The 7th edition of the UK Festival was held from 23–29 November 2022 in partnership with the British Embassy and Katara Cultural Village Foundation. Taking place at the same time as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the festival embraced the theme “Sport for Good” — celebrating the unifying power of sport while exploring how culture and creativity can promote inclusion, dialogue, and social change.

The programme brought together UK and Qatari artists, performers, and communities, offering a vibrant mix of music, art, sport, and live experiences. It created opportunities for youth engagement, cultural exchange, and moments of connection at the heart of a historic moment for Qatar. 

The 2022 Qatar-UK Festival edition captured the spirit of a remarkable moment in Qatar’s history. By weaving together sport, art, and culture, the festival embodied the idea of Sport for Good — using creativity to promote inclusion, empower young people, and strengthen the cultural bridge between Qatar and the UK.

See the main highlights of the festival below

Music set the tone for the festival. Jamz Supernova, one of the UK’s most exciting DJs and presenters, took audiences on a journey through the UK’s underground music scene with Selector Radio. Later, Katie Owen brought high-energy DJ performances to Katara and other venues, creating an electrifying soundtrack to the festival atmosphere running alongside the World Cup. 

A moving exhibition showcased the stories of street-connected young people through sport and art. Using the universal language of photography, the project highlighted resilience, inclusion, and the power of sport to give marginalised youth a voice. The exhibition was a reminder of how cultural platforms can amplify social issues while inspiring empathy and action. 

UK and Qatari artists, including Bryce Davies, Muna Al-Bader, and Beatrice Garcia, worked with local communities to create vibrant large-scale murals in Katara Cultural Village. These collaborative artworks carried powerful messages of inclusion, diversity, and unity, leaving a visible cultural legacy that outlived the festival week itself. 

Illustrator Tim Vyner (UK) joined forces with Qatari artist Kholoud Al-Ali to document the festival in real time. From fan gatherings to artistic performances, their live sketches captured the energy of the World Cup moment and the cultural exchanges happening around it — turning snapshots of community life into works of art. 

Ten young people were trained in sports photography and given the opportunity to cover live football events during the World Cup. Their best images were curated into an exhibition, showcasing both their new skills and the way young photographers see the spirit of sport and community. 

The Urban Playground Team from the UK staged adrenaline-fuelled parkour performances against the dramatic backdrop of the Museum of Islamic Art Park. Blending athleticism, theatre, and street culture, the shows celebrated movement, freedom, and connection — encouraging audiences to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles. 

Featured Artists and Partners 

Artists and Performers:

  • Jamz Supernova (UK, Selector Radio DJ)
  • Katie Owen (UK, DJ)
  • Urban Playground Team (UK, parkour)
  • Tim Vyner (UK, illustrator)
  • Kholoud Al-Ali (Qatar, illustrator)
  • Bryce Davies (UK, mural artist)
  • Beatrice Garcia (UK, mural artist)
  • Muna Al-Bader (Qatar, mural artist)
  • Street Child United photographers
  • Shooting Stars youth photographers 

Partners and Supporters

British Council Qatar, British Embassy Doha, Katara Cultural Village Foundation, GREAT Campaign, QBS Radio, Welsh Government, Education Above All, and Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. 
Share this