Qatar on the Global Art Stage | Sheikha Reem Al Thani

We explore how Qatar operates on the international art stage through exhibitions, public art, and global cultural platforms in the inaugural episode of Qatar Creates’ new podcast series Evolution Nation, powered by afikra. Our first guest, Sheikha Reem Al Thani, who is Deputy CEO of Al Riwaq, public art and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar museums, reflects on the strategic thinking behind major international exhibitions, the role of flexible spaces like Al Riwaq, and how public art shapes everyday cultural engagement. She also discusses long-term models such as the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial, global collaborations, and the balance between spectacle, research, and meaningful cultural exchange. Join us as we take a closer look at how Qatar’s cultural institutions translate vision into action on the global stage.   00:00 Introduction 01:32 Qatar on the International Art Stage 04:03 Professional Journey and the Founding of Mathaf 07:30 Qatar Museums’ Evolution and Mission 13:14 Al Riwaq: From Temporary Space to Permanent Institution 16:06 Defining Local in a Global Context 18:43 The Rubaiyat Qatar Architecture Quadrennial 22:42 Legacy and the 2026 World Cup Celebration 24:12 The Role of Biennials and Quadrennials 27:04 Defining Success and Future Impact 28:38 A Four-Day Cultural Itinerary for Qatar 31:36 Msheireb Downtown Doha: The Architectural Brief 34:52 Navigating Challenges and Avoiding Off the Rails Growth 36:57 The Stakes of Cultural Development 39:37 National Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy 43:36 Engaging the Next Generation 46:00 An Open Door for International Artists   Sheikha Reem Al Thani is a cultural leader and multidisciplinary designer with over fifteen years of experience at Qatar Museums. She currently serves asDeputy CEO of ALRIWAQ, public art and Rubaiya qatar at Qatar museums, overseeing major exhibition platforms, public art initiatives, and the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial. She has led the development of more than 100 exhibitions, including Forever Valentino, Dior Designer of Dreams, Jeff Koons: Lost in America, KAWS: He Eats Alone, and I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture. She also teaches exhibition design at VCUarts Qatar and serves on advisory boards including IE School of Architecture and Design, Qatar University, IN-Q Enterprises, and The World Around’s Young Climate Prize. Sheikha Reem is the first Qatari to earn a Master’s degree in Adaptive Reuse Interior Architecture from RISD, after completing dual undergraduate degrees in Interior and Fashion Design at VCUarts Qatar, and her work focuses on human-centered design and strengthening Qatar’s global cultural presence.   Connect with Shaikha Reem Al Thani 👉 https://instagram.com/reem_althani7   Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu   FOLLOW & RATE THE EVOLUTION NATION / VOICES PODCAST - QATAR CREATES X AFIKRA: » Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593 » Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033vkyVIsiPhCehnMGimlO » Anghami: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolution-nation-voices-podcast-qatar-creates-x-afikra/id1896901593   THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl567JlbbYp2DXVlABxmRVqU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.