spirit of Q+A Qatar and Arts.

ANJE JAGER is a Dutch graphic designer, teacher and illustrator whose work focuses on portraiture, studying faces to capture individual characters.

A black and white sketch of a man wearing a traditional hat, sunglasses, and a collared long-sleeve shirt, looking slightly down with a calm expression—perfect for Q+A Qatar or arts-themed features.

MOUS LAMRABAT is a Moroccan-born Belgian photographer whose work spans editorial and fashion. He has collaborated with brands such as YSL Beauty and Burberry.

A detailed black-and-white sketch of a woman with long, wavy hair and bangs, wearing a round-neck top and a pendant necklace, facing forward with a slight smile—perfect for an Arts feature or Q+A spotlight in Qatar.

RADHIKA IYENGAR is a Mumbai-based, award-winning journalist. Her work has been published in Al Jazeera, Vogue, Condé Nast Traveller and Architectural Digest.

A black and white sketch of a woman with shoulder-length hair, wearing a light top and a wide-collared outer garment, smiling gently and facing forward—an elegant portrait capturing the spirit of Arts in Q+A Qatar.

JAN DALLEY is a celebrated writer on arts and culture and the former arts editor of the Financial Times, where she is currently a contributing editor.

A black and white sketch of a man with medium-length hair and a beard, wearing a long-sleeve shirt, sitting with his arms crossed and looking forward—perfect for illustrating Q+A Qatar or arts-related themes.

IWAN BAAN is an award-winning Dutch architecture and documentary photographer based in Amsterdam.

A black and white sketch of a woman with straight, shoulder-length hair, wearing a jacket and smiling, shown from the waist up—perfect for Q+A Qatar and Arts features.

CAROLINE EDEN is a British journalist and author specialising in food. She has won numerous awards, including the André Simon Award in the UK and the Art of Eating prize in the US.

A black and white line drawing of a woman with long hair, sitting and facing forward, wearing a buttoned shirt and resting her hands in her lap—perfect for Q+A sessions on Qatar and Arts.

ADRIANNA GLAVIANO is a photographer who works for magazines and brands in the fields of interiors, food, architecture, travel, art and fashion.

Detailed black and white sketch of a person wearing large glasses, a knit beanie, and a high-collared coat, facing forward with a neutral expression—perfect for Q+A Qatar or arts-related features.

BRIGITTE LACOMBE has created iconic photographs of many of the world’s most celebrated artists, actors, directors, politicians and intellectuals, as well as campaigns for Dior, Prada, Chanel and Hermès.

Black and white hand-drawn portrait of a woman with wavy hair, wearing hoop earrings and an off-the-shoulder top, looking forward with a neutral expression—a striking piece merging Q+A Qatar and Arts influences.

FRANCESCA PERRY is a London-based journalist and editor specialising in design and culture. She writes for the Financial Times, CNN Style, Elle Decoration and Wallpaper*.

Issue 000 Contents

FEATURES
NEWS

Contents

Neighborhood Guides

Contents

Features

The Fifth Pillar

The artist takes over the market

Sweet Fifteen

A place to live, not to leave

Fashion Trust Arabia: The new guard

The Road to MIA

Sneakers Unboxed

The Couture Sculptor

Moving Pictures

Architecture as memory: Lina Ghotmeh in Venice

NEWS

Crossing Borders
A Taste of Qatar at Le Meurice
A Gilded Narrative
Game On
A Universal Language

Harbour Master

  • WHAT'S ON
  • QATAR DIRECTORY