The Cultural Village Foundation is an exceptional project of hope for human interaction through art and cultural exchange – a project made possible thanks to the inspired vision, solid faith and wise leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar.
Keeping pace with the emerging global culture that emphasises the importance of diversity in human development, Katara Cultural Village is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. It is a place where people come together to experience the cultures of the world. With beautiful theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multi-cultural activities.
Katara was born out of a long held vision to position the State of Qatar as a cultural beacon a lighthouse of art, radiating in the Middle East through theatre, literature, music, visual art, conventions and exhibitions.
This village shall be a glimpse of the future of a world where people of different cultural backgrounds overcome their national boundaries and embrace common causes to promote a united humanity.
The name "Katara" appeared in the geographical and historical maps in early eighteenth century AD. In a French map of the Arabian Peninsula coast line, sea and gulf, the name was written "Katara" instead of "Catara," which was the designation used by geographers from the map of Ptolemaeus in 150 AD until 1738 AD.
Tracking the etymology of Qatar throughout history is both useful and interesting given Qatar's cultural and educational wealth. This cultural richness plays a very important role in promoting and building the Qatari society. The attachment to our ancient roots together with premeditated modernisation and technological advancement form the solid foundation of Qatari personality and values.
