Qatar Airways is breaking new ground in the world of art and culture.
The airline has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur Swizz Beatz to launch the Qatar Airways Creative 100, a global initiative celebrating 100 of the world’s most influential creatives, according to a press release. The partnership was unveiled during Art Basel Paris 2025, where Qatar Airways serves as a Premium Partner across all five of the art fair’s international exhibitions.
The Creative 100 is the first platform of its kind for an airline, designed to highlight visionaries shaping global culture across music, fashion, technology, design, sports, and more. The initiative will debut with a flagship event at Art Basel Qatar in February 2026, showcasing the work of creatives whose ideas cross borders and influence multiple industries.
The first inductees include Grammy-winning South African DJ Black Coffee, Olympic fencing champion Miles Chamley-Watson, and Kristian Teär, CEO of luxury electronics company Bang & Olufsen. Fashion and design innovators Yoon Ahn, co-founder of AMBUSH and jewelry director at Dior Homme, and Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s chief design officer, are also featured, according to the release. Visual artists Kennedy Yanko, known for her sculptures using salvaged materials, and Patrick Eugene, whose work explores identity and culture, complete the initial list.
“At Qatar Airways, creativity fuels everything we do,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group’s CEO.
“As the World’s Best Airline, creativity shapes how we innovate, connect cultures, and reimagine the experience of travel. Our partnership with Swizz Beatz reflects that same spirit — a shared belief that creativity has the power to inspire, to unite, and to transform the way the world connects. Through the Qatar Airways Creative 100, we celebrate those whose ideas shape culture, bringing people together through creativity and artistry across borders,” he continued.
Swizz Beatz, co-founder of The Dean Collection with his wife Alicia Keys, is a longtime figure in music, art, and entrepreneurship. He has presented exhibitions at institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, according to the release.
On the partnership, he said, “Qatar Airways doesn’t just move people, it moves the world. That’s why this partnership feels so natural. Together, we’re creating a platform that shines a light on the most inspiring people of our time. The Qatar Airways Creative 100, in collaboration with The Dean Collection, is the first step.”
According to the release, Qatar Airways also plans to incorporate the Creative 100 into its passenger experience through merchandise and onboard activations. As part of the launch, the airline unveiled conceptual renders of a special Formula 1® livery, reflecting its role as Global Airline Partner, with additional designs honoring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to be revealed later.
A dedicated digital hub for the Qatar Airways Creative 100 will serve as a cultural space featuring films, interviews, podcasts, and city guides created by global talents. Members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club will gain exclusive access to masterclasses with Creative 100 inductees and priority invitations to flagship cultural events.
In early 2025, per the release, Qatar Airways announced its global partnership with Art Basel, supporting exhibitions in Basel, Paris, Hong Kong, Miami Beach, and Qatar. Through these partnerships, the airline engages a worldwide audience with contemporary art and culture, aligning with its broader efforts to connect people and ideas globally.
