Art Basel's bold expansion into Qatar fuels MCH Group's global ambitions
Art Basel has grown far beyond its Swiss roots since launching in 1970. The prestigious art fair now spans Miami Beach, Hong Kong, Paris, and—most recently—Qatar, with London set to join in 2024. Meanwhile, its parent company, MCH Group, reported strong financial results in 2025 despite a slight dip in revenue. The first Art Basel in Qatar took place in early February 2026. Organisers deemed the event a major success, prompting plans for expansion in the region. MCH Group sees significant potential in the Middle East, where it already employs 37 staff in Dubai and 19 in Qatar. CEO Andrea Zappia confirmed all employees in these locations are safe.
Financially, MCH Group performed well in 2025. Operating profit (EBITDA) jumped by nearly 50% to 51.2 million francs, while net income rose sharply to 18.6 million francs—up from just 3.0 million in 2024. Revenue, however, slipped by 1.4% to 429.6 million francs. Beyond art fairs, MCH announced a new global event series called the Futurific Institute, scheduled to launch in 2027. The initiative, co-founded by Kathryn Murdoch (wife of MCH's majority shareholder James Murdoch), will not follow a rigid timeline. Instead, the company aims to introduce it only when fully prepared. MCH also maintains strict adherence to Swiss standards and internal guidelines on human rights across its operations.
Art Basel's expansion into Qatar marks another step in its global growth. With strong profits and new projects like the Futurific Institute on the horizon, MCH Group is positioning itself for further development. The company's focus remains on both financial performance and responsible business practices.
