The keys to understanding the art scene in Qatar
Art Market | In the 1940s, the discovery of oil transformed Qatar’s pearling economy into a global one. Nowadays, the Emirate has adopted a development strategy similar to that of a multinational company; it focuses on transforming the oil and gas rents into financial ones through diversified global investments, which have drastically increased since 2011. Contemporary art domain holds a key position in Qatar’s overall strategy at the crossroads between culture and influence.
Key economic and geopolitical considerations
This small peninsula is situated in the Persian Gulf, neighboring Saudi Arabia and facing Iran; it has approximately 2 million inhabitants,88% of which are expatriate workers (in Le dessous des cartes, Arte). Thus, Qatari citizens represent a mere 12% of the population and benefit from privileged conditions such as free education, electricity and gas.
The country’s regime has survived many coups and, since the mid-20th century, absolute power remains in the hands of the Al-Thani family. In June 2013 the Emir Hamad Al-Thani abdicated, his son Crown Prince Tamim Al-Thani succeeded him, marking a break with the previous diplomatic strategy and isolating the country from its […]
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