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Galeries Lafayette Hosts 7th Edition of the Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy Exhibition

Galeries Lafayette Doha hosted the 7th edition of the Art, Fashion and Cultural Diplomacy (AFCD) Exhibition on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at its boutique La Suite, bringing together art, fashion, and cultural dialogue in a distinguished diplomatic setting.

The exhibition welcomed diplomats, and members of the international community to reinforce its role as a platform that fosters cross-cultural exchange through creative expression. The event was attended by ambassadors from France, Moldova, Vietnam, the Philippines, South Sudan, Mozambique, Kosovo, Argentina, Uruguay, Poland, and the Central African Republic, alongside the Founder and Patron of AFCD, Mr. Farhan Al Sheikh Al Sayed; AFCD Secretary General and Member of the Advisory Committee of the Fabergé Foundation, Geneva, Mrs. Rodica Grigoriță; and the General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha & Ali Bin Ali Fashion, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender.

Present also were the Deputy Ambassador of Romania, the Chargé d’Affaires of Albania, spouses of ambassadors from multiple countries including Moldova, the European Union, Poland, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Uruguay, Senegal, Kosovo, Mozambique, Benin, and Albania; as well as diplomats from France, Hungary, and Pakistan.

The opening ceremony included a ribbon cutting led by the Ambassador of France to Qatar, H.E. Arnaud Pescheux; together with Mr. Pender, and Mr. Al Sheikh Al Sayed. The ceremony was followed by an official tour of the exhibition for VVIP guests and diplomatic attendees, guided by Mr. Al Sheikh Al Sayed and Mrs. Grigoriță.

Through its curation, the AFCD Exhibition showcased 149 artworks from 36 participants, highlighting Qatar’s recognition and empowerment of art, values and cultural heritage.

Musical performances added to the cultural experience, with violin and theremin performances by Mrs. Anca Bold Martin of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and vocal performances by Mr. Giorgio Martin, tenor at the Wiesbaden State Theater in Germany, providing live entertainment throughout the evening.

As the only platform of its kind globally, the AFCD exhibition brought together people of like minds to promote the culture and science of art. The exhibition similarly positioned cultural diplomacy as a powerful medium for dialogue, understanding, and creative collaboration.

Galeries Lafayette Doha is committed to supporting cultural initiatives and diplomatic engagement through meaningful partnerships.

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Galeries Lafayette Doha receives recognition award from Qatar Museums

Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Al-Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Galeries Lafayette Doha made history by being honored with a prestigious recognition award from Qatar Museums on February 29, 2024 at Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha, Qatar. The award, under the ceremony dubbed, “Occasion of Celebrating Cultural Excellence and Our Partnership,” was presented to Galeries Lafayette Doha in appreciation of its distinction and strong partnership with Qatar Museums that has flourished for over 5 years.

Receiving the award, the General Manager of Galeries Lafayette Doha, Mr. Kevin Gerard Pender, expressed his gratitude stating that, “We are delighted and extremely proud to accept this award as a recognition of Galeries Lafayette’s continuous contribution to the arts and creative partnerships in association with Qatar Museums. Being at the forefront of Qatar’s vibrant creative and cultural landscape is a key part of Galeries Lafayette’s DNA.”

Galeries Lafayette Doha’s commitment to nurturing art and creative development plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Qatar community and driving the fashion industry forward. By integrating art and creativity into its offerings, the sought after boutique not only showcases unique and innovative designs but also provides a platform for local artists and designers to showcase their talent. Additionally, by partnering with key players like Qatar Museums and nurturing artistic development, Galeries Lafayette Doha contributes to the overall cultural enrichment of the community, creating a vibrant and dynamic environment that celebrates art, diversity and individual expression.

Galeries Lafayette Doha thanks Qatar Museums for the opportunity and looks ahead to an even stronger partnership.