Qatar donates €50 million to Venice, proposes national pavilion at Giardini della Biennale

On July 24, 2024, an agreement was reached for Qatar to contribute €50 million to Venice, following a collaboration pact with Mayor Luigi Brugnaro. This funding will aid in the management of Venice's cultural heritage. Additionally, Qatar has proposed establishing a permanent national pavilion in the Napoleonic Gardens of Castello, which has been approved by the city council, making Qatar the second Arab nation to have a pavilion there. The cooperation agreement, finalized in mid-June 2024 with Qatar Museums, encompasses areas such as culture, conservation, sustainability, sports, and entertainment, coinciding with Qatar Airways' return of direct flights to Venice. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani emphasized the importance of cultural connections, while Brugnaro acknowledged the donation's relevance in the context of climate change. The initiative involved Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano and other officials.