HE Sheikha Al Mayassa announces establishment of Qatar Fashion and Crafts Council

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani announced the establishment of the Qatar Fashion and Crafts Council (QFCC). This initiative aims to collaborate with creative hubs across both public and private sectors to shape strategic priorities, enhance investment partnerships, and facilitate access to global markets.

During a session at the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 (WIF), Sheikha Al Mayassa stressed Qatar's potential to lead in creative industries, citing its infrastructure, museums, and talented workforce. She urged investors and leaders to support creative projects and help develop production chains, emphasizing that investing in local talent is essential for fostering innovation and preserving cultural identity.

Investing in the creative industries, Sheikha Al Mayassa argued, enriches the national economy and fosters dialogue among peoples. Qatar believes that genuine development begins with providing a nurturing environment that enables people to learn, produce, and thrive, a principle embodied in Qatar National Vision 2030.

The QFCC's initiatives, such as Liwan Design Studios and Labs, Fashion Trust Arabia, and M7, have already supported over 7,000 full-time jobs and helped Qatari and Arab artists gain international recognition. Qatar University data also indicate that 40% of its students show interest in creative entrepreneurship.

Art Basel CEO Noah Horowitz praised Qatar's strategic vision and infrastructure, stating that the creative economy must translate into tangible employment opportunities and sustainable projects. He noted that Qatar's investments in architecture and infrastructure will expand to include cultural incubators, further strengthening the creative economy's capacity to adapt to emerging technologies.

Fashion Trust Arabia recipient Yasmin Mansour commended Qatar's high-end infrastructure and cultural sector, emphasizing the importance of long-term impact through strategic planning. Mansour highlighted the success of Qatar's cultural movement at various levels, including the previous Art Basel edition and the upcoming second edition.