Years of Culture
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2025/07/16
From founding the country’s first Spanish-language radio station to leading multilingual programmes at a major university, Daniela’s story reflects a commitment to language, cultural exchange, and meaningful connection across communities. Beyond her work in education and media, Daniela has also built a thriving community through her passion for Padel.
When Daniela Bedmar moved to Qatar in 2016, she was looking for a place where her children could grow, and where her professional path in education could continue to develop. She didn’t know exactly what to expect, but Qatar quickly began to feel like home.
“I came to Qatar in 2016 looking for the best educational opportunities for my children,” she recalls. “An international curriculum with strong language programmes. I imagined a place where they could thrive in a multicultural environment, and I could continue growing professionally in education.”
Beyond the initial excitement of arriving somewhere new, it was the warm welcome and everyday moments that helped her to settle in. “The moment I realised how safe and welcoming Qatar is to expatriates,” she says, when asked when it first began to feel like home. “Daily life here is comfortable, and the sense of security is unmatched. It made settling in and raising a family feel natural and reassuring.”
Daniela’s professional journey began in the Chilean Air Force, where she served as a Military Pilot and Administration Engineer. “The Air Force was a formative part of my life,” she says. “I studied and trained at the Aviation School, where I taught and managed operations. It shaped my discipline, responsibility, and ability to lead with structure and purpose, qualities I carry into all my roles today.”
While her path may seem like a pivot from the military to education and cultural work, for Daniela, the transition felt like a natural continuation. “Even in the military, I worked in education—training staff, teaching logistics, and focusing on language,” she explains. “The transition to civilian education felt natural, allowing me to apply those skills in new, creative ways.”
Now serving as the coordinator of Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian programmes at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Daniela views language as something deeply profound. “For me, language is a living connection,” she says. “When I arrived in Qatar, I dreamed of making Spanish widely known and appreciated, not only as a language but as a cultural experience, spanning over 21 countries. Language is about food, fashion, music, and history.”
This philosophy is reflected in her work at HBKU, where Daniela has had the opportunity to build many cultural exchanges through the Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian programmes. “Qatar embraces multiculturalism and multilingualism,” Daniela explains. “As a Chilean, I’ve seen firsthand the interest in expanding language education here. Working with embassies and communities has reinforced how languages help build bridges of understanding, respect, and belonging.”
In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Daniela was part of the founding team behind Hola Qatar, the country’s first official Spanish-language radio station. "Qatar Media Corporation wanted to establish an official Spanish-language channel to connect with the millions of Spanish-speaking visitors,” she explains. “It was an incredible opportunity to represent our language and culture.”
For Daniela, the project was about more than broadcasting, it became a means of creating a sense of belonging for the Spanish-speaking community in Qatar. “Hearing Spanish in my car or on the radio makes me feel at home,” she says. “It’s a powerful way to stay connected to our roots, especially for those of us living far from home. It shows that Qatar truly values its diverse communities.”
“I had the honour of launching the station’s first broadcast on November 2nd. Saying ‘¡Vamos!’ and hearing our voice go live for the first time was a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment.”
While language has helped her to lay the foundation for cultural exchange, sport has become an unexpected tool for social connection. What started as a love for padel has turned into a thriving network of over 100 women in Qatar. “Padel is one of my passions,” Daniela shares. “I saw it as a chance to build a community for women from different nationalities to come together, share experiences, and connect through sport.”
“The bonds built on the court often go far beyond the game,” she reflects. “I realised it was my escape, a way to disconnect from stress and connect deeply with others.” This passion for community is rooted in Daniela’s own experience of finding home in a new place and building lasting friendships. “Our Chilean community in Qatar is small but very close-knit,” she says. “Most of us came with our families, seeking new experiences. We support each other, stay connected, and share traditions that keep our culture alive, from food to language.”
Daniela’s next chapter is unfolding in research. As a PhD candidate, she’s exploring the expansion of the Spanish language across the Middle East.
“My PhD in Education is focused on the promotion of Spanish in Qatar and the wider Middle East,” she explains. “I’m developing innovative business models to support linguistic and cultural growth, which complements my master’s degree in teaching Spanish as a foreign language.”
Her vision is bold and exciting: “I envision Spanish becoming fully embedded in education, media, and cultural exchange, on par with other major languages. With growing interest from institutions, embassies, and students, I believe we’re on the path to achieving that.”
As the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture unfolds, Daniela has contributed ideas and activities for this year’s programme. “It’s a privilege to be part of the Chilean community and contribute to showcasing my country,” she explains. Participating in this cultural exchange helps promote Latin American voices and strengthen ties between our nations.”
For Daniela, genuine cultural exchange goes beyond events: “it’s about mutual respect, curiosity, and shared experiences that leave a lasting impact.”
Her biggest takeaway from living between two distinct cultures? “Food! It carries identity, memory, and connection. I bring Chilean flavours into my Qatari home, blending both cultures every day.”
Discover upcoming events in Qatar and Latin America during the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
