Today, HE Hans-Udo Muzel, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Doha, gave a talk and held a question and answer session with an audience of more than 35 young Qatari diplomats from the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, at Qatar Museums (QM) Gallery Al Riwaq.

During the lecture, HE Hans-Udo Muzel covered a wide range of topics related to bilateral relations, economics, culture, sports and more, and highlighted the strong and lasting ties between Qatar and Germany. This event was held under the auspices of the Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture initiative, a year-long programme designed to deepen understanding between nations through the mutual exchange of arts, culture, heritage and sport. The programme for this year is organised by QM in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, the German Embassy in Doha and the Embassy of Qatar in Germany.

Developed under the guidance of Qatar Museums’ Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the programme is made up of a wide variety of exhibitions and events in addition to literary and art workshops, film screenings, concerts and performances, sports competitions and trade shows. The Year of Culture initiative is sponsored by Qatar Airways and the St. Regis Hotel.

HE Hans-Udo Muzel, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Doha, said:

“It is a great opportunity and a privilege to meet with the future diplomats of Qatar in this prestigious exhibition.  “Driven by German Design” has much in common with the concept of modern diplomacy. Both shape the presence and prepare the path for the future.

I hope that this convergence of culture and diplomacy will contribute to further strengthen German-Qatari cultural and diplomatic relations.”

The event first began with a tour of the Driven by German Design exhibition, a major highlight of the landmark “Years of Culture” initiative which is currently on show at QM Gallery Al Riwaq. Organised in partnership with the Volkswagen Group, the exhibition celebrates the evolution and achievements of German design. It brings together for the first-time different design disciplines including architecture, graphic design, product design, automotive design, fashion and furniture design. It offers visitors a range of insights into both the artistic value of developments in design and their cultural significance by showcasing design concepts and works created in Germany or developed by German designers since 1945.

Over 400 objects are on display, including a number of studies and prototypes that have never before been shown in public. Five exhibition areas are dedicated to the most important periods of post-war German design and showcase the works of more than 30 designers that have influenced design history in both Germany and around the world. Since its launch, the exhibition has proven very popular and has attracted large numbers of people from across the local community.