Latest news with #QatarMuseums
Qatar Tribune
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Museums celebrates 20th anniversary & 50 years of NMoQ
Tribune News Network DOHA Qatar Museums (QM) has participated in the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, where it celebrated its 20th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). Under the theme of 'More than Museums', QM hosted a special event and reception marking the two major anniversaries, where participants reflected on Qatar's longstanding commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and dialogue, and the nation's forward-looking commitment to transforming museums into dynamic platforms for creativity, education, heritage and innovation. 'These momentous anniversaries are a testament to the vision of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and the path for national development laid out by Father Amir and the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,' said Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums. 'For more than half a century, our nation has been committed to culture as a catalyst for dialogue, bridging the gaps between people and cultivating local and regional talent to present on the world's stages. As we mark the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums, we are continuing a creative journey in which culture is not only preserved but lived, shared, and continually reimagined.' The gathering in Paris brought together cultural leaders, diplomats, and international stakeholders, including HE Dr Nasser Al Hinzab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Qatar to UNESCO. A series of keynote speeches and presentations, including remarks by Mohammed Saad Al-Rumaihi charting the growth and development of QM and the National Museum of Qatar, paid tribute to the continued transformation of Qatar's cultural landscape and QM's pivotal role in shaping it. HE Dr Nasser Al Hinzab said: 'Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Museum of Qatar during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2025 reflects the State of Qatar's efforts to promote its national heritage and place it on the global map of culture and development through UNESCO's cultural conventions and programs. These efforts continue in coordination with Qatar Museums to support the Sustainable Development Goals related to heritage and to empower the local community to safeguard Qatar's cultural and natural heritage.' 'We are immensely proud to see the National Museum of Qatar recognised as part of UNESCO's anniversaries list, which stands as an acknowledgment of its meaningful contribution to the global cultural, heritage, and museum landscape,' said Dr Fatema Hassan Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation & Government Affairs at Qatar Museums and Qatar's National Expert to UNESCO. Founded in 1975 as the Qatar National Museum, the first national museum in the Gulf, the National Museum of Qatar is dedicated to expressing and preserving Qatar's national identity, history, and heritage. Its striking building, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, and cutting-edge galleries immerse visitors in Qatar's ongoing national story, bringing it to life for both the Qatari people and visitors from around the globe. 'The National Museum of Qatar has grown into a space where tradition meets innovation and where the voices of our people, past and present, can be heard and celebrated,' said Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar. The museum's cultural significance was underscored this year with its inclusion in the UNESCO Anniversaries Programme and its addition to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List—a major step towards achieving full recognition. Since its establishment in 2005, Qatar Museums has become the umbrella institution for institutions including the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art; creative hubs including M7 and the Doha Fire Station that support emerging artists and designers working in creative industries; an expansive public art programme that presents world-class artwork by local, regional and international artists across the country; and cultural heritage sites that testify to Qatar's history.
Qatar Tribune
12-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
Al Zubarah Fort: A symbol of Qatar's cultural legacy
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic symbols of Qatar's rich history, continues to captivate visitors with its preserved architecture, educational displays, and cultural resonance. Visitors to the site have expressed their admiration for the recent improvements that have transformed the fort from a static monument into a dynamic educational experience. From detailed interpretive signage to high-tech digital tablets that narrate the fort's storied past, Al Zubarah Fort is rapidly becoming a flagship for heritage tourism in Qatar. 'The improvements are remarkable,' said Ali Al Blushi, a Qatari national visiting the fort with friends. 'You can feel the spirit of our ancestors here. The newly added historical panels and photos of old Qatari homes show the harsh conditions our forefathers endured. This is not just tourism, this is identity.' The fort's recent developments, overseen by Qatar Museums and supported by the leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reflect the country's broader commitment to safeguarding and promoting its cultural heritage. Qatar has been investing significantly in historical preservation, not merely as a cultural obligation but as a strategic pillar of national development. Technology meets tradition One of the most notable additions to Al Zubarah fort is the integration of digital tablets that allow visitors to access information on key features of the fort, the history of the surrounding town, and Qatar's role in regional trade networks of the 18th and 19th centuries. 'This is a major leap in heritage education,' said Ahmad Al Maadhid, another visitor to the fort. 'The tablet allows me to engage with the site in multiple languages. It's especially helpful for tourists who want to understand our story but may not be able to read Arabic.' Qatar Museums has also equipped the site with multi-language signage, security presence to deter inappropriate behaviour, and infrastructure such as shaded seating, clean restrooms, and designated photography zones, features that collectively enhance the visitor experience. 'The combination of tradition and technology makes this place accessible and engaging,' Al Maadhid added. 'It's a model that could be replicated in other heritage sites across the Gulf.' Youth engagement and social media appeal Younger generations are particularly drawn to the site, not just for its historical value but for its aesthetic appeal. The fort's striking sand-coloured walls, panoramic desert views, and carefully restored interiors have become a favourite backdrop for Qatari youth capturing moments to share on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. 'It's amazing how many young people are using this site to reconnect with our roots,' said Fahad Mohammed, a university student. 'At first, I came here for a photo shoot. But once I started reading about the history, I got deeply interested in our past.' This spontaneous blend of digital culture and heritage appreciation signals a deeper trend: Qatar's youth are embracing their national identity in new ways, making sites like Al Zubarah fort part of both their online presence and personal narratives. Expert views: A historical treasure To gain a deeper understanding of Al Zubarah fort's significance, we spoke to three leading experts on regional history and heritage preservation. Hasan Al Mohannadi, a Qatari historian and researcher specialising in Gulf heritage, explained the fort's pivotal role in understanding Qatar's pre-oil era. 'Al Zubarah was not just a military fort; it was the heart of a once-thriving pearling and trading town that connected Qatar to India, the Levant, and East Africa,' Al Mohannadi said. 'The preservation of this site allows us to piece together the socio-economic life of Qataris before the discovery of oil.' He commended the efforts of Qatar Museums and the Ministry of Culture for 'adopting a holistic approach that combines archaeological preservation, academic research, and public engagement.' 'Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, heritage has become more than a symbol—it is a strategic tool for education and soft power,' Al Mohannadi added. Reviving the Islamic era narrative Ali Mutib Al Marri, a master's student in Islamic history, believes that Al Zubarah fort serves as a crucial touchstone for understanding the interplay between Islamic governance, trade, and architecture in the Gulf. 'The site reveals how Islamic administrative structures were mirrored in coastal forts,' Al Marri said. 'Al Zubarah was designed not just for defence but for regulation, storage, and governance. It represents a microcosm of Islamic society's structure at the edge of the desert and sea.' He emphasised the importance of involving students in heritage fieldwork and praised recent educational programmes that enable graduate students to participate in archaeological digs and digital archiving. 'When we touch these stones, we touch centuries of our own history,' Al Marri said passionately. 'It's an irreplaceable form of learning.' A pan-Arab perspective For a broader regional context, we also interviewed Dr Ali Al Maliki, an Iraqi historian and author of Modern Arab History: An Analytical Approach, who visited Qatar as part of a regional cultural exchange programme. 'Al Zubarah fort is a remarkable example of Gulf architecture that balances austerity with purpose,' Dr Al Maliki said. 'What's most impressive is Qatar's deliberate effort to narrate its history on its own terms, with integrity and academic rigour.' Dr Al Maliki noted that Qatar's heritage strategy aligns with broader Arab aspirations to preserve national memory amidst rapid modernisation. 'What Qatar is doing under the patronage of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is a model for the Arab world. You cannot build the future without honouring the past,' he said. He also pointed out that Qatar's investment in museums, archival projects, and cultural festivals creates a sustainable ecosystem for regional heritage studies. National vision and cultural diplomacy The care shown to Al Zubarah fort is consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasises human development, cultural enrichment, and global partnerships. Qatar's cultural diplomacy has grown to include exhibitions in global cities, restoration collaborations with international institutions, and exchange programmes that bring scholars to Doha and beyond. In 2013, Al Zubarah was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, solidifying its global significance and protecting it under international conservation protocols. Since then, Qatar has made continual enhancements to the site, guided by experts in archaeology, architecture, and museology. Qatar Museums Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has often spoken about the role of heritage in shaping national consciousness and promoting global understanding. Under her leadership, institutions like Al Zubarah fort are not only preserved but actively curated as living symbols of resilience and continuity. Looking forward As Qatar continues to strike a delicate balance between innovation and tradition, the role of heritage sites like Al Zubarah fort will only grow in importance. The fort is more than a monument; it is a classroom, a symbol of resilience, and a national treasure that speaks to the enduring spirit of the Qatari people. From the reflections of local visitors to the insights of renowned historians, one message is clear: Al Zubarah fort is not simply a relic of the past, it is a vital bridge to the future.
The National
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Wael Shawky named artistic director of Art Basel Qatar
Egyptian artist Wael Shawky has been named artistic director of Art Basel Qatar. The appointment cements the reimagining of the fair's format for its Gulf debut, moving away from conventional booths to a more open, interwoven setting. The event will run from February 5 to 7, with preview days on February 3 and 4. It will be held across M7 and the Doha Design District. Select installations and exhibitions will also be presented in Msheireb, Doha's cultural hub. Shawky, who represented Egypt at the 2024 Venice Biennale, is best known for his ambitious works that blend historical narrative, myth and contemporary critique. His Cabaret Crusades trilogy, featuring intricately crafted puppets retelling the Crusades from an Arab perspective, has been exhibited internationally. More recently, he has taken on an institutional role as artistic director of Qatar Museums' Fire Station, where he has overseen new public programmes and artist residencies. While fair directorships are typically held by curators or market specialists, Shawky's appointment marks a shift toward a model led by an practising artist. Rather than traditional booths, participating galleries will present solo exhibitions within a shared curatorial framework, offering a narrative-led experience. Presentations will pivot around the fair's theme of Becoming. The concept is described on the Art Basel website as 'a meditation on humanity's ongoing transformation and the evolving systems that shape how we live, believe, and create meaning'. 'It is a privilege to work with Art Basel on this groundbreaking new format,' Shawky said in a statement to Cairo Scene. 'The opportunity to explore artistic practices from across the Mena region and beyond, within a framework that values research, narrative, and experimentation, is extremely meaningful to me. 'I look forward to collaborating with galleries and artists to help shape a platform that speaks to the complexity and richness of the region while remaining globally relevant.' Shawky will lead the artistic vision of the fair alongside Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel's director of fairs and exhibition platforms. 'I have a huge amount of respect for Wael's work as an artist and also for his knowledge of the region,' de Bellis told Artnet. 'We have always hired people who are very rooted within where we operate. Wael is a well-rounded art professional; while being always and first and foremost an artist, he is also able to look at things through a wider lens.'
Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Last chance to view LATINOAMERICANO exhibition at NMoQ
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Museums has invited the public to explore LATINOAMERICANO. Modern and Contemporary Art from Malba and Eduardo Costantini Collections, the landmark exhibition on view at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) ahead of its closure on July 19, 2025. Presented in collaboration with the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba), the exhibition marks the first large-scale presentation of Latin American modern and contemporary art in the WANA region. Organised as part of the Qatar Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture, LATINOAMERICANO features more than 170 works by over 100 artists from across Latin America, including seminal pieces by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, and many more. The exhibition offers a wide-ranging view of the continent's artistic evolution across painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and archival material. The exhibition is curated by Issa Al Shirawi, head of International Exhibitions at Qatar Museums, and María Amalia García, Curator in Chief at Malba, the exhibition is structured around six thematic sections that explore identity, urbanisation, socio-political change, and the development of modern and contemporary artistic practices in the region. In the courtyard of NMoQ, Marta Minujín's Sculpture of Dreams (2023), a whimsical, inflatable structure first seen in New York's Times Square, offers visitors a sensory expression of the playfulness and imagination found throughout Latin American art. A comprehensive series of public programmes accompanies the exhibition, including talks, tours, and workshops designed to deepen visitor engagement with the artworks and the histories they represent. These programmes continue through the final weeks of the exhibition, till July 13, 2025, offering audiences of all ages meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and learning. Entry is free with the museum's general admission. NMoQ will be closed on Tuesdays. Tickets can be reserved in advance via the Qatar Museums website.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Art meets AI in Qatar: Curates personalised museum tours and guides visitors in real-time
Qatar's AI Art Tour allows users to explore museums and heritage sites through a personalised, interactive journey led by artificial intelligence/Image: File Qatar Museums has launched the QM AI Art Tour, a groundbreaking digital experience powered by artificial intelligence that offers visitors a personalised journey through Qatar's museums, heritage sites, and public art installations. This marks the region's first real-world AI art tour and reflects Qatar's growing emphasis on cultural innovation and digital accessibility. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the initiative supports Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030 by integrating cutting-edge technology into the nation's cultural landscape. How the AI Art Tour Works Visitors begin the experience by chatting with an AI Art Specialist, who asks questions about their personal preferences and interests. Based on these inputs, the AI curates a custom route featuring handpicked locations and artworks across Doha, offering a deeply personalised art journey. The AI assistant remains available throughout the tour to answer questions, share insights, and provide navigation support transforming the entire experience into an interactive, intuitive cultural conversation. Leaders Highlight Vision for Cultural Technology Mohammed Al Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums, described the project as a union of tradition and technology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cervecería Nacional CFD: Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Empieza a invertir hoy Empieza ahora Undo 'By using artificial intelligence to deepen cultural engagement, we are not only increasing accessibility to Qatar's diverse art landscape, but also building meaningful, personal connections between our audiences and the stories we tell through art,' he said in a public statement. Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT, Reem Al Mansoori, noted that AI is no longer just a support tool but a transformative force across sectors. 'We are pleased to collaborate with Qatar Museums on launching the first real-world AI use case as part of our strategic partnership with Scale AI,' she said, referring to a national effort to expand AI-driven solutions across government and semi-government sectors over the next five years. Part of a Larger Cultural Celebration The AI Art Tour coincides with the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums and is a key element of Evolution Nation, an 18-month initiative that celebrates 50 years of Qatar's cultural journey. Curated by Qatar Creates, the national cultural movement, Evolution Nation aims to position Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity while recognising the country's longstanding commitment to heritage and innovation.
