VCUarts Qatar to host launch of Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani’s book

Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, will host the upcomi...

Doha, Qatar: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation partner university, will host the upcoming launch of Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection (published by Skira Arte, 2026) on campus on February 1.

The launch is a preview event of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, which runs from February 5 to 7 at the Doha Design District in Msheireb.

This landmark publication celebrates three decades of dedicated collecting by H E Dr. Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani (pictured), a visionary patron and champion of Qatar’s creative ambitions and vibrant cultural landscape.

The book traces the remarkable evolution of Qatari art—from heritage-based traditions and traditional motifs to innovative, globally engaged contemporary practices—offering an insightful narrative on the development of the nation’s artistic identity and rapid transformation.

“I am deeply honoured to join H E Sheikh Abdulla in conversation at the launch of Contemporary Art from Qatar: The Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani Collection,” said Dean of VCUarts Qatar, Amir Berbic.