A new chapter in Qatar–Canada relations is unfolding as Mark Carney visited Doha this month, placing culture alongside trade, education, and innovation as a strategic pillar of long-term cooperation. His visit coincided with the launch of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen people-to-people ties and accelerate cross-sector collaboration.

Canadian media launches were held on 29 January in Toronto at the Aga Khan Museum, followed by an event on 30 January at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ottawa. During the Toronto briefing, Michael Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball, presented a commemorative basketball to Qatari representatives—symbolising sport’s role in diplomacy.

Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy

During his Doha press briefing on 18 January, Prime Minister Carney highlighted the transformative power of cultural familiarity:

“When the people of different countries are familiar with each other’s cultures and perspectives, they’re enriched and they trust each other more. They also want to do more together.”

He emphasised that Qatar’s Year of Culture—with Canada as a primary partner—will help deepen bilateral trust through arts, education, business, and creative collaboration.

Qatar’s newly appointed Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, added:

“By linking cultural exchange with economic opportunity and institutional cooperation, we are building relationships that will endure beyond 2026.”

A Bilateral Partnership Linking Culture with Economic Opportunity

This year-long cultural programme is built on a strategic approach that aligns cultural diplomacy with trade diversification, skills development, and market access, connecting Qatar and Canada beyond traditional government channels.

Programme Highlights Across Sectors

Gastronomy: Canadian Chefs Shine in Doha

Cultural programming began at the Qatar International Food Festival, where Canadian chefs Christian Gosselin, Eric Chong, and Andy Hay participated in live culinary showcases. Their presentations amplified Canada’s emerging influence in global gastronomy through innovation, technique, and storytelling.

Sport: Basketball, Winter Sports & Legacy Partnerships

Sport remains a core pillar of Qatar–Canada relations, especially as Doha prepares to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027™. Plans are underway for an international basketball friendly, highlighting the sport’s Canadian origins and Qatar’s growing investment in global sports infrastructure.

Winter sports development is another focus area. The Qatar Winter Sports Committee is collaborating with Canadian partners on programmes related to ice hockey, curling, skating, and short-track training.

Michael Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball, stated:

“Sports diplomacy matters now more than ever. Basketball has a unique ability to build lasting relationships between young people, communities, and nations.”

Education & Literacy: Qatar Reads Expands to Canada

As part of the cultural year, Qatar Reads, led by Qatar National Library, will launch programming in Canada in August 2026. Activities will include Arabic storytelling, children’s literature exchanges, and creative workshops, while reciprocal programmes will introduce Canadian traditions to families in Qatar.

Additionally, a Doha Debates Town Hall will be held in Canada, focusing on football, identity, and the global impact of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Public Space & Design: Art as Cultural Connector

Several major cultural exhibitions and art initiatives are planned, including:

• Under One Sky, a touring photography exhibition reflecting on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, to be showcased across Canadian cities
• JEDARIART, presenting large-scale murals by both Qatari and Canadian artists in urban centres, reinforcing cultural dialogue through public art

Economic Partnership: Culture as a Long-Term Growth Engine

The Qatar–Canada cultural partnership supports larger economic goals by embedding commerce into cultural programming. Collaborations with Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry will create new access pathways for Canadian companies via platforms such as Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar.

This approach positions culture as a catalyst for:

• Trade and investment
• Innovation and creative industries
• Tourism and hospitality
• Long-term bilateral growth

A Strategic Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Canada and Qatar are deepening their bilateral relationship through a model that blends culture, education, sport, design, and enterprise. Prime Minister Carney’s visit marks the beginning of a year defined by collaboration, shared values, and a forward-looking commitment to cultural diplomacy.

The Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture stands poised to become one of the most impactful cultural partnerships in the region—uniting communities, industries, and institutions under a shared vision for global cooperation.