Art Basel Qatar to Launch in 2026
Art Basel partners with QSI and QC+ to launch Art Basel Qatar in 2026, establishing Doha as a new global hub for modern and contemporary art.
Art Basel has revealed plans to debut a new contemporary and modern art fair in Doha, in partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+.
Set to open in February 2026, the fair marks a significant expansion of Art Basel’s global presence and positions Qatar as a major cultural hub within the Middle East and beyond.
Art Basel Qatar will be held in the M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District, located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown. Surrounded by architectural icons and leading cultural institutions, the fair will serve as a platform for galleries and artists across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and global markets.
The initiative goes beyond a traditional art fair. It is envisioned as a year-round cultural presence in Qatar, encompassing education, public engagement and creative development.
The inaugural edition will be carefully curated, showcasing a select group of leading galleries and artists while laying the groundwork for long-term growth.
This launch is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy driven by creativity, innovation and cultural exchange.
Under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar has developed a rich cultural infrastructure, including major museums, creative hubs and international exhibitions.
His Excellency Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of QSI, described the partnership as a continuation of the momentum generated by the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “Sport and culture share the power to bring people together. We are proud to collaborate with Art Basel and QC+ to create something of lasting value for the region and the world.”
Art Basel’s CEO, Noah Horowitz, affirmed the fair’s strategic significance: “The cultural energy in the MENA region is extraordinary. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting artists, expanding audiences and building meaningful connections across borders.”
With Qatar’s expanding collector base, institutional strength and growing global visibility, Art Basel Qatar is set to become a defining moment in the international art calendar.
