Qatar Museums has confirmed Germany as the official partner for the 2017 Year of Culture.

Throughout 2017, an exciting programme of events will be presented by institutions in both Qatar and Germany, with the aim to strengthen existing ties between both countries through mutual exchange of arts, culture, and sport, and to promote dialogue, mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between Qatar and Germany.

Initiated by Qatar Museums and the German Federal Foreign Office and organized in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and the German Embassy Doha the initiative will be officially launched this week.

The Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture is part of the landmark 'Years of Culture' initiative developed by Qatar Museums and which is designed to deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport.

The bilateral Years of Culture initiative was launched in 2012 under the guidance of Qatar Museums' Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Qatar Germany 2017 follows the huge success of previous years of culture including Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Turkey 2015, Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-UK 2013, and Qatar-Japan 2012.

It will be launched officially at Katara Opera House on 1 February 2017 with a concert by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by the German conductor David Niemann and with a performance by the renowned German piano soloist Gerhard Oppitz.

For further information on the program please follow:

www.qm.org.qa/en/years-culturewww.goethe.de/qatargermany2017

SNAPCHAT: qatargermany17

FACEBOOK: deutschesaison.qatargermany2017

INSTAGRAM: ds_qatargermany2017

Tickets for a second concert on 2^nd February 2017 can be purchased on the website of the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra: qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/