rki.news
Doha, Qatar, 26 October 2026 — Dr. Safwan Masri has been appointed Senior Advisor and Executive Director of Cultural Diplomacy at the Office of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and Founder of Qatar’s cultural exchange initiative, Years of Culture. In this role, he will build on Her Excellency’s strategic vision, helping shape and advance the broader cultural diplomacy agenda and the global partnerships built through the Years of Culture programme. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in international education, institutional leadership, and public programming, he will provide strategic direction to programmes that connect Qatar with partners around the world.
Qatar has long recognized that its international relationships are strengthened not only through diplomacy and trade, but also through culture. Qatar has made cultural diplomacy a pillar of its international engagement, creating platforms for Qatari and regional voices to contribute to global cultural conversations while engaging with the experiences and perspectives of people and societies around the world. In an era of uncertainty and division, these connections offer vital avenues for sustained dialogue and mutual understanding. Qatar’s investment in culture and international exchange reflects a long-term commitment to bringing people together and building relationships that endure.
Dr. Masri’s portfolio will include overseeing Years of Culture and related efforts such as the Qatar-China Friendship Association and the Qatar-Africa Business Forum. Together, these initiatives engage diverse partners and communities through cultural exchange, institutional collaboration, and dialogue among cultural, academic, and business leaders.
“Cultural diplomacy grows through relationships that are built with care and sustained over time,” said Dr. Masri. “I am honoured to be working with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and I look forward to engaging with partners in Qatar and around the world to create new connections between academia and the arts, deepen existing partnerships, and give the work we begin together room to grow.”
Dr. Masri most recently served as Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar. Previously, as Executive Vice President for Global Centers and Global Development at Columbia University, he led a network of nine centres across four continents that connected faculty, students, and partners through research and educational programmes. He also served for 13 years as Vice Dean of Columbia Business School.
Beyond his university leadership roles, Dr. Masri led the establishment of King’s Academy and the Queen Rania Teacher Academy in Jordan, expanding opportunities for students and educators. His appointment brings that experience in building lasting institutional partnerships to Qatar’s cultural diplomacy agenda.
