The 8th edition of the Qatar-UK Festival took place from 20–26 November 2023, in the lead up to Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha. With the theme “Sustainability and Communities”, the festival highlighted peace, social inclusion, and diversity through a specially curated sustainable arts programme. It brought together UK and Qatari artists, institutions, and communities to explore the power of reinvention and the role of culture in shaping greener futures.

The 2023 edition shone a spotlight on how sustainability and community can be expressed through creativity, inspiring audiences and strengthening cultural connections between Qatar and the UK. 

Watch highlights of the 2023 edition

See the main highlights of the festival below 

This competition invited participants across Qatar to capture original photographs that showcased sustainability and community. Open to youth and adults alike, it encouraged new ways of seeing the world and sparked creative dialogue around building a greener, more connected future. Winning entries reflected unique perspectives and were celebrated through an online exhibition. 

A socially engaged art installation at M7 Msheireb and the British Council that promoted textile recycling and the power of reinvention. Visitors were invited to contribute clothing to be repurposed into new works, symbolising how everyday materials can be transformed into something of lasting value. The installation continued beyond the festival, with donations supporting recycling initiatives and local charities. 

A vibrant day that brought together families, artists, and local communities. Highlights included a musical performance by a Qatari artist, a Comic Art workshop by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF), and the live announcement of the photography competition winners. The event created space for intergenerational creativity, learning, and cultural exchange in a family-friendly environment. 

An engaging workshop led by Qatari and UK artists from LICAF, focusing on storytelling around sustainability. Participants learned how to combine art and environmental themes, producing their own comics with eco-conscious messages. The session encouraged young audiences to think critically about sustainability while expressing themselves creatively. 

The festival’s finale, staged at the Expo 2023 Doha Cultural Zone, presented sustainable collections from Qatari and UK designers. Featuring recycled textiles, innovative materials, and eco-conscious design, the runway celebrated creativity while highlighting fashion’s role in promoting environmental responsibility. 

Featured Artists and Partners 

Artists and Performers

  • Contributors to the “Cut from the Same Cloth” installation
  • LICAF artists (UK & Qatar, Comic Art workshops)
  • Musicians at Family UK Day
  • Sustainable fashion designers (Qatari & UK)
  • Winners of the See Things Differently photography competition 

Partners and Supporters

British Council Qatar, British Embassy Doha, Katara Cultural Village Foundation, GREAT Campaign, Msheireb Downtown Doha, TASWEER Photo Festival, and partners at Expo 2023 Doha.