Art Basel, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) and QC+ Announce Partnership to Launch Art Basel Qatar in Doha

Reinforcing Qatar’s Position as a Global Arts Hub, Joint Initiative Will Debut in 2026

Art Basel, together with its parent company MCH Group, and leading Qatari organisations Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a major investor in sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle, and QC+, a strategic and creative collective specialising in cultural commerce, today announced a one-of-a-kind partnership that will include the launch of a new fair of modern and contemporary art in Qatar. Debuting in Doha in February 2026, Art Basel Qatar will embed itself in Qatar's vibrant cultural landscape and the dynamic arts ecosystem of the MENA region, providing an unparalleled platform to showcase leading galleries and artistic talent from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and further afield. The inaugural edition of Art Basel Qatar will be held in M7 creative hub and the Doha Design District in downtown Msheireb, in proximity to world-renowned landmarks including the National Museum of Qatar.

This partnership builds upon Qatar's singular cultural vision and amplifies Art Basel's unifying power to create new opportunities for the production, dissemination and discovery of art, going well beyond the operation of an art fair through year-round touchpoints both in Qatar and across Art Basel’s global platform. Art Basel Qatar will offer a gateway into the creative culture of the Middle East for the stakeholders and audiences of Art Basel and expand the circle of collectors, gallerists, artists and cultural leaders from the MENA region and around the world. The fair will launch as a tightly curated showcase featuring a select group of leading galleries and artists, designed to respond to today’s market while laying the foundation for growth. Through educational programming and market development strategies, public arts engagement and more, Art Basel Qatar will holistically weave into the fabric of Qatar and further catalyse a growing collector and gallery network.

Charged by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with realising Qatar’s ambitions across multiple areas of social and economic development, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, has elevated the nation to a leading position in global cultural exchange. Qatar has assembled world-class art collections, developed a growing list of celebrated museums and exhibitions, founded design and photography festivals and established incubators for the film, fashion and design industries. Ongoing initiatives include the creation of the future Art Mill Museum, development of the future Lusail Museum and the establishment of a permanent Qatar Pavilion in Venice in the Giardini de la Biennale di Venezia.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), said, “As part of His Highness the Amir’s National Vision 2030, Qatar has been transforming itself into a knowledge-based economy, with culture and the creative industries helping to lead the way. We have built a thriving ecosystem of culture and sports, harnessing the capacity of both to break down barriers, create shared experiences, increase understanding and drive positive change. We have opened the National Museum of Qatar and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and this year we will launch the Lusail Museum and DADU: Children’s Museum of Qatar. We have also opened a variety of creative hubs — from the Fire Station: Artist in Residence to M7 and Liwan Design Studios and Labs. When we welcomed the world to Hamad International Airport for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the power of merging culture with sports  could not have been more evident. As Qatar Museums marks its twentieth anniversary, we are pleased to welcome the Art Basel organisation as our partner to further elevate Qatar’s initiatives to support the creative industries of our region, offering exceptional new artistic experiences and opportunities to our talent.”

His Excellency Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), said, “As a leading investor in sports, culture, entertainment and lifestyle, QSI is very proud and excited to play a role in bringing the world-renowned Art Basel fair to Qatar and our region as part of the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As that event demonstrated so unforgettably, sports and culture are closely linked in their capacity to unite people and bring the world together, which is at the heart of QSI’s mission. We are delighted to work with QC+ and to welcome Art Basel to Qatar—a partnership that will inspire the region and bring further investment to a great cultural organisation.”

QC+, a key member of the Art Basel Qatar partnership, brings a rich legacy of supporting the arts and is a natural collaborator in bringing the world-renowned art fair to Doha. With its expertise in cultural commerce and art curation, exhibition design and visitor engagement, QC+ has played a pivotal role in developing Qatar’s cultural infrastructure.

Art Basel brings to this project its 50-year history of creating the world’s leading art fairs in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Defined by its host city and region, each Art Basel show is unique, as reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented and the parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions.

Andrea Zappia, Chairman and Group CEO at MCH Group, said, “We are very proud to work with QSI and QC+. This is a groundbreaking project based on the unity of intent of ambitious organisations and we believe we will build something completely new that will attract art buyers and fans from the region and all over the world. We ⁠⁠want to thank the partners who, under His Highness the Amir’s leadership, strongly believed in this collaboration from the very first day and have chosen Art Basel as a key driver to support Qatar’s cultural, sport and touristic vision. We are committed to Art Basel’s growth and following the launch of Art Basel Paris in 2022 we are ready to add a fifth fair to our exclusive and successful portfolio. MCH Group, owner of Art Basel, is committed to contributing unique resources and capabilities to this partnership to ensure its long-term success.”

Noah Horowitz, Chief Executive Officer of Art Basel, said, “Growing the global art market, supporting artists and galleries and developing new collecting audiences is core to Art Basel’s mission. The art scene across the MENA region has undergone exponential growth in recent decades, with the establishment of world-class institutions, the launch of leading cultural events and the growth of a vibrant community of artists, galleries and professionals. We are compelled by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s singular vision for the arts ecosystem in Qatar, and we share a commitment to supporting artists in realising their highest potential. We are equally energised by the opportunities unlocked by our collaboration with QSI and QC+ to create new touchpoints for the broadest possible audiences. Qatar’s depth of collections, history of building great cultural institutions and unique role as an incubator and supporter of talent position the new Art Basel Qatar for success on the world stage.”

#ArtBasel

ROX Motor and Borouge Sign Strategic Partnership to Drive Sustainable Mobility and Advance Automotive Innovation in the UAE

ROX Motor, a global luxury new energy vehicle (NEV) company committed to becoming the leading NEV brand for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts worldwide by 2030, has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Borouge, a leading petrochemicals company providing innovative and differentiated polyolefins solutions, to advance sustainable mobility based on advanced polyolefin innovation, tailored to the real-world needs of drivers across the Middle East and global markets. 

As part of the partnership, ROX Motor and Borouge will jointly explore the development and application of recyclable polyolefins and engineered, lightweight composite materials across both interior and exterior automotive components. These materials will be engineered to reduce vehicle weight, enhance energy efficiency, and meet growing regional and global demand for sustainable mobility, ensuring users enjoy exceptional performance with a lower environmental footprint.

The partnership goes beyond technological advancement by incorporating everyday driving scenarios, such as urban commuting, desert off-roading, and outdoor recreation, into the core of R&D, enabling the development of products that integrate luxury with functional value.

Formalised during the MAKE IT IN THE EMIRATES (MIITE) 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where ROX Motor launched its vision “Empowered by Nature, Expanding Globally,” the agreement was signed by Jarvis Yan, Founder and CEO of ROX Motor, and Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Borouge. The signing cermony was witnessed by H.E. Badr Salim Al Olama, Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Naser Abdulazeez Ahmed, CEO, Rox Automobiles UAE.

Jarvis Yan, Founder and CEO of ROX Motor, stated: “We are honoured to establish a strategic partnership with Borouge, one of the UAE’s leading industrial champions. As a global leader in polyolefin materials, Borouge not only drives the UAE’s industrial growth but also leads the industry forward through continuous innovation. Through this collaboration, we will leverage Borouge’s deep technical expertise and strong local resources to jointly advance the development and application of innovative materials and lightweight technologies for automotive interiors and exteriors. This marks both a key step in building ROX Motor’s localised supply chain and a move that further strengthens our leadership in the luxury EV sector. Looking ahead, we will work together in support of the ‘Operation 300 Billion’ strategy, injecting new momentum into the UAE’s automotive transformation and sustainable development.”

Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of Borouge, commented: “Our partnership with ROX Motor marks an exciting step into the UAE’s emerging electric vehicle sector, where Borouge will supply our advanced polyolefin materials engineered for performance and sustainability. By aligning with the objectives of ‘Make it in the Emirates’, we are proud to strengthen domestic manufacturing and help shape a more resilient, future-ready automotive industry here in the UAE."

The collaboration with Borouge marks a key milestone in the brand’s global innovation and industrial collaboration strategy, while also reinforcing its long-term commitment to the UAE. Aligned with the UAE’s Operation 300 Billion initiative, the partnership strengthens the brand’s regional presence while supporting the development of an innovation-driven automotive ecosystem in the country.

With a growing presence in the UAE and a strong network of local partners, ROX Motor is well positioned to bring innovative, luxurious, user-focused mobility solutions across the region, with its partnership with Borouge reinforcing its long-term commitment to high-performance, adventure-ready vehicles for drivers in the UAE and beyond.

#ROXMotor

Škoda Launches the New Octavia in the Middle East, Elevating Everyday Driving

Škoda has officially announced the highly anticipated arrival of the new Octavia model in the Middle East, a bold evolution of the brand’s global best-seller with enhanced design, functionality, and sustainability. With over seven million units sold worldwide, the Octavia, the embodiment of high quality European engineering and craftsmanship, continues to anchor Škoda’s line-up, offering ideal interior, boot and storage space with simply clever features throughout the cabin.

Available in four distinct trims – Essence, Selection, Sportline and the sporty range-topper RS - this new model features a sharper design language, smarter technology, and even more dynamic performance, tailored to meet the evolving expectations of drivers across the region. Prices for the new Octavia range start from 24,443 USD (excl. VAT), offering exceptional value for a car that blends European craftsmanship with everyday versatility.

The new Octavia’s exterior reflects subtle yet impactful enhancements. Revised front and rear aprons, a reimagined Škoda grille, and second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights contribute to a more confident, contemporary look. These advanced headlights feature 36 matrix segments for improved illumination, while animated LED rear lights add a striking visual signature on the Sportline and RS variants. A refreshed alloy wheel portfolio includes bold new designs up to 19 inches, including Sportline-exclusive Vega and RS-specific Elias wheels in anthracite. The colour palette comprises nine exterior paint options, with Mamba Green reserved for the Sportline and RS trims, enabling greater personalisation.

Inside, the Octavia sets a new benchmark with its commitment to premium comfort and eco-conscious materials. A 13-inch infotainment display makes its debut, complemented by a newly redesigned 10-inch Digital Display that replaces analogue dials as standard across the range. Enhanced USB-C ports now provide 45W fast charging, while the upgraded Phone Box delivers 15W wireless charging with integrated cooling. Passengers enjoy increased comfort and mindful design, with seat upholstery incorporating recycled materials and sustainably tanned leather. Features such as dual-zone Climatronic, enhanced KESSY keyless entry, and Simply Clever additions — including a new rear storage box and a sustainably sourced umbrella — complete the thoughtfully upgraded cabin.

Powertrains That Combine Efficiency and Excitement

The new Octavia range features two turbocharged petrol engines that strike the perfect balance between efficiency and performance. The 1.4 TSI engine delivers 150 hp through an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth, responsive performance ideal for everyday driving. Remarkably efficient, the 1.4 TSI achieves fuel consumption as low as 5.6 litres per 100 km, offering drivers both spirited dynamics and long-distance economy in one Simply Clever package.

For those seeking a more exhilarating experience, the range-topping Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine that produces 265 hp and 370 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission, the RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. With progressive steering, a VAQ limited-slip differential, and a sport suspension lowered by 15 millimetres, the RS offers dynamic handling, outstanding traction, and a level of driving enjoyment that stands out in the segment.

Advanced Safety That Inspires Confidence

The new Octavia also raises the bar for safety. The addition of Attention and Drowsiness Assist provides more intelligent monitoring of driver alertness while advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control will be available later this year. With up to seven airbags, enhanced camera-based assistance systems, and advanced emergency braking, the Octavia reinforces its five-star Euro NCAP rating and stands among the safest sedans in its segment

Simply Clever Features for Everyday Comfort

The Octavia continues to lead in everyday practicality, thanks to Škoda’s signature Simply Clever innovations. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the Octavia can be equipped with wireless phone charging with active ventilation ensuring the device stays cool and powered, while multiple fast-charging charging ports, including one in the rear-view mirror, keep everyone connected on the go. Additional thoughtful features such as a reversible boot mat, a fully sustainable integrated umbrella in the passenger door and a removable waste bin in the door panel, ensure the Octavia is always ready for real-life demands—whether on the school run or a weekend getaway.

Heritage and Future in Harmony

As Škoda celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, the Octavia continues to stand as a key pillar of the brand’s global success since the modern version’s debut in 1996. With a presence in over 60 markets, It remains one of the top-selling models in seven European countries and a consistent winner of prestigious automotive accolades.

Lukáš Honzák, Managing Director of Škoda Middle East, commented: “The launch of the new Octavia represents another important step for the brand in our Middle East journey. For the first time, we’re introducing new entry-level trims that will make the Octavia accessible to an even wider audience, including price-sensitive customers and businesses seeking fleet solutions. All without compromising safety, comfort, or design, something that will resonate with our customers here who value innovation, reliability, and refined European engineering. Meanwhile, at the top of the range the Octavia RS continues to lead with its bold design, impressive performance, and confident drive. As a halo model for the brand in this region, the Octavia RS really sits in a category of its own.”

With its refreshed design, forward-thinking technology, enhanced safety, and commitment to sustainability, the new Škoda Octavia sets a new standard for everyday driving in the Middle East. Whether chosen for its practicality, performance, or premium features, the Octavia continues to embody Škoda’s promise of delivering accessible, intelligent mobility — now more refined and future-ready than ever before.

#Škoda