Katara to Host 45 Cultural Events for FIFA Arab Cup 2025

When the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off on December 1, its celebration of football will be matched by a vibrant cultural spectacle hosted by Katara Cultural Village.

Katara has rolled out a massive programme of over 45 cultural, artistic, and heritage events — offering fans and visitors more than just matches. 

🎨 Exhibitions, Heritage & Art for All

The cultural offering begins with a series of art and heritage exhibitions: visitors will explore the Qatari Fine Art Exhibition (Building 19), an Arab Cup Stamp Exhibition (Building 22), a History of the Oud Exhibition (Building 6), and a “Colours of Qatari Hospitality” showcase (Building 47). 

These exhibitions aim to highlight Arab identity, local heritage, and the broader cultural tapestry of the participating nations — giving fans a chance to dive into history and art before or after watching a match. 

Music, Dance & Live Shows — Culture Meets Celebration

Music and live performances play a leading role in Katara’s Arab Cup programme. Expect performances by folk-arts troupes such as the Al-Jahra Folk Arts Troupe, Kuwait’s Nasser Bu Awad Troupe, and folk-dance groups from five Arab countries, alongside traditional Qatari Ardha performances. 

Additionally, Omani singer Mariam Al‑Munji will perform at Al-Hikma Square between December 4–8, while the Algerian Orchestra will grace the final day of events on December 18 — a fitting cultural crescendo to wrap up the celebrations. 

Katara will also host the Arab Opera Festival at the Katara Opera House from December 8–10, giving opera lovers a refined cultural treat amidst the football frenzy.

Family, Theatre & Interactive Activities

The festival is designed for all ages. Along the Katara Corniche, from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily (Dec 1–18), visitors can enjoy folk-dance, theatrical productions from across the Arab world, competitions and interactive performances. 

For younger visitors and families, Katara will offer drawing competitions, art workshops inspired by the cultures of participating nations, puppet shows, storytelling sessions, and children-friendly theatre at the Outdoor Theatre. 

Meanwhile, the Drama Theatre will stage the play King of the Stage from December 16–20 — ensuring that even after the Arab Cup ends, the cultural vibes continue. 

Live Match Screenings & Cultural-Sport Fusion

Understanding the mix of football fans and culture lovers, Katara has also planned live match screenings in its public spaces. 

This fusion of sport and culture ensures that whether you came for football, art, family fun or music, you get the best of all worlds. It’s a holistic approach that transforms the Arab Cup into a full-fledged festival celebrating identity, unity and entertainment. 

Celebrating Arab Identity & Intercultural Dialogue

More than just entertainment, Katara’s cultural programme underscores a deeper purpose: to promote intercultural dialogue, highlight shared Arab heritage, and foster unity among the diverse audience expected to descend on Qatar for the tournament. 

By offering a wide array of events — from exhibitions, opera, music and theatre to children’s workshops and public screenings — Katara positions itself not only as a cultural hub but also as a bridge between sport and art; tradition and modern celebration. 

With this ambitious lineup, Katara isn’t just complementing the Arab Cup — it’s redefining what it means to host a major sporting event. For visitors and locals alike, it promises days full of football, but evenings rich in art, music, culture, and heritage. It’s a celebration of Arab identity, shared passion, and cultural unity under one roof — or rather, under the open Qatari sky.