Qatar Museums, ACDF Deepen Cultural Heritage Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Qatar Museums and the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan (ACDF) have signed a five-year cooperation agreement aimed at deepening cultural ties between the two countries. The agreement establishes a long-term institutional framework for joint research, artistic projects, professional skills development and cultural heritage preservation.

The agreement was signed by Qatar’s Minister of International Cooperation and Qatar Museums board member Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and ACDF Chairperson Gayane Umerova.

The partnership is being implemented as part of Qatar’s cultural diplomacy and Years of Culture initiative. It combines human capital development with support for the creative economy through joint programs and projects.

Qatar Museums Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said that investment in culture is primarily an investment in people. According to her, the new partnership brings together heritage preservation and talent development, creating additional opportunities for international cooperation among creative professionals.

Gayane Umerova highlighted Uzbekistan’s centuries-old heritage as a crossroads of civilizations and emphasized the importance of the agreement in creating a sustainable future for artists and creative communities.

Under the agreement, Qatar Museums and ACDF intend to expand cooperation in professional training, creative industries and the preservation of Islamic heritage. Planned programs include artistic residencies, professional training and joint exhibitions.

The sides also plan to launch multisector initiatives in design, crafts, film, fashion and culinary arts.

Particular attention will be given to the restoration and protection of Islamic cultural heritage sites, including through the exchange of professional experience and expertise.

The new agreement builds on cultural initiatives already being implemented between Uzbekistan and Qatar. The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is hosting the “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” exhibition from 3 September to 28 November.

The “Ektashif Uzbekistan Exhibition” is also being presented, featuring original works by Qatari artists created during their recent cultural trip to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

Previous projects have included Uzbekistan’s participation in the first Design Doha Biennial. In addition, in late 2024, the Qatar Fund for Development provided a US$4.175 million grant for the restoration of the historic Bibi-Khanim Mosque complex in Samarkand.