Design Doha Biennial postponed "in light of the evolving situation in the region"

This year's Design Doha biennial, which was set to open later this month, has been postponed until November due to the continued war in the Gulf.

Originally planned to run from April 12 to June 30, the second edition of the design biennial, which was established by Qatar Museums, will now take place from November 5 to December 31.

"After careful consideration, in light of the evolving situation in the region, Qatar Museums and Design Doha have made the decision to postpone the opening of the Design Doha Biennial 2026," said the organisations in a statement.

War in Gulf continues

The decision was made as the region continues to be heavily impacted by the war in Iran, ignited by US-Israeli strikes on the country on February 28.

Iran is continuing to launch retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US-allied countries and bases across the Middle East, including Qatar, where numerous sites have been targeted. Among them is the Ras Laffan Industrial City, which suffered "significant damage".

Yesterday, the Qatari Ministry of Defence reported that three missiles were targeted at the country, with two intercepted and the third hitting a fuel tanker off the Qatari coast.

Numerous countries are currently advising against travel to the country, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which "advises against all but essential travel to Qatar".

Design Doha "more important than ever"

In its statement, Qatar Museums explained that they hope that the postponement will allow the event to draw attention to designers in the region at a time when this is "more important than ever".

"This postponement will ensure that the biennial can be experienced in the spirit in which it was conceived: as a global celebration of the remarkable talent of the MENASA region," said the organisers.

"We believe the overarching goal of Design Doha – to connect people through dialogue and creativity – is more important than ever. Design Doha continues to be in close contact with its community, and further updates will be shared in due course."

The main photo of Design Doha 2024 is by Julián Velásquez.

Design Doha 2026 takes place from 5 November until 31 December in Doha, Qatar. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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