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Sitting at the intersection of culture and urbanism, cultural districts exist to connect.
They connect people to the arts, ideas, each other, and the places they inhabit. They bridge heritage and modernity, physical and digital, daytime and nighttime, local and global. They are platforms for exchange through which creativity circulates, stories emerge, and meaning is made.
Those who steward districts carry the responsibility for ensuring that this connective tissue remains strong, accessible, and authentic. Yet in a world where connection is increasingly transactional, visibility often outweighs depth, and trust is harder to earn than attention, this work demands clarity and courage. How can cultural leaders navigate a landscape so fragmented, so polarized, and so saturated with noise – and still weave pathways between culture, place, and society that build lasting relationships of relevance, reciprocity, and care?
Hosted by Qatar Museums in Doha from 13 to 16 April 2026, GCDN’s 12th annual convening explores connections in all their forms. Set within the capital of a young and ambitious nation that has deliberately positioned itself as a hub for global exchange through culture, the convening invites members and guests to reflect on the ties that bind us, the infrastructures that enable them, the strategies that sustain them, and the creative practices that renew them.
Combining a range of formats, the programme is designed to foster learning, conversation, and (re)connection among peers from across the world.
True to its theme, the Convening forms part of a wider calendar of cultural programming animating Doha throughout spring 2026. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the Qatar Creates Spring programme and extend their stay to experience the second edition of the Design Doha biennial; a citywide celebration of design as a catalyst for resilience, innovation, and cultural continuity.
GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting. Find out more about GCDN here.
All information on this page is subject to change. Last updated: December 2025
GCDN membership provides free registration to the convening for two representatives – and a 35% discount on additional spots.
The GCDN 2025 convening is an invite-only event. Please contact us if you require a code to book your complimentary/discounted tickets as network members, speakers, or guests.
Recommended itinerary (air travel): land at Hamad International Airport (DOH). From there, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available at arrivals, and the Doha Metro offers a convenient connection to many parts of the city.
Travel dates – convening only: to enjoy the experience of the convening to the fullest, GCDN recommends planning to arrive in Doha by late morning on 13 April and depart on 16 April 2026.
Travel dates – Design Doha biennial: Held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and led by Artistic Director Glenn Adamson and Director Fahad Al Obaidly, Design Doha spans more than 20 venues, from Msheireb Downtown Doha to the Museum of Islamic Art. With over 15 exhibitions, public design commissions, partner presentations, and a dynamic programme of talks and networking, Design Doha brings together leading designers and studios from across the MENASA region and beyond, offering delegates the chance to experience Doha at a defining cultural moment.
Doha offers a wide range of accommodation options. Our hosts at Qatar Museums have arranged the following hotels at preferential partner rates (prices and availability are indicative and may vary):
★★★★★: The Plaza Doha, LXR Hotels & Resorts – from US$140/night (all taxes included). The booking link is preset for 4 nights but can be adjusted for longer or shorter stays.
★★★: Hampton by Hilton Doha Old Town – from US$78/night (all taxes included). The booking link is preset for 4 nights but can be adjusted for longer or shorter stays.
Please note: None of these options are within walking distance of the convening venues. There are, however, hotels within walking distance of the NMoQ and MIA, and participants are very welcome to make their own accommodation arrangements according to their preferences.
Travelers from various countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar, while others can easily obtain an e-visa through the Hayya platform.
Click here to check if you are eligible for visa-free entry or need an e-visa.
If your country of origin requires a visa to enter Qatar, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible. GCDN may issue invitation letters upon request. Please contact us if you require an invitation letter.