AGP Executive Report

Film: Doha Film Festival will premiere four Qatari features in November, its biggest local slate in years, alongside an original series from Katara Studios. Heritage: A new Museum of Islamic Art exhibition brings Uzbekistan’s Islamic heritage to Doha through traditional ceramics, textiles, jewellery and garments. Family Life: 974 Beach hosts a free-for-under-sixs festival on October 16, with arts and crafts, inflatables, bubbles and face painting. Education: Qatar University approved new programmes in early childhood education, environmental science and data science, plus a master’s in clinical practice. Wellbeing: Qatar’s health ministry warned against the unlicensed slimming drink GastroZero, which contains undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. Community Sport: Registration is open for a men’s padel tournament at Al Sadd Sports Club, November 8–10, for players aged 16 and over.

Learning & Skills: CCQ will launch Qatar’s first associate degree in artificial intelligence alongside a digital media programme in January, with 108 places for the first cohort. Health & Wellbeing: LuLu and Qatar Cancer Society are supporting October’s breast cancer awareness campaign, with proceeds from more than 1,500 products funding outreach. UDST marked World Mental Health Day with student art, activities and information on support services. Heritage & Arts: A Ministry of Culture lecture explored how traditional gypsum ornamentation can inspire contemporary design. Msheireb’s Baraha Musical Concert returns Jan. 14–15, pairing local singers with the Al Jazeera Orchestra and Choir. Community & Events: Inclusive education support now reaches 81 government schools and 18 schools in outlying areas, with staff training and assistive tools part of the expansion. Tickets are on sale for UFC Fight Night in Doha on Nov. 21. Doha’s first CardzCon drew more than 5,000 visitors, reflecting the growth of the trading-card community. Media & Identity: A Qatar Press Centre seminar urged Gulf media to move beyond stereotypes and better represent the region’s cultural and intellectual life.

What’s On: Tickets are on sale for UFC Fight Night in Doha on November 21 at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, headlined by Jiří Procházka vs Navajo Stirling. Education: Community College of Qatar will launch associate degrees in artificial intelligence and digital media in January 2027, with applications opening November 1. The AI course is the first associate degree of its kind in Qatar. Arts & Culture: Qatari composer Nasser Sahim presented four original works with the Brussels Philharmonic, blending Gulf musical traditions with contemporary orchestral music. Film: The Doha Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 international competition, featuring 15 films from four continents, with a focus on female filmmakers and Middle Eastern stories. Student Theatre: Qatar Foundation’s Showtime! brought 50 students from six schools together for a bilingual musical about hope and transformation. Wellbeing: Qatar University’s World Mental Health Day programme continues October 13–14 with a workshop, exhibition and panel discussion.

Live Music: Filipino singer-songwriters KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde brought their In Between tour to Doha, reuniting with the city’s Filipino community at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Student Arts: Qatar Foundation’s bilingual musical The Secret of the Garden put 50 students from six schools onstage, building confidence through Arabic and English performance. Cultural Exchange: Qatari composer Nasser Sahim presented four original works with the Brussels Philharmonic, blending Arab musical traditions with contemporary orchestral sounds. Food & Lifestyle: LuLu’s Festival of Spain runs across Qatar until October 14, with Spanish products, tastings and cooking demonstrations. Design & Heritage: Architect Fanos Panayides says Msheireb Downtown Doha shows how contemporary development can evolve while respecting local heritage. Youth Programmes: Centres and sports clubs across Qatar are expanding after-school activities, from arts and sports to technology and volunteering.

Regional Travel: A new attack at Riyadh airport wounded several people and halted operations; Qatar Airways cancelled flights to the Saudi capital, with some cancellations extending into Monday. Qatari Publishing: HBKU Press is using the Frankfurt Book Fair to promote Qatari authors abroad and negotiate translation and publishing rights, while bringing international titles to Arab readers. Education Access: MoEHE and Education Above All agreed to expand tuition-free Assalam Schools for students who face barriers to mainstream education. Culture & Museums: Qatar Museums is preparing Beyti Beytak: My Home Is Your Home, an exhibition on architecture and belonging, while Doha recently welcomed Mexican orchestral music in “Sounds of Mexico.” Community & Wellbeing: PHCC will mark International Infection Prevention Week from October 18–24 with public awareness activities; Qatar University also marked World Mental Health Day with a programme encouraging dialogue and wellbeing. Cultural Outreach: Visit Qatar’s Garden Souq in Singapore wrapped up after welcoming more than 1,700 visitors.

Qatar Abroad: Visit Qatar’s Garden Souq drew more than 1,700 visitors in Singapore, offering Arabic coffee, Qatari food, oud music, crafts and perfume-making to introduce the country’s culture to race-week crowds. Arts & Culture: Doha’s calendar includes the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Sounds of Mexico,” part of the Qatar-Mexico Year of Culture, alongside upcoming Qatar Museums exhibitions on architecture and designer Erdem Moralioglu. The Doha Film Festival has also announced a competition lineup spotlighting female filmmakers and Middle Eastern stories. Things to Do: Tickets are now on sale for the U-17 Gulf Cup, which brings 10 teams to Doha from October 16 to November 4. Wellbeing & Education: Qatar University’s World Mental Health Day programme continues October 13-14 with workshops and discussions, while a national seminar has called for stronger online safeguards for children and digital content that reflects Qatar’s cultural identity. A new agreement will also expand tuition-free schooling for students who face barriers to mainstream education.

Youth Football: Tickets are on sale for the U-17 Gulf Cup in Doha, running October 16 to November 4. Ten teams, including guests China and Egypt, will compete; digital tickets cost QR15. Architecture & Belonging: Qatar Museums’ “Beyti Beytak – My Home is Your Home” opens October 26 at Fahad bin Ali Palace, exploring home, hospitality and shared responsibility through work by more than 40 regional and international practitioners. Fashion: M7 hosts “Erdem: About Time, About Her,” a retrospective of more than 150 pieces celebrating the designer’s 20-year career, from October 26 to December 26. Film: The Doha Film Festival has revealed 15 films from four continents for its 2026 international feature competition, with a strong focus on female filmmakers and Middle Eastern stories. Learning: The National Museum of Qatar and Qatar University have introduced future teachers to hands-on STEAM learning rooted in museum collections and Qatar’s heritage.

Tourism Spotlight: Qatar ranked 19th in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, the highest placement among Gulf countries, as its mix of modern attractions and heritage draws international visitors. Museum Highlights: Qatar Museums will stage two major exhibitions this month: a retrospective of designer Erdem Moralioglu at M7, and Beyti Beytak, exploring architecture, home and belonging at Fahad bin Ali Palace. Design Exchange: Qatar-linked designers are showcasing collaborations with Mexican artisans at Design Week Mexico, part of the Qatar, Canada and Mexico Year of Culture. On Screen: The Doha Film Festival has unveiled its international feature competition, with 15 films from four continents and a strong presence of women filmmakers. Community Life: Qatar Foundation’s Ladies Sport Night returns to Oxygen Park on Tuesdays from October 13, offering sports and fitness activities for women and girls.

Doha Film Festival: The 2026 competition lineup is out, featuring 15 films from four continents and a strong focus on female filmmakers. Weekend in Doha: Live music, CardzCon and sporting events offer plenty to do around the city from October 8–10. Local Voices: Plans to bring slap-fighting event Power Slap 27 to Qatar have drawn public criticism over head-injury risks and cultural concerns. Education: Government schools will use a four-period day during mid-term exams, with two periods set aside for tests. Sustainability: Qatar Sustainability Week returns October 31–November 7, inviting organisations and residents to join activities promoting greener habits. Community: A visually impaired Ministry of Public Health employee marked World Sight Day by reflecting on 30 years of service and encouraging people with disabilities to stay active in their communities. Social Development: Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment and children’s rights at the UN.

Film & Culture: Doha Film Festival has revealed 15 titles for its International Feature Competition this November, including four Palestinian films, among them a Gaza-shot drama and a documentary set in Deir al-Balah. Sustainability: Qatar Sustainability Week returns October 31 to November 7, inviting organisations to host workshops, exhibitions and community events. Education: Qatar’s prime minister honoured 80 government-school teachers at a World Teachers’ Day ceremony, recognising their work in supporting students and shaping future generations. Doha Dining: Msheireb Foodhall has opened at Msheireb Galleria, bringing nine cuisines together, including six homegrown concepts, alongside chef events and workshops. Community Health: A Doha gathering organised by Qatar Cancer Society and partners focused on early detection and wellbeing, with a male breast cancer patient sharing his experience to underline that the disease can affect everyone.

Education: Qatar honoured 80 government-school teachers for World Teachers’ Day, recognising their role in shaping students’ futures. Education Minister Lolwah Al Khater also said the ministry is reviewing teacher-training degrees and wants to attract more local and resident talent. Youth & Values: A nationwide school campaign is using talks, activities and games to encourage responsibility, respect and cooperation among students. Arts & Food: Qatar Museums plans an exhibition on contemporary craft practices in Mexico, while Qatar Tourism’s Taste of Qatar programme is putting local restaurant entrepreneurs in the spotlight. Sporting Future: Qatar is among seven countries in talks with the IOC about hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Diplomacy & Mediation: Qatar’s MoFA says US-Iran talks are still moving, with Doha continuing message exchanges and mediation “without interruption,” after meetings including Iran’s Interior Minister in Doha; Qatar also reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional security concerns remain central. Community & Inclusion: Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center) launched the ‘Taqdeer’ platform, a unified digital reference for senior citizens’ services across nine areas, built to meet global accessibility standards. Health & Youth: Qatar Cancer Society rolled out its “Heroes Series” for childhood cancer survivors under “Our Children Are Gold,” while WCM-Qatar’s “Healing Hands” essay contest saw four Qatari high school students win research-lab experiences. Education & Access: HOPE Qatar Centre for Persons with Disabilities earned an “Excellent” (98%) MoEHE audit rating, and CCQ started a second cohort of its Associate of Business Administration programme for inmates. Culture & Arts: Bazm-e-Urdu Qatar hosted a literary gathering around ‘Pase Dastaras,’ and Qatar Museums is set to present ‘Expanded Tradition. Contemporary Craft Practices in Mexico’ this fall. Lifestyle & Tourism: Qatar Tourism’s “Taste of Qatar” spotlighted Qatari entrepreneurs and chefs, boosting the restaurant sector’s local talent story. Maritime: The Qatar Boat Show returns Nov. 4–7, 2026 with new official partners and growing local participation.

Qatar Diplomacy: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry says US-Iran talks mediated through Doha and regional partners are still ongoing, with message exchanges continuing despite no breakthrough on ending the wider regional conflict. Regional Security: Israel’s National Security Council warns of heightened threats to Israelis and Jews abroad around the Oct 7 anniversary, urging travelers to avoid certain destinations including Qatar and to limit travel-posting online. Social Innovation in Qatar: A two-day Doha seminar on “Digital and Management Innovations in Social Security Institutions” opens at Daman, focusing on how tech can improve access, speed, clarity, and trust in benefits. Community & Inclusion: Mada Center launches the “Taqdeer” platform, a unified digital reference for senior citizens’ services across health, learning, social protection, mobility, assistive tech, justice, culture, and emergency hotlines. Sports for All: Qatar Sports for All Federation wraps its “Summer of Sports for All 2026” running series at Aspire, with 1,362 participants and strong women’s participation. Culture & Learning: Katara hosts World Space Week 2026 at Al Thuraya Planetarium, mixing astronomy shows, workshops, and hands-on “Rocket Challenge” activities for kids and youth. Maritime Spotlight: Qatar Boat Show 2026 announces partners and sponsors for its Nov 4–7 run at Old Doha Port.

Asian Games & Doha 2030: Qatar wrapped Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with a historic 18-medal haul and QOC officials say the results are part of a wider plan for Doha 2030, highlighting padel’s debut gold and continued strength across sports. Tourism & Culture: Qatar Tourism Awards opened public voting for its 4th edition shortlist (276 nominees) and Visit Qatar is bringing “The Garden Souq” to Singapore’s Raffles Hotel to showcase Qatari culture, cuisine and craftsmanship. Education & Youth: Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar held an Open House for high school seniors and parents, while UDST and Qatar Cool signed an MoU to boost student innovation, hackathons and industry-linked learning. Health & Ethics: Qatar’s National Health Research Ethics Committee got fresh emphasis as the health minister stressed compliance and governance for research. Community & Faith: Ehsan launched a Holy Quran competition for the elderly, aiming to support religious engagement and social inclusion. Global Investment: Qatar and UNCTAD will host the World Investment Forum in Doha on Oct 25–27.

Girls’ Sports: QSFA launched its inaugural Sports for All Athletics Championship for girls’ primary schools, bringing students from 12 schools into track-and-field action and pushing early participation and sportsmanship. Inclusion & Care: Al Noor Center for the Blind rolled out a six-month initiative with Qatar Media Corporation to raise awareness, strengthen inclusion, and spotlight the abilities of people with visual disabilities through media and community activities. Education & Future Skills: Qatar Foundation’s “Study in Education City” invited high school students and families to explore Education City’s university pathways and student life, while World Teachers’ Day coverage highlighted long-serving QF educators shaping generations. Health Research Governance: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health emphasized ethical oversight as it convened the National Committee for Health Research Ethics, focusing on compliance, clinical trials, and biobank licensing. Human Rights & UN Cooperation: Qatar reiterated that technical cooperation and capacity-building are central to its UN human rights work, including through Doha’s UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre. Culture & Community: Ehsan (Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care) announced a Holy Quran competition for the elderly to encourage recitation, memorization, Tajweed practice, and spiritual community engagement. Regional CSR: Qatar joined Saudi Arabia’s Global CSR Forum, sharing its approach to social responsibility and impact.

Education & Youth: Qatar Foundation invites high school students and families to “Study in Education City” (Oct 6, 4pm–8pm at Multaqa), offering a hands-on look at partner universities, student life, and pathways to future careers. World Teachers’ Day: Qatar Foundation spotlights long-serving educators at Awsaj Academy, including an Arabic teacher marking 25 years, celebrating teaching as a lasting confidence-building mission. Health Awareness: Qatar Cancer Society launches “It’s Time” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, backed by QNB, with community outreach, workshops, and support for screening and early detection. Public Health: PHCC marks World Heart Day with “Don’t Miss a Beat,” featuring risk-factor checks, education booths, and guidance on warning signs and prevention. Culture & Ideas: Doha Debates hosts a town hall on Oct 15, “Should AI be shaped by faith?”, bringing faith and tech experts together with Qatar’s youth. Heritage & Design: Msheireb Museums and Qatar Reads launch “Smart City Explorer,” turning Msheireb Downtown into a family learning trail on smart, sustainable cities. Arts & International Exchange: The Japan-Qatar Illustration Contest wraps up at Geekend 2026, celebrating cross-cultural creativity and awarding winners across digital, traditional, and youth categories. Sports & Qatar 2030: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games conclude with Qatar receiving the flag for Doha 2030, while Qatar’s riders are honoured for show jumping medals.