Qatar has named five European countries for cultural partnership programs through 2030, extending an initiative that has linked international exchanges with past and future World Cup host nations.
Years of Culture announced the schedule Oct. 23. Italy is the sole partner for 2028, followed by the Netherlands and Switzerland in 2029, then Portugal and Spain in 2030. Egypt and Greece were previously named as partners for 2027.
The Italy program is expected to coincide with the opening of Qatar’s permanent pavilion at Venice’s Giardini della Biennale, according to Years of Culture. Qatar Museums has announced the pavilion project, and Years of Culture credits architect Lina Ghotmeh with its design. The initiative places the opening in 2028 but gives no more specific date.
Portugal and Spain will join Morocco as the three hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay are due to stage centenary matches. Years of Culture has also paired earlier programs with World Cup host countries, naming Argentina and Chile for 2025 and Canada and Mexico for 2026.
Qatar Museums established Years of Culture in 2012. The initiative organizes cultural and educational exchanges. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairperson of Years of Culture, said the work is intended to support Qatar’s creative industries and contribute to social and economic development. She said she looked forward to a “new chapter” bringing Qatar into dialogue with countries across Europe and the Mediterranean.
The 2027 program with Egypt and Greece is due to begin with Qatar as guest of honor at the Cairo International Book Fair in January, Years of Culture says.
