Years of Culture
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2025/05/18
This article explores the key pillars of the Qatar-China alliance, highlighting political cooperation, economic synergy, and vibrant cultural exchange, as well as the landmark Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture, which brought these connections to life in extraordinary ways.
Qatar-China diplomatic relations date back to July 1988, paving the way for a series of state visits, strategic dialogues, and partnership agreements. These ties have continued to grow stronger, with both nations engaging in frequent high-level political exchanges.
China is represented by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the State of Qatar, currently led by His Excellency Ambassador Cao Xiaolin, who has played a key role in furthering diplomatic engagement and fostering bilateral cooperation.
Qatar’s mission in China is represented by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Beijing, led by His Excellency Ambassador Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi, who oversees diplomatic affairs and promotes Qatari interests in China.
A visa exemption agreement, introduced in 2018, has enhanced tourism connectivity between the two nations. Qatar Airways also offers direct flights from Doha to six Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu).
Diplomatic visits have served as important milestones in strengthening the Qatar-China alliance. In January 2019, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani undertook an official State Visit to China and met with His Excellency President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.
The two leaders discussed joint efforts in sectors such as energy, trade, infrastructure, and regional security. The visit underscored the strategic depth of their bilateral relationship. In 2022, His Highness the Amir also attended a banquet alongside dignitaries and leaders in Beijing, to mark the start of the 24th Olympic Winter Games.
Trade relations between Qatar and China are among the most dynamic in the Gulf-Asia corridor, with trade reaching USD $24.5 billion in 2023. China is Qatar’s largest trading partner, primarily due to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
In 2022, QatarEnergy signed a historic 27-year LNG supply agreement with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), reflecting long-term confidence in the energy partnership. The deal represents the longest LNG contract ever signed.
Additionally, both countries engage through events such as the Qatar-China Business Forum, and large-scale projects like the Qatar Silk Road Industrial Park in the Free Zones. In 2022 His Highness The Amir participated in the Riyadh Gulf-China Summit for Cooperation and Development.
Qatar also obtained the status of a dialogue partner at the 2022 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In 2023, Qatar also took part in the First China-GCC Economic and Trade Ministerial Conference, held in Guangzhou, China. These ventures encourage continued Qatar-China business collaborations in infrastructure, technology, and green energy.
In recent years, Qatar has invested in China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, while Chinese firms have actively participated in Qatar’s infrastructure development, including preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The Lusail Stadium, the largest venue for the 2022 World Cup with a capacity of 80,000, was constructed by China Railway International Group, symbolising an important milestone in Qatar-China cooperation.
Cultural diplomacy has been instrumental in deepening the ties between Qatar and China. Both nations have actively embraced each other’s traditions through arts, education, and heritage initiatives.
A notable example of this exchange was the arrival of two giant pandas in Qatar, to mark the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Serving as a powerful symbol of the friendship between the two nations, the pandas were a gift from the people of China to the people of Qatar. The Chinese giant pandas, Si Hai and Jing Jing now live at the specially designed Panda House in Al Khor Park, and are the first giant pandas to be introduced to the Middle East.
In September 2024, Qatar Museums signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Museum of China, marking a new era of cultural exchange between the two countries. This collaboration aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster mutual understanding through joint exhibitions and collaborative efforts in heritage preservation. This followed a MoU signed in December 2023 with the Capital Museum of China to prepare future collaborations between the museums.
Qatar and China have deepened academic exchange through scholarships, Mandarin-language education, and partnerships between institutions such as Qatar University and various Chinese universities. Students from both countries participate in exchange programmes aimed at increasing mutual understanding.
In June 2023, the Dalian University of Technology conducted the "Chinese Bridge Qatar Summer Camp for Foreign Students," allowing students from Gulf countries to visit China. The camp provided Qatari students with firsthand experience of Chinese culture and education.
Then, in July 2023, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) of Qatar launched a four-week Chinese language camp in China for public school students. This programme aimed to enhance language skills and cultural understanding among Qatari students.
In December 2024, the Chinese Embassy in Doha collaborated with Hamad Bin Khalifa University to host a Qatar-China linguistic and cultural exchange event. During the event, several Qatari students delivered speeches in Mandarin and recited classical Chinese poetry, demonstrating their growing proficiency and enthusiasm for the language.
The Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture marked a milestone in bilateral cultural relations, blending tradition and innovation through a vibrant calendar of events. It began with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring a Jiang’nan styleperformance, co-organised by Qatar Museums and the Zhejiang Department of Culture.
The Treasures of China exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) featured rare and ancient artefacts from China’s long and storied civilisation, offering audiences in Qatar a rare glimpse into the depth of Chinese history. The Silks from the Silk Road exhibition also highlighted the rich textile traditions that historically linked China with the Arab world.
Contemporary creativity was equally celebrated at QM Gallery Al Riwaq, through What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China, an exhibition curated by Cai Guo-Qiang that presented diverse voices within the Chinese modern art scene.
Photography also played a central role, with Cultures from Different Angles showcasing the work of four Chinese and two Qatari photographers who travelled to each other’s countries to document the essence of daily life in each culture.
Two young Qataris also took part in the Great Wall Marathon, a 42-kilometre race across challenging terrain that includes climbing over 5,000 steps along the historic Great Wall of China.
One of the most memorable moments of the year was the Chinese Festival, held at MIA Park, where visitors experienced Chinese culture in Doha firsthand, through traditional markets, authentic food stalls, tea ceremonies, live performances, and interactive family-friendly activities.
Altogether, the 5th edition of Years of Culture demonstrated the richness of cultural exchange between Qatar and China. The initiative highlighted how nations can connect through storytelling, shared values, and cultural experiences.
Qatar-China relations have evolved from diplomatic beginnings into a strategic partnership that encompasses political, economic and cultural synergy. From embassies to exhibitions, energy deals to educational projects, the alliance continues to deepen in every domain.
As both nations look to the future, their shared vision of connectivity, mutual respect, and innovation sets the stage for a relationship that’s as enduring as it is dynamic.
