Doha Debates Returns With a New Season

The renowned debate series Doha Debates, produced by Qatar Foundation in partnership with Al Jazeera Digital, made its much-anticipated return on October 21, 2025, marking the launch of an ambitious new season of weekly televised episodes. 

Spanning eight episodes scheduled to air weekly on Tuesdays through December 9, the programme explores three major thematic pillars: freedom, grand narratives, and family. Each theme served as a lens to examine some of the most pressing global issues—from the future of work and power dynamics to social media’s influence, evolving traditions, and the changing nature of relationships.

The season debuted with a thought-provoking debate that questioned whether modern capitalism liberated or confined society. The episode featured prominent thinkers and changemakers such as Yanis Varoufakis (economist and former Greek finance minister), Evgeny Morozov (technology critic), Daniel Susskind (author of A World Without Work), and Nanjira Sambuli (digital rights advocate). Their dialogue set the tone for a season committed to challenging assumptions and sparking meaningful conversations on contemporary issues.

Filmed in Doha in a traditional Majlis-style setting, the show maintained its signature format of respectful listening and inclusive debate while introducing a refreshed visual identity inspired by geometric design and global interconnectedness. Beyond the televised episodes, the programme expanded its reach through town-hall events and podcast content, inviting audiences worldwide to participate in ongoing discussions about the themes explored each week.