Art Basel joins forces with Qatar Sports Investments and QC+ to launch Art Basel Qatar in 2026

Art Basel, in collaboration with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+, has announced the launch of Art Basel Qatar — a pioneering modern and contemporary art fair set to premiere in Doha in February 2026. This landmark initiative represents a bold step in elevating Qatar’s global cultural presence, establishing the nation as a vital nexus for artistic exchange across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and beyond. The inaugural fair will take place in the vibrant Msheireb district, centred around the M7 creative hub and Doha Design District, within walking distance of the National Museum of Qatar and other cultural landmarks.

Doha. Courtesy of Art Basel

The new initiative is a first-of-its-kind partnership between Art Basel’s parent company, MCH Group, and two of Qatar’s leading institutions: QSI, an influential force in sports, culture, and entertainment, and QC+, a strategic collective known for its expertise in cultural commerce and creative development. Together, these organisations will bring a curated roster of leading international galleries and artists to the region, creating a platform that highlights the diverse artistic expressions emerging from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and the global art scene.

Art Basel Qatar is designed to be more than just an art fair. With year-round programming, public engagement initiatives, and a long-term investment in local talent and collectors, the event will play a transformative role in the region’s cultural ecosystem. This venture aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the country’s ongoing strategy to diversify its economy through investment in knowledge and creativity. It also strengthens Art Basel’s position as a global connector of artists, collectors and institutions, while offering its global audiences an entry point into one of the world’s most dynamic cultural landscapes.

M7 in Doha. Courtesy of Art Basel

Commenting on the announcement, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, stated, “Culture is at the heart of Qatar’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy. This partnership with Art Basel underscores our commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange across borders. Through initiatives like Art Basel Qatar, we are opening new avenues for artistic dialogue, elevating local and regional talent, and positioning Doha as a leading destination for the arts.”

His Excellency Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of QSI, and Andrea Zappia, Chairman and Group CEO of MCH Group, expressed their joint enthusiasm for the venture, highlighting its potential to drive international interest, cultural tourism, and global investment in Qatar’s vibrant creative sector. With the support of QC+ and under the visionary leadership of the nation’s cultural institutions, Art Basel Qatar is poised to become a key fixture on the global art calendar.

For more on Art Basel Qatar, visit: artbasel.com