The 9th edition of the Qatar-UK Festival was held from 25 November to 6 December 2024, organised in partnership with the British Embassy and Katara Cultural Village Foundation. With a focus on “people-to-people”, the festival celebrated community, cultural exchange between Qatar and the UK while also marking the British Council’s 90th anniversary in Qatar. 

The 2024 edition reflected on the British Council’s 90-year presence in Qatar while looking to the future — celebrating community, creativity, and connection as cornerstones of the UK–Qatar cultural relationship. 

Watch the highlights from the 9th edition

See the main highlights of the festival below 

A multidisciplinary project exploring identity through clothing, featuring a curated exhibition, school workshops, and a short film followed by a panel discussion. The project celebrated how clothing can tell stories of culture, identity, and belonging among Qatar’s diverse communities. 

MO AYOUB, from the UK’s renowned Selector Radio, brought energy and fresh sounds to Katara Cultural Village with a live DJ set, showcasing the vibrancy of the UK’s music scene and its connection to audiences in Qatar. 

As part of a partnership with the European Union National Institutes for Culture, the festival featured a performance by the Welsh band Huw Warren: Cowbois and Shepherds at Katara Cultural Village, celebrating Europe’s and the UK’s rich musical traditions. 

Run in partnership with TASWEER Photo Festival, GREAT and Msheireb Downtown Doha, this competition invited photographers to share images on themes of creativity and connection. Winning works were displayed during the festival, with a strong focus on people-to-people links. 

A special anniversary initiative featuring 90 podcast interviews with influential stakeholders, creatives, and cultural leaders who have shaped the British Council’s success in Qatar over nine decades. These stories celebrated the legacy of collaboration and the people who have contributed to it. 

Featured Artists and Partners 

Artists and Performers

  • MO AYOUB (UK, Selector Radio DJ)
  • Huw Warren: Cowbois and Shepherds (Wales)
  • Contributors to the “Up to Us” project (UK & Qatari creatives)
  • Winners of the Great Stories Photography Competition

Partners and Supporters

British Council Qatar, British Embassy Doha, Katara Cultural Village Foundation, GREAT Campaign, Qatar Museums, Msheireb Downtown Doha, TASWEER Photo Festival, European Union National Institutes for Culture, Qatar Music Academy, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, QBS Radio, Huawei, FNAC Qatar, and GEMS Wellington International School – Qatar. 
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