Since Qatar’s admission to UNESCO in 1972, the country has enjoyed strong and solid cooperation with the Organization. This includes a broad spectrum of activities focused on culture and education.
Qatar Museums’ annual Years of Culture initiative focuses on a different nation each year. It provides an opportunity for people from both nations to connect and build bridges of understanding through rich programming.
Qatar Museums (QM) launched the international Years of Culture initiative in 2012. It aims to partner with a different nation each year to celebrate art and culture.
QM’s Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023 features “a full program of specially curated events, including performances, exhibitions, sports and culinary festivals, photography projects, residency and volunteer programmes,” the organisation said.
In general, Qataris greet people by shaking hands (always on the right hand) or kissing them on the cheek (three times on the right side), and hugging family members and close friends. They also touch noses twice when greeting someone formally.
While the country is rapidly modernising, it is still a conservative society. Expatriates are advised to dress modestly, respect local traditions and observe social norms like not criticising the royal family. This is especially true in public spaces. For example, men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts and women should not wear swimwear with a bikini top in the street.
Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023
Qatar-Indonesia 2023 is a celebration of the friendship and collaboration between our countries. It brings to life a tapestry of cultural ties that transcend language and borders. From the deep beats of Indonesian gamelan to the heartfelt notes of traditional Qatari folk music, to joint performances and participatory workshops, the many activities capture a spirit of togetherness in diversity.
The Year of Culture has partnered with renowned and upcoming artists to develop an exciting range of artistic exchanges. From photography projects to workshops, the collaborations explore both nations’ heritage, values, traditions and contemporary innovations.
The Qatar-Indonesia year of culture also showcases the shared heritage of craftsmanship and hospitality through a series of events that bring to life the spirit of khalijin (hospitality). Dedicated Qatari and Indonesian crafters offer a window into their art through interactive exhibitions. Likewise, literary enthusiasts can look forward to a rich selection of book fairs and poetry readings.
Qatar’s Cultural Landscape
Qatar is a land of striking contrasts. Its cities and towns are full of bustling merchant stalls, cutting-edge museums and architectural wonders. Yet its landscape is also dominated by the rocky desert and sand dunes that make up the vast majority of the country’s territory.
Heritage projects are one of the ways that Qatar seeks to maintain its culture and promote a sense of national identity in a state where tribal identities and allegiances remain strong. Among these is the Msheireb Heritage Quarter, which was built to create compatibility and continuity with its immediate context.
Outside of the city, explore Sheikh Faisal’s private museum, which tells the story of Qatar before oil and gas were discovered here. Or visit the restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding archaeological works, Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other must-visit cultural attractions include the new National Museum of Modern Art, which was designed by Jean Nouvel and is positioned so that it will be the first building visitors notice as they enter Doha.
Discover Qatar’s Culture
A trip to Qatar is not complete without experiencing the country’s rich culture. The nation is home to one of the largest expat communities in the world, but its native traditions are still very much alive. From traditional souks and museums to UNESCO heritage sites and forts, there is much to see and do when exploring Qatar’s cultural landscape.
Indulge in superb food, embark on thrilling adventures and spend meaningful family time – all while discovering Qatar’s thriving culture. Start your tour with a visit to Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, an iconic museum featuring an extensive collection of cars and artifacts. Next, head to Katara Cultural Village, which is a haven for all things arts and culture. The village features galleries, a theatre, two masjids and gardens.
It’s also worth paying a visit to Souq Waqif, a traditional market where visitors can shop for spices, handmade goods and more. Indulge in a Qatari tradition by burning incense, known locally as mabkhara, which produces a fragrant smoke that perfumes the air.
Indonesian Workshops in Doha
In this workshop, guests will be introduced to the art of Batik in a practical way by learning how to design a unique pattern with wax. Each guest will take home their own shawl-sized material at the end of the session.
Advanced Indonesian Conversation II builds upon students’ speaking proficiency by increasing their ability to participate in discussions and activities based on authentic Indonesian reading texts, films, and TV news programs. Prerequisite: INDO 411. Offered: W.
Batik
The Indonesian art of batik has a rich history, and was recognised as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009 by UNESCO. It is a source of pride and national identity for Indonesians, as it is a fabric that is both functional and beautiful.
The process of creating batik involves a series of steps, including stamping and painting with natural dyes. The cloth is first dipped into a dye bath, then waxed around the pattern using a tjanting (boiling pot). Then, a design is drawn onto the material using batik pens and the fabric is dipped again in another colour to complete the design.
As part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, an exciting series of Indonesian workshops will be held in Doha this September bringing traditional Indonesian arts and crafts to new audiences. From Wayang Suket Puppet-Making to Traditional Indonesian Ceramics and Tari Melak Dance, here’s your chance to learn a new skill and explore the deep cultural ties between the two nations.
Suara Indonesia Dance
Performing across Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the Suara dancers demonstrate the traditional influences of their homeland on their energetic mix of dance, body percussion and song. They are also renowned for their work with vulnerable populations, such as refugees and disaster survivors, using music and dance to empower and uplift their communities.
Students in Year 5 have been learning a series of intricate body percussion movements that resemble physical elements of the Acehnese landscape, and are accompanied by traditional music and chants. The routines have been honed during regular Music lessons and have helped to build strong links between our Music, PDHPE and Language curriculums.
This workshop is part of Qatar Creates’ Years of Culture programme and celebrates the shared traditions of craftsmanship and hospitality in Indonesia and Qatar. Visit the Qatar Creates website for timings.
Ratoh Duek
As part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, NMoQ’s Workshop Month offers a series of Indonesian arts and crafts workshops in Doha. From jewellery to embroidery, Qatari designers will have the opportunity to discover traditional techniques from mentors in the regions that excel in these particular disciplines.
The all-female ensemble of Ratoh Duek embodied defiance and power in their performances. Their movements emulated the waves of the ocean, a definitive symbol of life and nature in Aceh. They shattered common Western stereotypes of restrictive and reticent Muslim women while also offering a theatrical experience that both reflected and reimagined the human condition.
The performance drew on history and spirituality. The song lyrics of the dance were a form of dakwah, a means of sharing Islamic teachings. The soaring melodies and passionate dancing brought the audience into a space that was both ancient and modern, a world that felt true to the spirit of the people of Aceh.