Qatar Airways and Art Basel Sign a Landmark Partnership to Enrich Global Cultural Engagement

Qatar Airways and Art Basel: A Cultural Alliance

Qatar Airways has announced a new global partnership with Art Basel, the leading contemporary art fair in the world. This long-term collaboration strengthens Qatar Airways’ role as a global connector of people, places, and cultures.

Qatar Airways, as the Premium Partner of Art Basel, will support all of the fair’s prestigious annual exhibitions, which take place in Basel, Paris, Hong Kong, and Miami, as well as the newly launched edition in Qatar. This partnership goes beyond mere sponsorship; it aims to strengthen the airline’s connection with a global audience that values culture and art, aligning with one of the most respected names in the art world.

The collaboration introduces Art Basel to the Middle East for the first time, with a new edition scheduled to launch in February 2026 in Doha. This marks the fair’s inaugural presence in the region and underscores Qatar’s rising status as a hub for arts and culture. The nation is evolving into a destination that inspires and connects people globally, in line with its National Vision 2030 roadmap.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Our long-term collaboration with Art Basel goes beyond being just a partnership – it is a strategic alignment between two globally respected brands and a statement on Qatar’s contributions to cultural development and exchange around the globe. Art Basel represents the highest calibre of international artistry and sophistication, and its audience of artists, collectors, and cultural influencers reflects the premium customer base that we serve every day. We are proud to support a platform that shares our values and aspirations on a global scale and in connecting the region with art and ideas from all over the world.”

Art Basel Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Noah Horowitz, said: “We are honoured to partner with Qatar Airways, a premium brand synonymous for world-class hospitality experiences and luxury travel, and truly excited to bring the partnership to life across our global platform, starting in Basel this June. Having just launched our fifth fair in Qatar, we are delighted to join forces with one of the leading Qatari brands to create new experiences and journeys to inspire art lovers and travellers around the world.”

With this partnership, Qatar Airways showcases its ambition to be more than just an airline; it aims to serve as a catalyst for discovery, inspiration, and cultural dialogue.

Art Basel Qatar will be held in collaboration with Qatar Creates and Qatar Sports Investments. It will showcase the country’s broader cultural vision and ambition to foster a vibrant creative ecosystem. The inaugural edition will be hosted at the M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb.

Upcoming Art Basel Shows in 2025

Basel, 19-22 June 2025

Paris, 24-26 October 2025

Miami Beach, 5-7 December 2025