Qatar witnesses comprehensive cultural development

The State of Qatar has been witnessing a comprehensive cultural development thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari underlined. Speaking to the Qatari daily (al-Sharq), HE the Minister of Culture said that Qatar is working in accordance to national vision till 2030 and in accordance to a national strategy till 2016 which put culture among the country's priorities as an important social element, under the directives of HH the Emir. Qatar was the Arab Capital of Culture in 2010. When the Arab Ministers of Culture held a meeting last October, they agreed that Doha was the best capital of Arab culture, HE the Minister noted, adding that Doha has managed to continue its shine as the capital of Arab culture thanks to the huge development in the different aspects of culture achieved in Doha. When the activities of the "Doha Capital of Arab Culture 2010" held in Doha two years ago, there were about 470 activities held on one theatre, nowadays, Doha has a number of important theatres, mainly the Katara Cultural Village, which has become a landmark of culture not only in Qatar and the Gulf, but all over the world, HE the Minister said. HE the Minister of Culture also pointed to the theatre in Souq Waqef, which itself represents an important and significant cultural landmark. Meanwhile, HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari highlighted the Museum of Islamic Art, which opened three years ago and received over 700,000 foreign visitors just last year, as well as Qatar National Museum which is expected to be one of the most prominent museums in Qatar.