Our Purpose

Years of Culture are years of greater understanding and friendship

Years of Culture connects people from all over the world, enhancing our lives by starting conversations and building lasting friendships through sport, the arts, education, innovation, and much more.

About Years of Culture

Culture is one of the most effective tools to bring people closer together, encourage dialogue, and deepen understanding between nations.

Under the leadership of its Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) developed the annual “Years of Culture” initiative — an international cultural exchange that deepens understanding between nations and their people. Though formal programming lasts only one year, the ties of friendship that are strengthened and formed are long-lasting.

Now in its 15th edition, the 2026 Year of Culture will offer programming from across Canada and Mexico, with exhibitions, experiences and events in Qatar and abroad.

The Qatar Canada and Mexico Year of Culture 2026 has been developed in collaboration with leading organisations in Qatar, including Doha Film Institute, Education Above All, Katara Cultural Village, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar Charity, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar National Tourism Council, Qatar Olympic Committee, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, with assistance from Doha-based embassies of participating countries.

Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Türkiye 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, Qatar-USA 2021, Qatar-MENASA 2022, Qatar-Indonesia 2023, Qatar-Morocco 2024, and Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025.

Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026

Our partnerships

Years of Culture is made possible through close collaboration between many different organisations and corporations across Qatar, under the guidance of Qatar Museums. Whether from film and literature or cultural heritage and sport, they come together to make the programme happen each and every year.