The British Council is delivering the 9th Qatar UK Cultural Festival 2024, aiming to reflect and celebrate the Qatari UK friendship, through an integrated British Council and British Embassy partnership and engaging with local stakeholders from different communities in Qatar.  This year Qatar and the UK will be celebrating a special festival edition with big focus on people-to-people links, in celebration of the British Council 90’s anniversary, the British Council along with top 90 stakeholders from both countries will celebrate the UK Qatar relationship during the past decade.

The festival will be presented through various activities:

  • European Jazz Festival show
  • Live Selector DJ
  • Up to us
  • Qatar International Art Festival
  • Photography competition
  • Podcasts

"As the UK’s cultural relations counterpart, the British Council is dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between nations. This year, as we celebrate 90 years in Qatar with the support of 90 valued stakeholders, we honour the strong relationship between Qatar and the UK. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to deepening cultural and educational ties that resonate with both our communities. We look forward to building on this foundation for future partnerships”

Dr. Waseem Kotoub, Country Director for British Council Qatar  

 “This is a Festival for everyone. It showcases the power of art, music, photography and shared stories to link people of all ages and backgrounds.  As we prepare for the first ever State Visit by His Highness the Amir to the UK, I am delighted that we can all experience these vibrant connections between our two countries in particular.  I also congratulate the British Council on 90 years of creativity and connection.”  

His Excellency, the British Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Mr. Neerav Patel

Save the date: Festival timetable

The festival will run between 25 November - 6 December 2024.

Event Date Time Venue
See things differently! Great Stories Photography Competition September 26 to November 03, 2024 TBC Online event
Up to Us - We are our Choices - Wearable Identities workshop with schools November 03, 2024 10:00 to 13:30 GEMS Wellington School
Up to Us - Abaya Exhibition November 25, 2024 to January 31, 2025 10:00 to 22:00 Doha Design District - Msheireb
Qatar International Art Festival opening November 25, 2024 16:00 to 18:00  Katara Cultural Village - building 12
Mo Ayoub - DJ Set Show 1 November 26, 2024 19:00 Katara Cultural Village - building 12 Katara halls
Mo Ayoub - DJ Set Show 2 Novermber 26, 2024 20:30 Katara Cultural Village - building 12 Katara halls
We are our choices - Panel discussion November 27, 2024 18:30 - 20:00 Doha Design District - Msheireb
European Jazz Festival - Huw Warren : Cowbois and Shepherds  December 06, 2024
  • 19:45 
  • 20:45
Katara Cultural Village - behind building 39

This year, our stakeholders are GREAT, British Embassy, Welsh Government, Katara Cultural Village, MAPs International, Qatar Museums, Msheireb, Virginia Commonwealth University, Fire station arts’ residency, Tasweer, European Union National Institutes for Culture, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar Radio, Selector Radio, public and private schools amongst others.

The festival is open to everyone in Qatar. It’s designed for both expats and locals who want to explore and enjoy different cultural experiences.