by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:50 AM ET, Tue February 10, 2026
Diplomats and cultural representatives gathered late last month at events in Toronto and Ottawa to kick off Qatar-Canada 2026 Year of Culture. Over the year, a program of initiatives and activities will be held in both countries, spanning visual arts, design, cuisine and education, with leading institutions, artists and community partners all participating.
Canada and Qatar have maintained a relationship over the past 50 years, and this program seeks to deepen it. More than 10,000 Canadians live in Qatar and the drive to showcase the country as a valuable partner.
The Year of Culture is part of Qatar's global cultural diplomacy program. According to Qatar's new Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Tariq Ali Faraj Al-Ansari, it is "designed to foster long-term collaboration through the arts, sport, education and people-to-people exchange."
"I echo Prime Minister Mark Carney's message that the Canada-Qatar partnership has immense potential and opportunities to deepen the diplomatic, security, development, cultural and economic ties between our countries," says Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.
Tourism between the two countries is expected to grow, with Canada recently doing away with the visa requirement for Qatari visitors, making it easier for short-term travel.
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