Art Basel, in collaboration with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, has announced a new international art fair set to debut in Doha in February 2026. The event, titled Art Basel Qatar, will be held in M7 and the Doha Design District, situated in Msheireb. These venues lie close to major cultural landmarks, including the National Museum of Qatar.
This strategic initiative will integrate into Qatar’s flourishing cultural scene and the wider MENA art ecosystem. The fair will offer a platform to showcase galleries and artists from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Art Basel Qatar will launch as a curated event with a select roster of artists and galleries. It also promises to feature year-round programming, educational initiatives, and public engagement activities.
Supporting Qatar’s Cultural Vision
This partnership aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, culture has become central to economic diversification. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, said the initiative reflects Qatar’s progress as a cultural hub.
“As part of His Highness the Amir’s National Vision 2030, Qatar has been transforming into a knowledge-based economy. Culture and the creative industries are central to that,” she noted. “From opening major museums to launching hubs like M7 and Liwan, we’ve built spaces that drive shared experiences. We now welcome Art Basel as a key partner to expand our creative industry and offer new opportunities to regional talent.”
Qatar’s cultural development includes the National Museum of Qatar, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and soon-to-open venues like the Lusail Museum and DADU: Children’s Museum of Qatar. The country also maintains a presence in Venice with its pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia.
A Unified Strategy for Regional Growth
For QSI, this partnership extends the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. HE Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of QSI, said, “We are proud to bring Art Basel to Qatar. It reinforces our vision of culture and sports as unifying forces. Together with QC+ and Art Basel, we will inspire the region and attract new investment into culture and the arts.”
QC+, a partner known for its work in cultural commerce and exhibition curation, will contribute expertise in engaging audiences and designing experiences. It has played a vital role in Qatar’s creative infrastructure and is a natural collaborator in bringing this global fair to life.
Art Basel brings decades of experience to the venture. With major editions in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris, it has long set the standard for international art fairs. Each edition is shaped by its host city and features tailored programming with local institutions.
Art Basel Qatar: A New Chapter
Andrea Zappia, Chairman and Group CEO of MCH Group, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with QSI and QC+. This initiative marks a bold step forward and will attract global collectors and art lovers to Doha. Thanks to the leadership of His Highness the Amir and our partners, we believe Art Basel Qatar will play a vital role in Qatar’s cultural, sporting, and tourism sectors.”
Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz added, “The MENA art scene has grown rapidly in recent decades. With institutions, festivals, and a vibrant creative community, the region is thriving. We are honoured to align with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa’s vision and help shape new platforms for artistic exchange. Our collaboration with QSI and QC+ opens fresh possibilities for artists and collectors alike.”
Art Basel Qatar is expected to become a cornerstone event for the region, deepening artistic ties across borders and placing Qatar at the heart of global creative exchange.