Olga Lyubimova attended the opening of Russia Culture Days in QatarThe opening ceremony took place on 11 February in Doha

The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova noted:

“The history of cultural exchange between our countries is built on mutual respect, a caring attitude toward spiritual values, traditions, and a shared desire to preserve our unique heritage. I am confident that the upcoming events will allow residents and visitors of the capital to become closer to distant, yet so welcoming, Russia.”

Among the guests of honor at the opening ceremony of the Days of Culture were the Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the State of Qatar, Dmitry Dogadkin, and ambassadors of friendly countries.

“It’s gratifying that exchanges of delegations, people-to-people exchanges, and humanitarian contacts are growing. Every year, more and more Qataris are visiting Russia. And thus, last year, approximately 100,000 Russians visited Qatar. Qataris and representatives of various countries who are working here,will have the opportunity to experience Russian culture, learn a little more about Russia, and then visit Russia to see all our achievements. This is a landmark event, and I believe lovers and connoisseurs of world culture will find much to appreciate at this venue,”

– noted Dmitry Dogadkin.

During the festive evening’s joint concert, melodies reflecting the cultural diversity of Russia’s various regions were performed. The State Order of Friendship of Peoples Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan presented Tatar folk dances and songs, the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Dagestan Lezginka performed vibrant choreographic compositions showcasing traditions of the highlanders, the State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of Kalmykia Tyulpan (Tulip) introduced the audience to the dances of steppe peoples, and the Moscow Folk Choir performed traditional Russian songs.

The program of the Days of Culture also includes solo performances by leading Russian ensembles, folk art exhibitions, and master classes on Russian folk crafts. The exhibitional part of the project features a display of traditional Russian costumes and an exhibition titled Patchwork Mosaic of Russia, which offered guided tours with a special musical accompaniment. A special fitting area will invite visitors to try on traditional Russian costumes. Qataris will also be offered an opportunity to taste traditional Russian cuisine, fragrant tea, and national sweets, while a comprehensive program of master classes will be of interest to both young and adult visitors. In total, approximately 150 master classes will be held over the three days of the project.

During her working visit to Qatar, the head of the Russian Ministry of Culture also met with the Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar, Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“The format of exchange events  undoubtedly allows the peoples of the two countries to become better acquainted and understand each other’s cultures, as was vividly demonstrated by the successful Russia-Qatar Year of Culture in 2018. At that time, we managed to significantly intensify cultural cooperation and implement over 50 large-scale projects,”

– Olga Lyubimova emphasized.

According to her, the museum sector appears to be one of the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. “Taking into account the rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as the level of modernization and development in this sector, Qatar’s museums could undoubtedly become favorite venues for Russian exhibition projects,” the Minister added.

In concluding the meeting, she invited her Qatari colleagues to the Intermuseum International Festival in May, the St. Petersburg International Forum of United Cultures in September, and talented children from Qatar were invited to the International Children’s Cultural Forum, which will be held in Moscow at the end of August.

Olga Lyubimova also invited partners to participate in the opening of the Year Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World as part of the project’s program in May on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum, as well as in the Congress of Ministers of Culture of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Furthermore, the head of the Russian Ministry of Culture stated that the Russian side eagerly anticipates holding a reciprocal Qatar Culture Days in Russia in 2027 and proposed a large-scale program of events for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which will be celebrated in 2028.

In turn, the Minister of Culture of the State of Qatar thanked Olga Lyubimova for the proposal to host Russian Culture Days in Qatar, noting that culture and partnership in this field are a universal bridge uniting peoples and diverse civilizations. “We are very pleased to see the wonderful examples of diverse Russian culture that you are presenting today. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation between the Russian Federation and Qatar,” he added.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. Organized by theFederal State Budgetary Cultural Institution ROSCONCERT.