Art Basel Qatar, which launched in Doha earlier this month, is not simply an art fair—it’s a declaration of geopolitical intent. For a half-century, Qatar has invested in museums, art collections, and cultural education. Bringing Art Basel to Doha signals a new ambition: to use art to shape political perception far beyond the Gulf. But just as with its hosting of the World Cup in 2022, Qatar’s cultural projects are drawing attention to aspects of its society that it is less eager to showcase.