Qatar Winter Sports Programme Continues with Public Activities in Doha
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Qatar Winter Sports Committee, in collaboration with Years of Culture, will continue the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture Winter Sports Development Programme with a new series of public activities at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from 24 to 26 May 2026. The May programme will invite families, young people, sports enthusiasts, and members of the wider community to experience a range of winter sports, including curling, ice hockey, skating, and short track. The activities have been designed to introduce winter sports to the public in an accessible and welcoming environment, while strengthening connections between Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities in Doha. Launched in April, the Winter Sports Development Programme will run throughout 2026 as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture. The initiative aims to expand participation in winter sports in Qatar by focusing on grassroots engagement, youth development, coach education, and competitive opportunities. The programme also highlights the role of sport as a platform for cultural exchange, community participation, and long-term collaboration between Qatar, Canada, and Mexico. Public Winter Sports Activities in Doha The three-day programme will begin with a Curling Open House on Sunday, 24 May 2026, from 4:00 PM at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The session will offer introductory curling experiences for all ages, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the sport in a friendly and informal setting. On Monday, 25 May 2026, the arena will host the Canada–Qatar Expat Ice Hockey Series from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Members of the public are invited to attend as spectators and experience the energy of ice hockey as part of the wider community sports programme. This will be followed by the Short Track & Skating Open House from 8:20 PM to 9:50 PM, offering open skating experiences and introducing participants to short track disciplines. The programme will conclude on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with the Canadian–Qatar Expat Curling Game from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The friendly curling matches will bring together Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities as part of the season-long programme. Teams of four may take part, with one captain required to register the team at the registration desk on the day. Open to the Public Registration and attendance are open to all at the venue. Activities will be held on a first-come, first-served basis, with rotating slots available throughout the sessions. The programme reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to expanding sports participation beyond traditional disciplines, while creating inclusive spaces for cultural exchange and community engagement. As Doha continues to host major sports and cultural initiatives, the Winter Sports Development Programme adds a distinctive dimension to Qatar’s year-round calendar of public activities. It also supports the broader objectives of the Years of Culture initiative by using sport to build stronger people-to-people connections and promote shared experiences. Further details on upcoming events will be announced through the Years of Culture website and official social media channels.
Msheireb Museums Brings the Community Together for International Museum Day
Reading Time: 3 minutesMsheireb Museums brought the community together to mark International Museum Day 2026 with a special seminar highlighting the evolving role of museums as spaces for dialogue, learning, inclusion, and cultural connection. Held at Msheireb Museums in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the seminar was led by Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali, member of the Executive Board of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and Director of the Cultural Advisor’s Office at Qatar Foundation. Titled “Museums: From Functional Role to the Social Dimension,” the session explored how museums have moved beyond their traditional function of preserving heritage to become active public platforms that support community engagement and social cohesion. The event formed part of global celebrations for International Museum Day 2026, held under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” This year’s celebration also coincided with the 80th anniversary of ICOM, reinforcing the organisation’s long-standing mission to position museums as drivers of cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development. Organised annually by ICOM since 1977, International Museum Day has become one of the world’s most widely observed cultural occasions. More than 37,000 museums across 158 countries and territories participate each year, using the occasion to reaffirm the importance of museums as trusted public spaces that promote learning, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Speaking on the occasion, Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said International Museum Day offered an important opportunity to reflect on the changing role of museums in society. “International Museum Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role museums play within society today. At Msheireb Museums, we believe museums are not only spaces that preserve history, but also platforms that encourage dialogue, inspire learning, and strengthen social cohesion. Hosting this seminar aligns with our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences that connect communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” he said. Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali also emphasised the need for museums to remain accessible, relevant, and responsive to the communities they serve. He noted that cultural institutions must continue adapting to changing audience expectations, particularly among younger generations. “Museums need to become more accessible and engaging for their communities, offering opportunities that truly reflect and respond to the spirit of the community. Otherwise, they will become outdated institutions, disconnected from their audiences and eventually left behind. Today’s exhibition operates in a highly competitive cultural and entertainment landscape, particularly for younger audiences. Therefore, they should focus on aligning their marketing plans with the evolving demands and expectations of the current era,” he said. As one of Qatar’s key cultural destinations, Msheireb Museums continues to play an important role in enriching the social and cultural life of Doha. Located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, the museums take visitors through Qatar’s history, urban development, identity, and collective memory through four heritage houses and an active calendar of public programming. The International Museum Day seminar underlined the growing importance of museums as places where communities can come together, exchange ideas, and engage with both local heritage and global cultural conversations. It also highlighted the value of international collaboration in strengthening cultural understanding and building stronger community ties in an increasingly connected world. Through initiatives such as this, Msheireb Museums continues to support Qatar’s wider cultural vision by creating meaningful spaces for education, dialogue, and public engagement. The event reflected how museums in Qatar are contributing not only to heritage preservation, but also to community development, cultural awareness, and inclusive social progress.
