Design Doha Biennial hosts 20 exhibitions, runs until Jan 31

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Museums launched the second edition of Design Doha Biennial 2026, showcasing the region's design heritage and contemporary innovation. The biennial, running until January 31, 2027, features 20 exhibitions, new works, installations, and cultural programs exploring the connection between traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

Held under the theme 'Translating Knowledge: From Ancestral Systems to Economic Futures,' the event highlights how traditional skills, cultural knowledge, and innovative production can shape the future of design and creative industries.

The historic Fereej Al Asmakh neighborhood serves as the central hub, while Msheireb Downtown Doha hosts Arab Design Now 2026, a flagship exhibition presenting 81 designers, artisans, and makers, alongside 78 new commissions and 17 films. The biennial explores five themes, including architecture, cultural heritage, sustainable materials, and innovation.

Notable exhibitions include The Sower by Mexican designer Fernando Laposse, Aslan's Love celebrating Palestinian craftsmanship, and Post-Oil 2026 examining materials that transformed the Gulf's built environment.

Five newly commissioned public installations across Fereej Al Asmakh address shade, cooling, water management, and communal spaces. The Design Doha Prize 2026, chaired by Qatar Museums Chairperson H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, recognizes 20 finalists in four categories: Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talents.

Supported by the Public Works Authority, the prize features a support package worth QR800,000 for winners and mentorship opportunities. Workshops, guided tours, performances, and film screenings further strengthen Doha's position as a regional center for design, creativity, and cultural exchange.