Nigeria and Qatar Deepen Cultural Ties in Push for Creative and Tourism Collaboration
In a strategic move to expand Nigeria’s global cultural footprint, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, resumed high-level talks this week with the Qatari government aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in the areas of arts, culture, and tourism.
Meeting with Dr. Ali Ghamen Al-Hajri, the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, in Abuja, Minister Musawa spotlighted Nigeria’s immense cultural wealth — from its thriving music and film industries to its rich artistic and historical heritage. She expressed particular interest in collaborative efforts to preserve, exhibit, and promote Nigerian artefacts, including the iconic Benin Bronzes.
“Our relationship with the Gulf is important, but not complete without Qatar,” Musawa said. “We share deep cultural alignments, especially among the Fulani, Hausa, and Kanuri communities present in both countries. Our creative sectors — music, film, art — are vibrant and globally recognized, and we want to build sustainable partnerships with Qatar that will enhance cultural exchange and mutual growth.”
Musawa also hinted at a potential memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would formalize cultural collaborations between both nations — including joint museum projects, tourism development, and creative content exchange.
Ambassador Al-Hajri welcomed the initiative, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to using arts and culture as tools for diplomacy and international cooperation. He emphasized that cultural engagement remains central to Qatar’s foreign policy strategy and noted the potential for Nigeria and Qatar to emerge as cultural allies on the global stage.
Beyond arts and tourism, Al-Hajri highlighted the broader context of Nigeria–Qatar relations, which have grown significantly in recent years through diplomatic and economic cooperation. Both countries are already deepening engagement in sectors such as aviation, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, and agriculture.
This renewed cultural dialogue comes at a time when Nigeria is positioning itself as a major player in the global creative economy. The push to establish stronger ties with Gulf nations like Qatar reflects a broader ambition to not only showcase Nigeria’s heritage but also attract investment into its creative and tourism ecosystems.
As the world continues to embrace cultural diplomacy as a form of soft power, Nigeria and Qatar’s evolving relationship could set the stage for deeper understanding, greater cultural appreciation, and shared prosperity.