QF’s D’reesha performing arts festival opens

The opening ceremony of Qatar Foundation’s inaugural performing arts festival, D’reesha – held in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Qatar National Day, and Daam Fund – has brought together members of Qatar’s community to celebrate local music, theater, culture, and the Arabic language.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation; His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Sports and Youth; Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; and His Excellency Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library attended the ceremony at Education City’s Ceremonial Court as the six-day festival got under way.

The opening event saw a performance by Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, while Fahad Al-Kubaisi performed Qatari songs and Hadeer Omar, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar – a QF partner university – and an independently practicing new media artist, showcased a light and visual experience.

Other performances included Al Kufiya dabke group, a bicycle painting show by Fatima Al Naimi, and an interactive drumming experience.

Qatari actor Ghanim Al Sulaiti spoke at the D’reesha opening ceremony, saying: “Art is a very natural skill that is innate to humans, and a human will enhance this skill with practice, experience, and study.

“As we are here at Qatar Foundation’s Education City, we use this occasion to re-emphasize the importance of education. We look forward to Qatar Foundation continuing to play an active role in supporting the performing arts, through its projects and initiatives.

“This inaugural edition of the D’reesha performing arts festival also reflects the connection between art and science, which is important in building the artistic community, and also in shaping communities that are based on beauty and justice.”

Rooda Al Qebaisi, a Qatari researcher and entrepreneur, and alumni of QF’s Stars of Science, also spoke at the ceremony, and said: “Science and art have always been connected, and this relationship is a very integrated one.

“Passion is something that scientists and researchers have in common with artists. This is what motivated me to participate in Stars of Science and to live this experience by creating a smart application related to events management. Through this innovation I sought to make people’s lives easier when they want to attend artistic performances, and help give them the opportunity to enjoy these performances in a creative way.

“Science, research, and the arts have one mission: supporting the growth and the happiness of societies.”

D’reesha is taking place until December 17, from 5pm-8pm each day. As part of the week’s line-up of cultural shows and performances, visitors will be able to enjoy QF’s SHOWTIME! musical on Monday, a Latin Fuego show on Wednesday, and Dana Al Fardan’s INDIGO concert on Thursday.

Over the course of the festival, performances will span different focus areas – such as research, education, technology, and science – and will take place at the Green Spine, the Ceremonial Court, and Chef’s Garden at Education City, adhering to local physical distancing guidelines.

D’reesha is being held during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™, and will give visitors the chance to learn more about Education City’s vibrant community ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.