The Qatar-UK Festival 2026 returns for its eleventh edition, celebrating the enduring friendship and growing partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom.
Delivered by the British Council in partnership with the British Embassy in Qatar, the Festival showcases the creativity, talent, and connections that continue to strengthen ties between both countries.
Building on the legacy of the 2013 Qatar-UK Year of Culture and more than a decade of successful collaboration, the festival has evolved into a leading platform for cultural exchange and creative engagement.
This year's edition focuses on skills for the cultural and creative industries, shining a spotlight on the knowledge, capabilities, and career pathways needed to nurture talent, strengthen the creative workforce, and support sustainable and inclusive growth across the sector. The programme also highlights the importance of collaboration between education providers, industry leaders, policymakers, and cultural institutions in building the skills, networks, and opportunities needed for long-term success.
Through a vibrant programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, workshops, competitions, and sector-focused events, the festival connects artists, creatives, industry leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and communities from Qatar and the UK. Spanning design, fashion, photography, heritage, gaming, esports, and the performing arts, it showcases the breadth of creative talent and expertise across both nations.
The festival is supported by an extensive network of cultural, educational, creative, and industry partners across Qatar and the UK, whose contributions help enrich the programme and expand opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Partners include the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the GREAT Britain and Northern Ireland Campaign, Qatar Museums, Years of Culture, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, Media City Qatar, SCALE7 founded by Qatar Development Bank, Invest Qatar, Pearson, the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), M7, Teen Hub, Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar,, Barker Langham, The Edge Picture Company, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas, Harvey Nichols Doha, the Qatar Esports Federation, FNAC and British Esports Federation.
By fostering new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities, the Qatar-UK Festival 2026 reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cultural relations, developing creative talent, and advancing collaboration across the creative economy.
