Qatar to build first new permanent pavilion at Venice Biennale in 30 years

Qatar will build a permanent pavilion at the Venice Biennale, marking the first new structure in the Giardini since 1995. This will be only the third permanent pavilion in the last 50 years. The pavilion will be located near the Book Pavilion and will host an installation by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari during the upcoming architecture exhibition in May. The official opening date for the pavilion has not been announced. Qatar's involvement in the Biennale follows its previous presentations, including a recent exhibition at Palazzo Franchetti. While Qatar was the first Gulf nation to engage with contemporary art, it has lagged behind the UAE and Saudi Arabia in establishing a permanent presence in Venice.