Doha: HE Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated the second edition of the Fereej Arts and Design Festival, taking place from November 9 to 14 in Darb Al Saai.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event was attended by several dignitaries, including HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, and other cultural ministers from Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, as well as senior officials, ambassadors, intellectuals, artists, and media professionals.
The festival, which builds on the success of its first edition, showcases a wide array of artistic content and includes an expanded number of galleries, exhibitions, and workshops. Over 120 artists from 21 countries are participating, offering a diverse representation of global art, with countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and many others contributing.
HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali, stated that the festival aims to promote Qatari art and support local artists while attracting international talent. This year's participation from more than 20 countries underscores the event's international appeal and provides opportunities for local artists to engage with different artistic styles and global creative experiences.
The festival's program includes a variety of specialized workshops, masterclasses, and activities designed to nurture young national talent. It features exhibitions celebrating the contributions of pioneering Qatari artists and introduces innovative digital exhibitions such as the "Beyond Frame" exhibition.
The event also highlights the Ministry of Culture's recent initiatives, such as the Arabic calligraphy award, which reflects the ministry's commitment to preserving authentic arts that embody Qatari cultural identity. A new artistic experience, the House of Arabic Calligraphy, is also part of the festival, demonstrating the ministry's dedication to cultural preservation and development.
HE Egyptian Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, emphasized the festival's role in fostering cultural dialogue and showcasing a blend of modern and traditional arts. He announced that 2027 will be celebrated as the Qatar-Egypt Year of Culture, promoting bilateral cultural exchanges.
HE Syrian Minister of Culture, Mohammed Yassin Al Saleh, praised the festival as an inspiring example of cultural development and affirmed continued cooperation between Syrian and Qatari cultural ministries. The participation of Syrian artists highlights the strong cultural ties between the two nations, built on shared values of freedom and pride.