Qatar Opens Global Exhibition on Rural Life and Sustainability

Qatar Museums (QM) has announced the opening of its latest major exhibition titled “Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave.” This global project explores the challenges, culture, and future of rural regions around the world. The exhibition aims to shift global attention toward the importance of rural life, not as an area to abandon, but as a vital space for sustainable living and innovation.

Presented jointly by the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Qatar Preparatory School (QPS), the exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), Hassad Food, and Kahramaa. The exhibition officially opened on October 29, 2025, and will remain on view until June 30, 2026. This collaboration brings together educational, cultural, and environmental institutions, highlighting Qatar’s comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

The exhibition is co-curated by world-renowned architects Rem Koolhaas and Samir Bantal, along with AMO, the research studio of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). With contributions from more than 100 international collaborators, the project draws insights from multiple disciplines to explore how rural regions are adapting to modern challenges such as migration, climate change, and food security.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, expressed pride in hosting such an innovative exhibition. He described the project as a major cultural effort that bridges Qatar’s traditional roots with its vision for the future. He stated that the exhibition aligns with the museum’s mission to explore the country’s identity while engaging with global ideas on sustainability and progress.

Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, emphasized that the exhibition embodies QFFD’s principle of placing people and communities at the heart of sustainable development. He said the project tells real stories of resilience and transformation from rural areas across the world, showing how communities adapt to global challenges. Al Sulaiti added that partnerships with organizations such as the UNDP and Gates Foundation illustrate the power of collective action in addressing food security, climate adaptation, and inclusive growth.

Dr. Farhoud Hadi Al Hajri, Director of Public Relations and Communication at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that the Ministry’s participation reflects Qatar’s commitment to sustainability. He explained that the exhibition supports national initiatives to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision. The event also serves as a platform to raise public awareness about sustainable living and rural conservation.

Eng. Ali Hilal Al Kuwari, CEO of Hassad Food, expressed the company’s pride in sponsoring the exhibition. He explained that Hassad Food’s involvement underscores its dedication to strengthening Qatar’s food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Al Kuwari added that the exhibition supports the nation’s efforts to maintain balance between development and cultural identity while encouraging innovation in the private sector.

One of the most innovative features of “Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave” is its educational dimension. Qatar Preparatory School’s classrooms are transformed into interactive research laboratories where students and visitors can engage in discussions and projects related to rural sustainability. Rather than being a static display, the exhibition functions as an evolving space for learning, experimentation, and global dialogue.

Through this exhibition, Qatar reinforces its role as a global hub for cultural exchange and sustainable thinking. The project celebrates rural communities as essential contributors to global stability and progress. By merging art, science, and social dialogue, “Countryside: A Place to Live, Not to Leave” highlights Qatar’s vision for a balanced, sustainable, and inclusive world—where the countryside remains a vital place to live, not to leave.