Qatar Establishes Fashion and Crafts Council to Boost Creative Industries

Qatar has set up the Qatar Fashion and Crafts Council (QFCC) as an advisory body to chart the strategic direction of the country's creative sectors, Qatar's state news agency QNA reported on Monday.

The council aims to strengthen investment partnerships and unlock new opportunities for local and regional talent to access global markets, (Qatar News Agency (QNA)) 

HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), announced the establishment of QFCC at the 9th World Investment Forum 2026, highlighting Qatar's assets in the creative industries, including high-end infrastructure and museums, (Qatar News Agency (QNA)) 

She emphasized that investing in homegrown talent is crucial for production and innovation, and helps renew and promote cultural identity, with the envisioned future resting on an economy driven by innovation.

HE Sheikha Al Mayassa noted that Qatar has built an integrated cultural ecosystem over the past two decades, with an impact on the national economy, and highlighted initiatives such as Liwan Design Studios and Labs, Fashion Trust Arabia, and M7.

She confirmed that QM currently supports around 7,000 full-time jobs, with 40 percent of Qatar University students expressing interest in creative entrepreneurship.

Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel, praised Qatar's strategic partnership, citing its sophisticated infrastructure and long-term vision, and stressed that the creative economy must translate into concrete employment opportunities and sustainable projects.

Yasmin Mansour, a Fashion Trust Arabia award recipient, commended Qatar's high-end infrastructure and cultural sector, highlighting the success of previous cultural initiatives and the support extended to Qatar's cultural movement.

The QFCC is expected to play a crucial role in developing Qatar's creative industries, which are seen as a key driver of innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Qatar's efforts to establish itself as a hub for creative industries are part of its broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil revenues.

The country's National Vision 2030 aims to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on developing human capital and fostering a vibrant cultural scene.