Qatar's Al-Thani Family Dominates Global Art Market with Major Acquisitions and Cultural Projects
Qatar has become the world's leading purchaser of modern and contemporary art, driven by the Al-Thani family's aggressive collecting. Sheikh Saud bin Muhammad bin Ali Al-Thani reportedly spent hundreds of millions on art over the past two years, establishing him as the globe's top collector. His relative Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani chairs the Qatar Museums Authority while also being a significant collector herself. Edward Dolman, former Christie's chairman, recently joined her office and the QMA board. The family's influence extends internationally through collaborations like joint exhibitions with the Prada Foundation and funding for Takashi Murakami's Versailles exhibition last autumn. Domestic initiatives include upcoming projects from artists Richard Serra and Jeff Koons, along with plans for new art museums. These cultural developments aim to position Qatar as the Gulf's premier cultural destination ahead of hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Key facts
- Qatar currently acquires more modern and contemporary art than any other country
- Sheikh Saud bin Muhammad bin Ali Al-Thani has spent more money on art than any other collector worldwide over the past two years
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani chairs the Qatar Museums Authority
- Edward Dolman left Christie's to run Sheikha Al-Mayassa's office and join the QMA board
- The Al-Thani family collaborated with the Prada Foundation on joint exhibitions
- The family funded Takashi Murakami's exhibition at Versailles last autumn
- Richard Serra and Jeff Koons have projects commissioned in Qatar
- Qatar will host the World Cup in 2022
Entities
Artists
- Sheikh Saud bin Muhammad bin Ali Al-Thani
- Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
- Richard Serra
- Jeff Koons
- Takashi Murakami
- Edward Dolman
Institutions
- Qatar Museums Authority
- Christie's
- Prada Foundation
Locations
- Qatar
- Versailles
- France