Art & expression take center stage in Doha

Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.

Doha is alive with sound this week, from Ed Sheeran’s much-anticipated return to the stage to standout performances by Tamer Hosny and Adam. Whether you're in the mood for soaring symphonies or sharp-witted improv, the city offers plenty to tune in to. Cultural highlights offstage include “Qatar: Close to My Soul" at Mathaf, a powerful exploration of identity and heritage through contemporary art.

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1. Leading the week: “Qatar: Close to My Soul”

The "Qatar: Close to My Soul" exhibition at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, showcasing works from the Collection of Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani. (Photo courtesy of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art)

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is currently hosting “Qatar: Close to My Soul,” a major exhibition celebrating the evolution of modern and contemporary art in Qatar through the personal collection of Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani.

On view until Aug. 9, 2025, the exhibition spans artworks from the late 1960s to the present, tracing how Qatari artists have reflected the country’s social, political and cultural transformation through their craft. With free access included in museum admission, the show invites visitors on a poetic journey through three themed sections: “O’mri Qatar,” inspired by Qatari landscapes and architecture; “Dewdrops,” which captures social scenes and daily life; and “Boundless Expanse,” a bold look at abstraction and hurufiyya — a modern art movement that integrates Arabic calligraphy into contemporary visual expression.

More than a dozen prominent Qatari artists are featured — from pioneers like Jassim Al-Zaini and Yousef Ahmad to contemporary voices like Wafika Sultan Al-Essa, Mubark Al Thani and Roda Al-Thani. The exhibition also includes rare archival materials, giving audiences a richer understanding of how art education, cultural identity and memory have shaped the local scene.

Titled after a beloved 1970s Qatari poem and song — “Allah Ya O’mri Qatar” — the exhibition reflects Sheikh Abdulla’s lifelong dedication to preserving Qatari heritage through art.

Dates: Until Aug. 9

Location: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Find more details here.

2. Word on the street: Parfum Qatar

Photo by @parfum.qa on Instagram

With summer pushing most activities indoors, PARFUM offers a sensory escape through fragrance. Known for its custom perfume mixology experience, the boutique allows visitors to choose a bottle, select a scent and create a personalized fragrance as many times as they like.

PARFUM features its own inspired takes on popular high-end perfumes, making luxury scents accessible at more affordable prices. The store also carries a wide selection of ready-made options, including perfume oils, body mists, interior fragrances and aroma diffusers.

Established in the United Arab Emirates in 2016, PARFUM recently expanded to Qatar with the aim of providing a personalized and budget-friendly fragrance experience. The space combines creativity with craftsmanship, offering fragrances crafted from high-quality ingredients and packaged in customizable designer bottles.

Locations: Mall of Qatar, Place Vendome, Tornado Tower

Find more details here. 

3. Doha diary

Ed Sheeran performs at Mojave Tent during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 19, 2025 in Indio, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella)

•  Ed Sheeran: Tour 2025 in Doha

One of the UK’s biggest music stars returns to Doha as part of his fourth global tour, which began in April 2022. Ed Sheeran will perform his most beloved hits such as “Thinking Out Loud” and “Photograph.” This marks his second show in Qatar, following his sold-out performance in March 2015, which drew over 11,000 fans to QNCC.

Date: April 30

Location: Lusail Multipurpose Hall

Find more information here.

•  Tamer Hosny and Adam in Doha

Get ready for a night of unforgettable entertainment as Egyptian superstar Tamer Hosny and Lebanese sensation Adam light up Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The evening opens with Adam’s soulful ballads, setting the stage for Hosny’s dynamic performance, featuring hits like Bood Moaakat, Sagel Ya Tarekh, and Nour Einy.

Date: April 25

Location: Lusail Multipurpose Hall

Find more information here.

• 3a Ka3ba improv comedy show

Experience the powerful emotional journey of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp minor, conducted by Hossein Pishkar. From the somber funeral march to the radiant Adagietto, this performance is a masterclass in orchestral drama and beauty.

Date: April 26

Location: QNCC, Auditorium 3

Find more information here.

• Mahler’s Symphony No. 5

Qatar National Library hosts a family-friendly event focused on sensory engagement and awareness for children with autism, designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment for exploration and learning.

Date: April 26

Location: Qatar National Library

More information here.

• Habb Al Saad wedding exhibition

Habb Al Saad, one of Qatar’s most anticipated wedding exhibitions, returns for its fourth edition. The event will host over 170 exhibitors from across the wedding industry. Highlights include fashion shows by renowned international designers and celebrity appearances including Nadine Njeim, Buthaina Al Raisi, Diana Haddad, and Ameera Mohammed.

Dates: April 25-29

Location: DECC

Find more information here.