Doha, Qatar – On May 17th, 2022, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), Qatar Museums, and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar partnered to host a private networking event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States. 

The event was held at the newly opened 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and was attended by USQBC members and partners, representatives from Qatar Museums and the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, as well as members of the wider business community. The U.S. Air Forces Central Band (AFCENT) performed during the event.

In her welcoming remarks, Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad Al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha Office, said, “Today, our two countries are more than just partners, we are strategic allies with a relationship founded upon trust, mutual interest, and similar values. We stand side by side with one another on a range of important areas such as security, commerce, and sustainability.”

In his opening remarks, Qatar Museums CEO Ahmad Al Namla said, “Our two countries have long enjoyed a close partnership. Our aspiration for the Qatar-U.S. 2021 Year of Culture was to further strengthen our existing ties by enabling personal encounters between new generations of both countries. We sought to foster collaboration and spur creativity and curiosity so that the people of Qatar and the U.S. explore powerful new partnerships and inspire others.” 

Director of Cultural Diplomacy at Qatar Museums Aisha Ghanem Al Attiyah, said, “The Qatar-U.S. 2021 Year of Culture was a testament to the trust and collaboration that exemplifies the long-term partnership between Qatar and the U.S. In a year challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shared spirit of ingenuity helped our American partners and us shape a diverse program of exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural exchanges.” 

Chargé d'Affaires Ian McCary said, “Today we celebrate decades of collaboration and the business ties that have developed and grown over the last fifty years, and we look forward to the ties that will deepen over the next fifty years.”

Following the remarks, USQBC displayed an informational video on the newly launched USQBC Business Portal, a one-of-a-kind platform that seeks to advance trade and investment between the United States and Qatar and covers every single state in the U.S. and the Qatar market all under one comprehensive umbrella. Qatar Museums then played a video sharing some of the important cultural exchanges, which occurred during the Qatar-USA Year of Culture in 2021.

The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the State of Qatar. This milestone signifies the longevity and strength of the bilateral ties between the two countries. The United States and Qatar have established a solid base for distinguished regional and international political relations, in addition to deep commercial, security, and cultural partnerships. In recognition of this special partnership, following the January 31 visit by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the White House, President Joe Biden designated Qatar as a “Major Non-NATO Ally” to the United States.

This event follows a recent MoU signed between USQBC and Qatar Museums in support of the Business Pillar of the Years of Culture initiative. Under the agreement, USQBC and Qatar Museums will work together to develop programs to engage the Qatari and American business community. The collaboration includes the exchange of materials and publications, the planning of events and activities, the engagement of local and American companies, and the co-organization of conferences, seminars, and specialized workshops. USQBC is also a long-standing partner of the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

About USQBC: USQBC was founded in 1996 and has significantly contributed to the advancement of bilateral business relations between the United States and Qatar. The Council has played a crucial role in expanding the bilateral business relationship by hosting senior executives from Fortune 500 companies, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and high-ranking government officials for networking opportunities and discussions on challenges and opportunities in both markets. USQBC has also expanded offerings to advisory services, market entry strategy, publications, and more. USQBC will be releasing a special publication commemorating the 50th anniversary of U.S.-Qatar diplomatic relations this year.

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.  

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the 2022 Year of Culture will offer programming from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA).  

The Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022 will include countries and communities from: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. 

Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022 has been developed in collaboration with leading organizations 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. 

The Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture is supported by Qatar Airways.   

Previous Years of Culture have included: Qatar-Japan 2012, Qatar-UK 2013, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Turkey 2015, Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India 2019, Qatar-France 2020, and Qatar-USA 2021. Past sponsors include Vodafone, Qatar Gas, Shell, Ooredoo, Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts, Lulu Group International, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Petroleum, and ExxonMobil.  

Follow and tag Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture on: @yearsofculture, #yearsofculture #QatarMENASA2022 

About Qatar Museums  

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.   

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar.   

Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.  

Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention. 

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