Music, movement and art converge at Mathaf
Doha in September: Women’s empowerment, Schumann and theatrical journeys.
Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.
Walking through Doha these days, every corner seems to hum with creativity. From the heartbeat of rhythm at Mathaf to the bold visions of the Women Exhibition by Kiara, creativity and innovation take center stage across the city. With orchestral elegance, theatrical adventures and cutting-edge exhibitions, Doha becomes a playground for culture and inspiration.
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Thanks for reading,
Reve
P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.
1. Leading the week: ‘Realms of Rhythm’ workshop
Exterior view of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. (Photo courtesy of Qatar Museums)
Feel the rhythm. See the sound. Paint the music. “Realms of Rhythm,” taking place this Saturday at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, invites participants into an immersive world where sound, movement and visual art converge.
This two-hour session, conducted in English, transforms music into motion and creativity through guided exercises, live or curated soundscapes, and reflective artistic practices. Drawing inspiration from renowned artists and diverse styles, the workshop demonstrates how rhythm transcends boundaries, shaping not only how we listen but also how we create.
Designed for artists, music lovers and curious minds alike, “Realms of Rhythm” is more than a workshop — it’s an exploration of self-expression and collective energy. By the end, participants will leave with a deeper appreciation of rhythm’s power to inspire, connect and awaken creativity.
Date: Sept. 6
Location: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
More information here.
2. Word on the street: ‘Women Exhibition’ by Kiara
The Qatar National Convention Center at sunset. (Photo courtesy of Qatar National Convention Center)
This September, the Qatar National Convention Center opens its doors to a celebration of empowerment and innovation: “Women Exhibition” by Kiara. More than just a showcase, the event highlights the creativity, resilience and vision of women shaping industries and communities across Qatar and beyond.
Through a dynamic mix of fashion, beauty, art, wellness and entrepreneurship, the exhibition captures the multifaceted roles women play today. Visitors will encounter original designs, fresh ideas and inspiring projects that bridge tradition with modernity. It is a space where dialogue and discovery intersect, inviting audiences to experience the diverse ways women express strength and style.
With its vibrant atmosphere and engaging displays, “Women Exhibition” by Kiara offers more than inspiration — it sparks connections, opportunities and a renewed appreciation for the power of women-led initiatives. This is an event designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.
Date: Sept. 6
Location: Exhibition Hall 7, QNCC
More details here.
3. Doha diary
The acclaimed soloist Zee Zee. (Photo courtesy of Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra)
- Season opening concert: An evening of Schumann
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 2025/26 season with an evening dedicated entirely to the music of Robert Schumann. The program begins with the energetic Genoveva Overture, followed by the lyrical beauty of the Piano Concerto, performed by the acclaimed soloist Zee Zee. After the intermission, the orchestra concludes the evening with Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, a work that combines emotional depth with a spirit of triumph.
Date: Sept. 4
Location: Qatar National Convention Center, Auditorium 3
More information here.
- 'AlMadina AlTarfihiya' (Entertainment City) Play
AlMadina AlTarfihiya (Entertainment City) Play is a nostalgic, large-scale theatrical journey in which children relive joyful memories of an “entertainment city,” through games, rides and adventures that blend spectacle with sentiment.
Date: Sept. 5-8
Location: Qatar National Convention Center
More information here.
- Print Pack Sign Show
Qatar’s flagship exhibition for printing, packaging, signage and labeling innovation returns at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center. The event brings together industry leaders, breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge materials, creating a key platform for networking and exploring the future of the sector.
Date: Sept. 4
Location: Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre
More information here.
- ‘Be Happy’ play
Step into a nostalgic theatrical world where a generation of children relives the magic of Kuwait’s “Entertainment City” through playful memories, thrilling games and immersive sets powered by modern technology and a vibrant ensemble cast.
Date: Sept. 4-6
Location: U VENUE
More information here.
4. Film of the week: ‘Qatar, A dynasty with global ambitions’
This film offers a compelling exploration of Qatar’s transformation under the Al Thani family, tracing the nation’s evolution from a modest desert state into a wealthy and influential global player, driven by its gas reserves. Through the lens of three generations of the ruling family, the documentary examines Qatar’s ambitious foreign policy, strategic investments and its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while also shedding light on domestic challenges, including the country’s reliance on oil wealth. The film provides a nuanced perspective on one of the world’s most ambitious and closely watched dynasties.
5. View from Doha
An interior view of the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha. (Photo courtesy of Qatar National Convention Center)
6. By the numbers
- Qatar is investing $2 billion in the 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) “Maabar Shareq” infrastructure project, connecting Hamad International Airport, West Bay, Katara Cultural Village and Lusail City through bridges and underwater tunnels, as reported by Al Sharq newspaper.
- Qatar ranks first in the Arab world and 27th globally on the 2025 Global Peace Index for safety and security.