Doha, Qatar – The Qatar International Arts Festival (QIAF) continues to draw large crowds to Katara Cultural Village, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent. The fourth day of the festival saw the launch of “Al-Dhad” events, a celebration of the Arabic language and its artistic expressions, further enriching the cultural experience. QIAF 2025, running through December 20th, features over 500 artists from around the globe.
The festival, held at Katara Cultural Village, aims to promote intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange. It provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to display their work and connect with audiences. This year’s event is particularly notable for its integration of traditional Arabic arts alongside contemporary international styles.
Live Painting Workshops at the Qatar International Arts Festival
A central attraction of QIAF 2025 has been the series of live painting workshops held in Building 12. These interactive sessions allow visitors to observe artists at work, gaining insight into their creative processes and techniques. The workshops foster a unique connection between the artist and the public, encouraging dialogue and appreciation for visual arts.
Jordanian artist Abeer Awad used the live workshop format to explore themes of sustainability, presenting a piece titled “Sustainability and the Birth of a New World.” Awad’s work contemplates the impact of technological advancement on humanity and the natural world, incorporating imagery of jasmine as a symbol of enduring hope. The artist stated her intention was to visually represent the complex interplay between these forces.
Ukrainian artist Lyudmila Stepanyan, a first-time participant in a live international festival event, highlighted the learning opportunity the QIAF provides. She noted the experience of working on canvas, rather than her usual paper medium, was inspiring and facilitated an exchange of artistic knowledge. This cross-cultural learning is a key benefit of the festival.
Qatari artist Amal Al-Abdullah focused on local heritage in her live painting, depicting a woman in traditional Qatari attire adorned with jasmine. Her work aims to connect Qatari identity and environmental awareness within a modern artistic context, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions. This reflects a growing trend of artists incorporating national themes into their work.
Celebrating Arabic Language and Calligraphy with “Al-Dhad”
Coinciding with the festival’s fourth day, the “Al-Dhad” program commenced at Katara’s Creativity Square. This initiative is dedicated to celebrating the Arabic language, often referred to as “Al-Dhad” due to the unique letter in the Arabic alphabet. The program features a variety of activities designed to engage audiences of all ages.
Children’s competitions in Arabic language skills, including oratory, recitation, and classical poetry, are a prominent feature of “Al-Dhad”. Additionally, workshops on Arabic calligraphy, led by renowned calligrapher Nasser Al-Hamawi, offer participants the chance to learn this traditional art form. An accompanying art exhibition showcases diverse works incorporating Arabic calligraphy, typography, and visual arts.
The “Al-Dhad” events are open daily from 3pm to 9pm, creating an immersive environment where visitors can experience the beauty and richness of the Arabic language through various artistic mediums. This program aims to promote linguistic pride and cultural understanding. The integration of calligraphy and visual arts demonstrates the evolving nature of artistic expression in the region.
The festival’s organizers have emphasized the importance of supporting cultural events like QIAF in fostering a vibrant arts scene in Qatar. The event also contributes to the country’s tourism sector by attracting international visitors interested in experiencing its unique cultural offerings. The presence of diverse artistic styles and nationalities underscores Qatar’s commitment to becoming a global hub for arts and culture.
QIAF 2025 is scheduled to conclude on December 20th. Organizers will then assess the festival’s impact and begin planning for future iterations. The success of this year’s event, particularly the popularity of the live painting workshops and the “Al-Dhad” program, will likely influence the direction of future festivals. Further details regarding attendance figures and economic impact are expected to be released in the new year.
Katara Cultural Village continues to be a focal point for artistic and cultural initiatives in Qatar. The Peninsula Qatar provides ongoing coverage of the festival. Visit Qatar offers information for tourists planning to attend future events.
