Years of Culture
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2025/04/30
Official diplomatic relations between Qatar and Germany were established in 1973. The countries have maintained strong diplomatic ties for over 50 years, with embassies in each other's capitals serving as the cornerstone of ongoing cooperation.
The German Embassy in Doha, led by His Excellency, Ambassador Lothar Freischlader, plays an active role in fostering bilateral ties. German visas from Qatar are accessible via the German Visa Application Centre in Doha, which facilitates travel for business, education, and tourism purposes. The Qatari Embassy in Berlin, headed by His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah Ibrahim Abdulrahman Sultan Al Hamar, supports Qatari nationals and promotes national interests in Germany.
The diplomatic bonds between Qatar and Germany are marked by regular high-level visits. In recent years, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have exchanged several visits, underscoring a commitment to political dialogue and mutual collaboration on key international issues. Since 2022, talks have taken place at the Meseberg Palace in Brandenburg, at the Chancellery headquarters in Berlin, and the Amiri Diwan in Doha. In May 2022, the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on launching a strategic dialogue between the two countries.
In April 2025, His Highness the Amir also welcomed His Excellency Hendrik Wust, Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia of the friendly Federal Republic of Germany, to the Amiri Diwan in Doha. During the same visit, the Minister-President also met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, for discussions on developing and supporting bilateral cooperation and collaborating on issues of common interest.
Economic cooperation between Qatar and Germany is a pillar of the bilateral relationship, with over 60 years of commercial history between the countries. Qatar-Germany trade relations have flourished in recent years, with Germany being one of Qatar’s top European trading partners. In 2022, bilateral trade exceeded €2.8 billion, driven by exports of machinery, automobiles, and electrical equipment from Germany and Qatari LNG exports.
The Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum, hosted in Berlin and Doha over the years, has fostered important dialogue between entrepreneurs, senior policymakers, and investors. This forum highlights ongoing initiatives to boost mutual investments and diversify economic partnerships.
Both nations also signed a landmark Energy Partnership Agreement in 2022, ensuring LNG supply to Germany. This agreement strengthens the long-term Qatar-Germany alliance on energy security.
In April 2025, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry participated in the annual SMEs Forum in Berlin, where he made a speech highlighting the growing trade between Qatar and Germany.
A key development in business ties between Qatar and Germany includes the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)acquiring stakes in major German companies such as Volkswagen, Porsche, Siemens and Deutsche Bank, reflecting a deepening economic relationship between the countries. German firms, in turn, are actively involved in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology projects in Qatar, with more than 300 German companies now operating in Qatar.
In February 2025, during the Web Summit Qatar 2025, Qatar and Germany signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), securing the German Pavilion at the Qatar Web Summits for a further 3 years. A second MoU was signed between the Qatar Free Zones Authority & the German Mittelstand GCC Office, fostering greater collaboration and international business partnerships between Qatari and German companies (particularly Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, or SMEs).
Cultural relations between Qatar and Germany have flourished, encompassing a broad spectrum of diplomatic, educational, and sporting exchanges. The two countries have collaborated extensively to promote and celebrate artistic, intellectual, and sporting achievements, strengthening their bilateral ties.
In early 2018, the Arab Cultural House "Al Diwan” was established by the Qatari Embassy in Berlin. This centre serves as a hub for promoting Arab culture in Germany, hosting events, exhibitions, and a library that introduces visitors to Arab arts, music, literature, and cinema. In 2024, the Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair featured over 70 publishers from the Arab world, providing a platform to enhance the status of Arabic literature in Germany and deepen cultural dialogue.
Cooperation is also ongoing in the academic and scientific sectors, with institutions like the German Archaeological Institute conducting exploratory missions in Qatar since 2012 alongside Qatar Museums. There is a German International School in Doha, which offers a German International Baccalaureate (GIB). Qatar Science and Technology Park has partnered with the German software company SAP to help train Qatari youth, bringing German expertise and technology to the region.
The Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture served as a meeting point for two distinct yet complementary cultures, through a rich programme of events across arts, sports, education and more.
The year-long initiative opened with a grand concert of German and Qatari music at Katara Opera House. During the 2017 Doha International Book Fair, the German Pavilion brought German literature and publishing to the forefront of regional literary dialogue and offered new perspectives.
The Doha Film Institute, the German Embassy in Qatar and the Goethe-Institut brought audiences together for German Film Week, showcasing contemporary and classic German cinema to Qatari audiences. Additionally, the Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition featured collaborative fashion showcases that emphasised the fusion of Qatari and German design aesthetics.
Driven by German Design at QM Gallery Al Riwaq introduced Qatari audiences to iconic German innovation in fields from automotive to product design. Meanwhile, the German Encounters - Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection exhibition at the Fire Station featured works by leading German artists in Qatar.
On International Women’s Day, Siemens Qatar hosted a dialogue on "Culture and Innovation" at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, empowering women from both nations. The Year of Culture also encouraged cultural exchange through sport, exemplified by a friendly women’s football match under the slogan “Football Meets Culture”, organised with the Qatar Women's Sport Committee, the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut.
This initiative's success laid the groundwork for future cooperation and inspired a lasting legacy. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 10th anniversary of Years of Culture, a special lecture series titled "A World Cup Like No Other" commemorated the enduring bond.
Today, Qatar-Germany relations continue to evolve, underpinned by a shared commitment to dialogue and growth. With sustained commitment and a shared vision for global engagement, Qatar and Germany are poised to strengthen their role as collaborative leaders in diplomacy, innovation and culture.
The foundation laid by initiatives like the Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture ensures that this international friendship will continue to thrive.
Find out about upcoming Years of Culture events in Qatar
