Doha is set to become a hub for diverse artistic expression in Spring 2025, showcasing an exciting programme from Qatar Museums (QM) that includes the renowned Tasweer Photo Festival and a landmark exhibition of Latin American art.
Opening the festivities on April 20, the 3rd edition of Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar promises to be a highlight of the season. Described by QM as a premier photography biennial, this year’s festival explores the profound theme of belonging, featuring a remarkable collection of images displayed across five exhibitions at various locations in Doha. The anchor exhibition, titled “To Look at the Sea is to Become What One Is,” will be located at the Fire Station: Artists in Residence. Additionally, Tasweer 2025 will showcase works from photographers around West Asia and North Africa, including exhibitions like “Daoud Aoulad Syad, Territories of the Instant,” and “Obliteration — Surviving the Inferno: Gaza’s Battle for Existence.”
QM also announced that the winners of the 2023 and 2024 Tasweer Awards would be displayed during the festival. Furthermore, the event will host a series of symposia, masterclasses, and workshops designed to foster learning and growth among photographers. The exhibitions will run from April 20 to June 20, 2025, with the “Daoud Aoulad Syad” exhibition at Mathaf extending its run until July 10, 2025.
Simultaneously, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) will unveil 'Latinoamericano,' a groundbreaking exhibition that will showcase modern and contemporary Latin American art from the esteemed Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba) collection. This event marks a historic moment as it is the first large-scale presentation of Latin American art in the West Asia and North Africa region. QM emphasizes that this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the vibrant and diverse artistic landscape of Latin America.
QM has curated several other exhibitions to engage art enthusiasts, including “Qatar: Close to my Soul” at Mathaf, which surveys the works of Qatari artists spanning multiple generations. This exhibition aims to provide insight into the artistic styles and trends that have played a significant role in shaping the national creative identity. Moreover, Mathaf will hold “Wafa al-Hamad: Sites of Imagination,” a showcase from the Mathaf Permanent Collection. Across town, the Museum of Islamic Art will feature “A Seat at the Table: Food & Feasting in the Islamic World,” while the future Qatar Auto Museum will host “Ultraleggera: A Design Journey with Marcello Gandini Between Italy and Qatar.”
In addition to these exhibitions, QM revealed plans for the 2nd edition of the Design Doha Biennale, scheduled to run from April 16 to June 30, 2025. Following the success of its inaugural event in 2024, this biennale aims to solidify Doha's role as a global design hub. An Exhibition Open Call has been launched to invite curators from the MENA region and beyond to contribute to the biennale’s overarching narrative. Interested curators have until May 13, 2025, to submit their proposals.
Qatar’s event calendar in April 2025 is brimming with activities to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, including the much-anticipated Lusail Sky Festival held at Al Saad Plaza in Lusail City from April 3-5. Visitors can expect a dazzling array of aerial displays that feature acrobatic aircraft formations, drone parades, glider performances, laser displays, and festive fireworks.
For families, Lagoona Mall is set to offer engaging children’s activities and workshops from March 30 to April 4, 2025, while Mall of Qatar will host “A Wonderland of Soapy Bubbles” from March 30 to April 5. Additionally, the Place Vendome Mall will transport kids to The Smurf-tastic Fair from March 31 to April 15, and Doha Quest will offer attractions for all ages from April 1-5, 2025.
Further enriching the month’s events, the Lusail International Circuit will host the 2025 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix from April 11 to 13. Additionally, the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour is slated for April 15, and the 17th Artistic Gymnastics World Cup – Taishan will run from April 16 to 19 at Aspire Dome. Sporting highlights will also include the Al Maha Island Aquathlon and the Al Zubarah Race on April 19, followed by the Beach Sports Festival at Sand Court in Aspire Park from April 20 to 26.
Cultural events continue with Qumra 2025, taking place at the Museum of Islamic Art from April 4-9, and the BilAraby Summit, scheduled for April 19 to 20 at Multaqa – Education City Students Centre. The EcoGreen Expo, alongside the 2nd Edition of the Earthna Summit for a Sustainable Future, will fill the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from April 22 to 25.
As the month draws to a close, other major events include the 4th edition of Habb Al Saad Exhibition from April 25 to 29, and the Build Your House 2025 Exhibition, running from April 28 to May 1, 2025. The musical scene will be vibrant as well, featuring concerts by Abdulaziz al-Duwaihi and Hisham Mahrous on April 4, and TUL8TE concert at Doha Golf Club the same evening. Additionally, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) will present The Disney Musical Show: The Magic Box from April 3 to 12.
Moreover, live performances will include Candlelight: Mozart & Chopin Classics on April 11, alongside Bollywood sensation Anirudh’s Hukum World Tour concert. Comedy fans will delight in the 3a Ka3ba improv comedy show on April 26, and classical music enthusiasts can experience the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s rendition of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony on the same night. Wrapping up the month on April 30, Grammy-winning artist Ed Sheeran will perform at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall as part of his highly anticipated world tour.
