Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, joined Hans Ulrich Obrist, the Artistic Director at the Serpentine Galleries, cultural leaders and creatives at The Chancery Rosewood in London for a night celebrating culture, art, and cross-cultural dialogue. The Qatar Museums x Serpentine Cultural Dialogue, held during the opening week of the 25th Serpentine Pavilion, highlighted the power of collaboration in bridging regional and international creative communities.
The high-profile event focused on fostering international cultural dialogue, celebrating artistic collaboration, and strengthening connections across the British, Qatari, and global creative industries.
Taking the stage during the event, Sheikha Al Mayassa delivered a compelling address, emphasising the importance of investing in people and fostering cultural exchange. She began, “I belong to a family of public servants who understand that the wealth of their nation is in its people. Qatar has and will always be a meeting place—one that encourages dialogue, de-escalation, tolerance, and respect.”
Known for her bold cultural vision, Sheikha Al Mayassa highlighted that her work stems from a broader national strategy, with Qatar’s leadership consistently affirming that investing in human potential remains its highest priority.
Expressing her commitment to nurturing creative talent, Sheikha Al Mayassa added: “I feel a deep sense of gratitude to be able to observe them and learn from them, and most importantly, to invest in them with time and commitment and to be able to share them with the rest of the world.”
During the high-profile event, speakers explored the Serpentine Pavilion’s enduring role as a platform for emerging architectural voices, alongside Qatar’s commitment to establishing a permanent cultural presence in Venice and placing art and architecture at the heart of civic life. The discussion also highlighted the ambitious scope of initiatives such as the Doha Design Biennale, the Ajyal Film Festival, and the Rubaiya Quadrennial, which will focus on water and the Global South.
The event brought together prominent global figures across art, cinema, and psychology. Notable attendees included world-renowned relationship expert Dr. Esther Perel, Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, and Fatma Hassan Al Remaihi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute.
The gathering featured a distinct focus on North African and Middle Eastern contemporary talent, drawing creators like Tunisian filmmaker Nejib Kthiri and representatives from regional platforms.
