Qatar Museums (QM) has appointed Fahad Al Obaidly as the Acting Director of Design Doha, a showcase for excellence and innovation in the design community in Qatar and the MENA region. With over 15 years of experience in the culture and creative industry, Al Obaidly will oversee all day-to-day operations, partnerships, international events, and planning for the 2026 edition of Design Doha. He aims to support talented designers in the region and improve the creative landscape under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Al Obaidly joined Qatar Museums in 2014 and was previously the Deputy Director of Programs and Partnership for Design Doha. His career began at HSBC before transitioning into the cultural sector, where he worked with the Ministry of Culture, University College London, and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. At VCU-Q, he focused on Qatar’s Tangible and Intangible Heritage. Al Obaidly has been instrumental in projects such as the development of the Creative Startup Hub, M7, and activating heritage sites during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His contribution to the arts community led to his appointment to the jury for the Arab World Design Award in 2024, which recognizes emerging and established designers from the Arab world. Al Obaidly’s vision for Design Doha is to empower designers in the MENA region and create an infrastructure that supports their work. He is dedicated to placing Qatari and MENA-based designers at the forefront of the design community, serving the people and the region with passion.
As the Acting Director of Design Doha, Al Obaidly will work closely with Artistic Director Glenn Adamson to shape the future of the biennial showcase. Their mission is to nurture talented designers, enhance the creative landscape, and improve the quality of life for all. With a focus on empowering designers in the MENA region, Qatar Museums under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani aims to elevate the work of Qatari and MENA-based designers and contribute to the region’s cultural development.
Fahad Al Obaidly’s background in the culture and creative industry, along with his experience at Qatar Museums, makes him a valuable asset to the design community in Qatar and the MENA region. His dedication to supporting designers and enhancing the creative landscape aligns with the mission of Design Doha to showcase excellence and innovation in design. As he takes on the role of Acting Director, Al Obaidly is poised to lead the biennial showcase to new heights and continue to empower designers in the region.
