Qatar Museums announces Design Doha 2026 Exhibition Programme

Qatar Museums has unveiled the exhibition schedule for Design Doha 2026, the biennial contemporary design event returning to the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. Scheduled to run from November 5, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the expanded edition will focus on the heritage district of Fereej Al Asmakh in Doha.

Design Doha was initiated under the guidance of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and this year's edition is directed by Fahad Al Obaidly, with Artistic Director Glenn Adamson steering the biennial's vision.

With over 100 multidisciplinary designers and studios from 27 countries participating, Design Doha 2026 will showcase more than 15 exhibitions, led by the headline exhibition Arab Design Now 2026. The exhibition will feature 81 designers, 78 new commissions, and 15 films, exploring critical themes such as Narration and Ornamentation, Land and Agrarian Practices, and Belonging and Migrating.

In addition to Arab Design Now, the biennial will present exhibitions in Doha and Qatar Museums institutions, as well as public spaces, transforming the city into a network of design experiences.

A key component of Design Doha 2026 is the Public Design Commissions, curated by Javier Peña Ibáñez. Ten designers, architects, and urban practitioners will reimagine public spaces throughout Qatar, exploring architecture, crafts, sustainability, and cultural identity. The Design Doha Prize will also be awarded this year, recognizing four winners in Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent, backed by a QAR 800,000 support package and mentorship opportunities.

Two bilingual publications and a diverse schedule of talks, workshops, and networking platforms will complement the exhibitions, underscoring Qatar's commitment to cultural, social, economic, and environmental development.