Msheireb Museums celebrates three years of achievements and ground-breaking success

Doha, Qatar, October 29, 2018:

Msheireb Museums, the cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, celebrates its 3rd anniversary, cementing its position as a major cultural and touristic destination in Qatar with an exceptional list of accomplishments achieved since opening in 2015.

On this occasion, Msheireb Museums added a new collection of artifacts to its premises to enrich the museum’s existing collection, which is now on display for guests to visit.

Since its inception Msheireb Museums has made huge progress in terms of attracting visitors, winning awards and gaining recognition, thanks to its distinctive and rich programs of events and activations, and partnerships with prominent institutes and academic organizations. In addition to its touristic role, Msheireb Museums enhanced its position as a leading educational and scientific landmark, acting as a reference for students and professionals on the history of Qatar; exploring its journey to modernism and the present day.

The museums also won many local and international awards from prominent art and culture institutes, adding to the global recognition of the wider cultural and touristic offering of Qatar.

Hafiz Ali, Msheireb Museums’ Director said: “Since launching Msheireb Museums three years ago, we have accomplished great achievements and recorded success on many levels. Today, we mark a new step on the creative and development plan, which is part of the journey to transform the museums into the top leading culture and heritage destination in Qatar, and the region. I would like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, the Chair of Qatar Foundation, for her wise vision and support in founding Msheireb Museums, which is helping to preserve our heritage and history as a country. Her leadership has played a fundamental role in making this project a success”.

“On this occasion, we would also like to send our thanks and gratitude to our employees and volunteers at Msheireb Museums; without their dedication and hard work such accomplishments would not have been achievable. We also extend our thanks to Msheireb Properties management who renovated the heart of Doha, reviving it with innovation in mind while preserving its heritage houses. We are proud to announce today that a new collection has been added to our houses, and thank those who donated the pieces, to be enjoyed by the people of Qatar and international visitors. These contributions are vital”.

Msheireb Museums is a significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realising the vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first sustainable and smart city regeneration project. The museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Doha; Bin Jelmood House (raising awareness of formerly enslaved people), Company House (sharing a history of Qatar’s petroleum industry), Radwani House (providing insights into the Qatari family life over generations), and Mohammed Bin Jassim House (a journey through Msheireb district over time).

Located within the oldest district of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. These reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage with and learn about significant aspects of Qatar’s heritage, culture and traditions prior to the country’s rapid economic development.

Heritage houses with state-of-the-art technology

Since its opening, three years ago, Msheireb Museums has received around eighty thousand visitors from Qatar and the wider region, as well as tourists and students of schools and universities.

Msheireb Museums encompasses four heritage houses that have been renovated and equipped with interactive modern technology, taking visitors on a journey to the past in which they can experience history in an interactive and engaging way. Visitors are given the opportunity to provide feedback and give their opinions through commenting on interactive screens, surveys and social media channels, and the museums management always responds to feedback and takes it into consideration to improve the overall experience.

Along with the galleries, Msheireb Museums includes special departments for scientific and educational courses and training, creating an entity with comprehensive services that assists tourism, entertainment, and education under one roof. In line with its mandate to support youth and culture, Msheireb Museums provides full support to entrepreneurs and volunteers who are willing to organize exhibitions or offer new artistic ideas.

Additionally, Msheireb Museums has built strong connections with academic institutions, regularly collaborating with universities, colleges, and research programmes to ensure better engagement with the museums’ offerings and content. Visitors of the museums also have access to the valuable digital resources of Qatar National Library.

Strong connections with the local community

Msheireb Museums has strong connections with the community; the people of Qatar are major contributors, donating collections to the museums and helping in the process of documenting the country’s history. Since announcing the establishment of Msheireb Museums, the Qatari people have donated their personal belongings and collections inherited from their ancestors, to the museums, to ensure they are well preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Many of the older generation visited the museums to document their memories as part of drive to obtain verbal historical source material, ensuring that these precious, unique and personal experiences will not be lost.

Training programs

Msheireb Museums launched a program last year, geared towards activating the tourism sector. The ‘Msheireb Museums Friends’ programme is a mutually-beneficial volunteering scheme which aims to train teachers and educational leaders the skills required to become tour guides in the museums, enhancing their ability to lead student tours. The programme also enables students to enhance their leadership skills while introducing the community to the country’s rich culture.

This programme received great attention, with many authorities and organisations taking part, including Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Youth Center, in addition to school teachers from national and international schools.

Awards

Msheireb Museums has received many awards, acknowledging its role and position since opening in 2015. Bin Jelmood Houserecently wonan award in the category of ‘Green Cultural Building’ atthe 2018 Qatar Sustainability Awards, which was held as part of Qatar Sustainability week 2018.

Internationally, Msheireb Museums was recognized by the International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA), winning the ‘Best Educational Practice Program’ award during the 2018 CECA Conference and Awards event.Its winning project, the Bin Jelmood Educational Programme, introduces the story of Bin Jelmood House, using innovative methods to reach a young target audience in an effective and engaging way.

In 2018, the site was also included on the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) list of the world’s best new buildings.

Exhibitions and conference

Msheireb Museums has hosted many exhibitions and conferences that add great value to the cultural scene in Qatar. Last year, Msheireb Museums hosted the ‘Back to Msheireb’ Exhibition in Mohammed Bin Jassim House, which documented Msheireb’s transformation into a centre of commercial activity and an intercultural crossroads for people of diverse origins between the years 1980 and 2009.

Earlier this year,‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ Exhibition aimed to raise awareness on the role of women during the pre-oil era of discovery and reflected on the various social and economic changes made throughout history to enable women’s empowerment.

These exhibitions, organized by UCL Qatar, give students the opportunity to get involved in the educational experience of the museums. They also have the chance to organize their own fully-fledged conferences and exhibitions in the museums.

Msheireb Museums also added a permanent exhibition titled ‘A Journey to the Heart of Life’, located at Bin Jelmood House at Msheireb Museums. The exhibition is a collaboration between Msheireb Museums and biomedical research institutions including Qatar Genome Programme, Qatar Biobank, Sidra Medical Research Center and Weill Cornell Medical College. The exhibition focuses on DNA and includes six sections that give visitors an opportunity to explore genetic inheritance and prehistoric human migrations. It aims to further guests’ understanding of the advances in modern medicine and genomics, and its capacity to help with early detection of disease, as well as creation of personalised medicine.

International Museum Day was celebrated by hosting workshops, presentations and a panel discussion in collaboration with CECA.

These programs act as a vital platform to support various educational initiatives of the museums. They aim to keep the research process on Qatar culture and its history alive and play a major role in motivating the younger generation to improve their understanding of Qatar.

Msheireb Properties Receives Prestigious International Health & Safety Award at Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Awards

Doha, Qatar, 2018:

Msheireb Properties,Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has been recognised for the second consecutive year at the international Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards 2018, held in Glasgow – London.

RoSPA has awarded Msheireb Properties their Gold Award in recognition of its industry-leading practices that have ensured that the company’s staff, clients andcontractors get home safely at the end of each working day.

 

Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO atMsheireb Properties, commented: “We are truly honoured to receive the RoSPA Gold award for the second consecutive year. This showcases our dedication toward accomplishing best practices for the safety of our staff and employees. Safety remains an integral and major principle in our work and the award reflects Msheireb Properties’ efficient and successful implementation of health and safety management systems.”

 

Last year, RoSPA awarded Msheireb Properties their Gold Award in recognition of the efforts undertaken to successfully manage occupational health and safety standards. Msheireb Properties has received many awards over the years for its achievements in areas from design innovation through to safety compliance. The real estate developer is particularly proud of its flagship project Msheireb Downtown Doha’s ISO certification from the British Standards Institution for quality (ISO 9001:2015), environmental performance (ISO 14001:2015), occupational health and safety (BS OHSAS 18001:2007), and Risk Management Standard (ISO 31000:2009).

RoSPA Awards receive entries from organisations around the world, and recognises achievement in health and safety management systems. Competitive awards go to the best entries in 24 industry sectors including construction, healthcare, transport and logistics, engineering, manufacturing and education.

 

An emerging leader in sustainable development, Msheireb Properties’ signature project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology aimed at preserving the environment as well as the cultural identity of Qatar. It is the world`s first smart and sustainable Downtown regeneration project, designed to regenerate and preserve the historical heart of Doha.

Msheireb Properties’ mission is to change the way people think about urban living and to improve their overall quality of life, through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.

Qatari designer Shaikha Al-Sulaiti reveals her iconic piece MSHEIREB LIGHT at ‘The Shapes of Water’ exhibition

Doha, Qatar, October 2018:

The Qatari designer Shaikha Al-Sulaiti revealed her iconic piece ‘The Msheireb Light’ in a special ceremony marking the opening of The Shapes of Water’ exhibition. Taking place at Msheireb Enrichment Centre on Doha Corniche, the exhibition, which is curated by the Italian Embassy, is part of a global road show focusing on the art of creating pieces inspired from the different shapes of water.

Inspired by the water of Qatar, The Msheireb Light is a symbolic representation of Qatar’s support of truth, clarity and transparency, with the water symbolizing purity and truth, and the brass enclosure representing success. The Rosso Levanto marble reflects the colours of the Qatari flag, and being the base supporting the source of light which is intensified by water, it metaphorically implies that Qatar supports truth and clarity, whilst being surrounded by success and prosperity.

The text in brass quotes is taking from the Qatar national anthem, and translates to “Qatar will always be free – by the spirit of the loyal”. The Msheireb Light was designed with the concept of recycling in mind; part of the piece wasreused from a Qatari brand bottle.

Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties said: “We are proud to present this iconic art piece created by our creative designer, Shaikha Al-Sulaiti. This reflects the capabilities and talents of our designers. Shaikha Al-Sulaiti is a great asset to the company, and along with her astonishing designs, she also supervises the interior design and implementation of our flagship development project, Msheireb Downtown Doha. The same creativity of the piece is reflected in her work in the project”.

Shaikha Al-Sulaiti, the designer and creator of the piece, ‘The Msheireb Light’ said: “This piece is inspired by the water of Qatar. It reflects the beauty of my country in an artistic way that embodies our values and the love we have for Qatar.””.

In her capacity as the Manager of Interior Design at Msheireb properties, Shaikha Al-Sulaiti ensures the unique architectural language seamlessly transitions to the interiors; and that Qatari elements are present throughout Msheireb Downtown Doha. During construction, her role is to monitor contractor progress and ensure quality is of the highest possible standard.

Al-Sulaiti concluded: “Our mission is to set a new benchmark for design and construction quality in Doha and the Middle East, utilising knowledge and insights gained from workshops with designers, architects and operators from the concept phase through to the present day.”
Qatar has reiterated its commitment to provide all the resources needed for the empowerment of women in all fields, which is part of the social development of Qatar National Vision 2030. Women in Qatar have proved their capabilities in all domains, especially in arts and culture where they lead the sector by their creativity and innovation.

Msheireb Enrichment Centre is a landmark destination created by Msheireb Properties to serve as an educational portal, showcasing Qatar’s glorious past and soaring ambitions for the future. Itoutlines Qatar’s glorious past, present and ambitious plans for the future, housing some of Qatar’s historic artifacts, antique work tools and a treasure trove of information on Qatar’s extraordinary growth. Qatar’s distinct architecture and rich heritage is narrated at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre through the use of striking imagery, reclaimed implements, architectural highlights and interactive mediums that highlight the human element that truly embodies Qatar’s rich heritage.

Msheireb Properties wins two prestigious awards at 2018 Qatar Sustainability Awards

Doha, Qatar, 29 October 2108:

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable developer and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and Community Development, bagged two coveted awards at the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Awards, held yesterday (28thOctober).

Msheireb Properties’ flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, was recognized for its exceptional standards of sustainability throughout the Qatar Academy Msheireb Building,which won for ‘Green Educational Building’, and Bin Jelmood House which wonin the category of ‘Green Cultural Building’.

Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, said: “This is another milestone in Msheireb Properties record of success and achievement. This year, Msheireb Properties has been honored with two awards at the hugely anticipated and respected Qatar Sustainability Awards. This reflects our unyielding commitment to protecting the environment and preserving natural resources, which is part of our mission and effort to contribute to the environment pillar of 2030 Qatar National Vision.”

Qatar Sustainability Awards recognise the efforts, commitment, and contributions of individuals, institutions and organisations in furthering sustainable development and environmental protection in Qatar and beyond.

The two MDD facilities were lauded for their energy and water efficiency, use of non-potable water, rainwater recovery and on-site renewable energy generation. Some of the features include renovation of heritage houses, energy efficient building design with recessed windows, energy recovery of outside air entering the building, optimised ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors, and a high efficiency district cooling plant.

Qatar Academy Msheireb, a member of Qatar Foundation, is a pioneering school located at Msheireb Downtown Doha. The building of the school is distinguished with its sustainable features that make it a perfect educational building. Bin Jelmood house, is one of the four heritage houses of Msheireb Museums. The house was renovated preserving its architectural language and design, and encompasses important features of sustainable buildings.

Sustainability is central to Msheireb Downtown Doha’s conservation of natural resources and quality of design. The building designs include thicker walls and orientation, which enables them to benefit from the shade of adjacent buildings, provides natural cooling and reduces the need for air-conditioning.  Furthermore, the adoption of the latest, cutting-edge technology enables Msheireb Properties to produce renewable energy, monitor electricity use, and make the most efficient use of water, all of which translate to reduced emissions, energy and water usage, and waste production.

Msheireb Properties is a Platinum Sponsor of the 2018 Qatar Sustainability Week.

The Shapes of Water Exhibition at Msheireb Enrichment Centre until 3 November

October 18th, Doha, Qatar:

The Embassy of Italy to the State of Qatar and Triennale di Milano, in partnership with Msheireb Properties, presented on the 17th of October, in the prestigious location of the Msheireb Enrichment Centre, the exhibition “The Shapes of Water”, a survey on social design and product design projects related to different uses of water.

The exhibition, open to public for free from the 18th of October until the 3rd of November, comes from a project of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) with Triennale di Milano.  The framework of the programme, “Italy, Cultures, the Mediterranean”, is an initiative launched by MAECI to encourage dialogue and cultural exchanges, and promote the various cultural forms and identities of the Mediterranean region, the Middle East and the Gulf.

“The Shapes of Water” exhibition deals with the theme of environmental sustainability, and specifically water, a fundamental resource for mankind that has turned into a precious commodity, and in some cases, into a cause of geopolitical tensions due to its scarcity in certain territories. However, the use of water and its governance have always been a subject of interest for design since, as it is perceived as a limited resource, water has become more and more relevant for business and commercial purposes. The idea of the exhibition is to present water as a bond – not as source of division – between peoples and to return to the authentic social and civil concept at the core of design.

“We are particularly pleased”, said the Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar, H.E. Pasquale Salzano, “that Doha represents the first destination of a prestigious travelling exhibition, which will bring a selection of innovative and creative design objects in other countries of the region.”

“The Shapes of Water” exhibition is composed of two sections. The first section provides an overview of items related to different uses of water (condensing, collecting, carrying, extinguishing, farming, filtering, keeping, purifying, washing), made by international designers. Pride of place has been given to those projects that offer innovative solutions to the problem of water scarcity. The second section showcases some specially made items to express the primary function of water “to quench one’s thirst”. This is a series of works aimed at reinterpreting the archetypical shape of the jars according to the different issues and needs of the designers’ countries of origin, with a particular focus on local manufacturing, traditional techniques and materials.

Ambassador Salzano continued, “The items of these designers, even if inspired by different – although very close – cultures, traditions, languages and skills, are able to build a weft of reflections which celebrates the binding, cohesive nature of water for those countries that, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf region, present a great variety of values and cultural identities”.

Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO Msheireb properties said: “Msheireb Properties, a developer of one of the most Sustainable City Districts in the World, is proud to be part of this cultural and artistic event and host such an exhibition at Msheireb Enrichment Centre, the landmark destination created by Msheireb Properties that serves as an educational portal showcasing Qatar’s glorious past and soaring ambitions for the future. It is the perfect place for cultural exchange that build connections between people and civilisations. We thank the Italian Embassy in Doha for their effort and curating this artistic exhibition to the people in Qatar, and look forward for more collaboration.”

The number of countries represented in the exhibition is quite impressive: Italy, France, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. On show is also the work of the young Qatari interior designer Shaikha Al Sulaiti. Her art piece, named “Msheireb Light”, is a symbolic representation of Qatar’s support to the concept of truth, clarity and transparency. “I realised this object by reusing a bottle from a Qatari brand, with the idea of up cycling in mind”, Shaikha Al Sulaiti explained at the opening of the exhibition. “It is composed of three materials: the Rosso Levanto marble, which reflects the colors of the flag of my country; water, which symbolizes the concept of truth; and the brass, representing the prosperity and success of Qatar. The quote in the brass comes from our national anthem. It reads: ‘Qatar will always be free – By the spirit of the loyal’”.

“Today, from Doha, we are sending out a very powerful message of cultural inclusion and openness to diversity” – concluded Ambassador Salzano. “Qatar does not close the doors to cultural exchange, to dialogue, to cooperation. Qatar is an example of inclusiveness, no matter where an art piece comes from. Culture is meant to express the best side of human beings and is a powerful means to overcome divisions”.

The exhibition “The Shapes of Water” is the first event taking place in the framework of the Qatar Sustainability Week – from October 27th to November 3rd 2018 – an initiative promoted by the Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. During the opening of the exhibition the director of QGBC, Eng. Meshal Al Shamari, presented the programme of activities scheduled for the Sustainability Week, which is meant to raise awareness in the public opinion on the theme of environmental sustainability.

Msheireb Museums Claims CECA Award for Best Educational Practice

Doha, Qatar 23 September 2018:

Msheireb Museums (MM), the cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), won the ‘Best Educational Practice Program’ award by the International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA) during the CECA conference and awards, held in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA) is one of the oldest International Committees of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), and with over 1,000 members from 85 countries, CECA is also one of its largest. Members are professionals working in different sectors of the museum field or institutions related to museums; as educators, curators, professors, communication agents or interpreters, interested in education and cultural action applied to a particular sort of heritage.

The ‘Best Educational Practice Program’ award explores a range of creative practices in museums that support CECA’s main message of enriching educational and cultural applied actions. It is an award granted to 5 participants with 5 different practical projects that explore their own individual heritage.

 

Msheireb Museums’ winning project, Bin Jelmood educational programme, introduces the story of Bin Jelmood house in an effective and engaging way, using innovative methods to reach a young target audience. The Bin Jamood House, which tells the story of slavery and how it has evolved into modern forms of human exploitation, is one of four historic heritage houses that make up Msheireb Museums.

 

Hafiz Ali, Museum Director said: “We are proud that our museums education initiatives are being recognized globally, and look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality, engaging and immersive learning experiences for the public.”

 

Commenting on Msheireb’s participation, Milene Chiovatto- President of CECA said: “Congratulations to Msheireb Museums for being a star in our award ceremonies for best practices in CECA. We are honoured to have them represented this year.”

 

Commenting on the Award, Sheikha Moza Al-Thani, Education Officer at Msheireb Museums said: “This year, I am honoured to have been one of the awarded participants for the Bin Jelmood House educational programme and activity collateral. The booklet that was recognized by ICOM jury members, introduces students aged 8-12 to the history of slavery in Qatar. It took a lot of hard work to produce, and I am very proud that it has been recognized by such an esteemed organization.”

 

In addition to the winning educational programme, Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with the University College of London – Qatar (UCL-Q), presented at the conference, a research paper titled “When a University and Museum Work Together”, which outlined the successful series of UCL-Q Masters in Museum Studies students’ exhibitions hosted in Msheireb Museums.

 

“We always look forward to working with UCL-Q and various educational institutions to develop community led exhibitions that offer an exciting and insightful perspective on Qatar’s heritage and social history”, added Fahad Al-Turky, Exhibitions Manager at Msheireb Museums.

 

Since Msheireb Museums opened in 2015, it has a record of hosting exhibitions and conferences that raise awareness on various cultural topics that support the cultural scene in Qatar.  The aim of the UCL-Q exhibitions is to ensure the academic engagement of students through a museum’s learning experience, in which students are given the opportunity to experience creating a full museum exhibition.

 

Last year, Msheireb Museums hosted the ‘Back to Msheireb’ Exhibition in Mohammed bin Jassim house, which documented Msheireb’ s transformation into a centre of commercial activity and an intercultural crossroads for people of diverse origins between the years 1980 and 2009.

Earlier this year, the Museums hosted the ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ Exhibition, which aimed to raise awareness on the role of women during the pre-oil era of discovery and what kind of social and economic changes were made through history to enable womens’ empowerment.

Aisha Al Kuwari, Education Manager at Msheireb Museums said, “The ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ Exhibition is aligned with stories of Qatari pioneers in the main office of the oil company house located in the inner neighborhood of Msheireb in the 1930s.”

Additionally, this year Msheireb Museums celebrated International Museum Day by hosting workshops, presentations and a panel discussion in collaboration with CECA.

 

Msheireb Museums education initiatives are intended to deliver high-quality learning experiences to the local community, endeavor to create a variety of opportunities to encourage the understanding of Msheireb Museums’ narrative, and to encourage immersive learning experiences that are intellectually stimulating and enjoyable for the target audience.

 

These programs act as a platform to support the teaching of Qatari history and related subjects. Msheireb Museums education initiatives aim to be influential in engaging young people in Qatar to better understand and appreciate their history and to inspire future generations. This leads to a continuation of research in the future and ongoing learning about Qatari culture, history and heritage.

 

In line with its mandate, Msheireb Museums has built strong connections and collaborations with academic institutions – including universities, colleges, and research programmes – to ensure better engagement with the museum’s offering and content. In addition, visitors of the museums have access to the valuable digital resources of Qatar National Library.

Msheireb Museums represent a significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realising the vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first sustainable and smart city regeneration project. The museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Qatar’s old town. Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. These reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in some of the most significant aspects of Qatar’s past and memories of a life before the country’s rapid economic development.

Fare Cinema (Making Films) – The Italian Movie Industry “Movie set-design speaks Italian – A talk with Italian movie set-designers Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri” In partnership with Msheireb Museums

Doha, Qatar, September 23rd, 2018:

Spotlights were focused on the professions of the cinema world recently as the Italian Embassy to the State of Qatar recently organised the conference “Movie set-design speaks Italian – A talk with Italian movie set-designers Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri”. The event was organized in partnership with Msheireb Museums (MM) and held at the Museum’s prestigious Bin Jelmood House.

The event promoted the ingenuity and creativity of Italian movie set-designers and held to the spirit motivating the first edition in Qatar of “Fare Cinema (“Making Films”) – The Italian Movie Industry”. The programme, launched by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the framework of the first Week of the Italian Cinema in the World, is aimed at promoting “Made in Italy” quality film production abroad. 100 testimonials of the Italian cinema were sent to 100 capital cities around the world – one among them being Doha – to celebrate Italy’s excellent cinematography.

“Italy has a great tradition of quality cinema” said the Italian Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Pasquale Salzano, “and its contemporary film production is supported by the Italian Institutions as an integral part of the promotion of ‘Brand Italy’ throughout the world”.

“Fare Cinema” in Qatar – continued the Ambassador – has the purpose to let our Qatari friends know more about the Italian film-making industry, enhance the interests of the public and engage qualified industry operators”.

His Excellency concluded, “On the occasion of the first edition of Fare Cinemawe have decided to focus especially on the important role played by movie set-designers in our cinematography. How the choice of beautiful locations and magnificent architectures, the attention to furniture and style, are essential elements that contribute to make the Italian film production unique in the world ”.

To open “Fare Cinema” in Qatar, the Italian Embassy has invited Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri, two Italian movie set and stage designers who have dedicated their professional life to interior design and furniture, applying their expertise to the fields of cinema, theatre, television programmes and art exhibitions. Alida and Giovanni already worked in Qatar in 2011 for “Sea’s secrets”, a television and theater production about the history of Qatar throughout music, dancing and showings.

In the presence of representatives of Qatari cultural institutions, diplomats, distinguished guests and members of the Italian community in Doha, Alida and Giovanni explained, though they showing of their works, how movie set-design is crucial for successful films and how this contributes significantly to distinguish the Italian film-making industry abroad.

Mr. Hafez Ali, Msheireb Museums Director said: “Italy is one of the famous countries recognized for its creative art, design and films. We are pleased today to host this event to promote the Italian film industry and to build bridges between cultures and communities. This cultural destination will always serve as a forum to raise awareness of high-quality experiences from across the world, and to enhance the image of Qatar as the land of civilisations that is open to all cultures and backgrounds”.

After the intervention of the two Italian movie set-designers, Dr. Cherif Amor, Chair and Professor of design at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCU) in Qatar, explained the importance of training young future movie set-designers on the impact of behavioral sciences and lighting on creating set design and told what VCU does in terms of programs, courses and activities for students in Qatar.  Professor Amor also introduced the activities planned in the framework of “Fare Cinema” at VCU. Alida Cappellini and Giovanni Licheri held on September 24th a lecture on the vibrant relation between light and movie set-design to make quality films.

Msheireb Museums Friends graduates new group of tour guides from Qatar Youth Hostel Center

Doha, Qatar, 18 September 2018:

Msheireb Museums, the cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, has celebrated the graduation of a new group of tour museum guides and volunteers from a one-week workshop as part of its Msheireb Museums Friends programme.

The graduates, all from Qatar Youth Hostel Center and aged between 20 and 26 years old, had both theoretical and practical training during the week. They completed lessons on how to guide visitors and tourists throughout the museums and other tourist sites and how to professionally inform and describe Qatar’s rich heritage and history.

Mr. Hafez Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums said: “Our ceremony today reiterates the role that Msheireb Museums play in supporting tourism in Qatar through training tour guides and equipping them with the skills and tools they need to be professional tour guides. This programme reflects our commitment in accomplishing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 that focuses on human development and economy diversification. It is also a part of our mandate to contribute in the social and economic development of Qatar.”

Expressing his pleasure in collaborating with Msheireb Museums, Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed Al Hajri, The Directorof Department of Youth Affairssaid that Msheireb Museums Friends Programme contributes in raising and developing the skills of the participants in the field of arts and cultural heritage, which will in turn enhance the image of Qatari society and national identity. He also reiterated the readiness of the Ministry of Culture and Sports to continue its collaboration with Msheireb Museums to serve the youth of Qatar, support cultural tourism and promote Qatar identity.

The management of the Qatar Youth Hostel Center thanked Msheireb Museums and said: “We’d like to thank Msheireb Museums for this opportunity to train our youth on the basics skills needed to be a successful tour guide. Our main objective is to empower and encourage youth to learn about the culture and civilization of other countries and to enhance their tourism capabilities. During the session, we were amazed by the participants’ enthusiasm and their great desire to learn and listen to new historical and cultural information. Their performance in this new experience was excellent, and we are happy that they gained the expertise in this training.”

Launched last year, ‘Msheireb Museums Friends’ is a mutually-beneficial volunteer programme that empowers teachers and educational leaders to become tour guides in the museums and enhance their skills to lead student tours. The programme will also enable students to enhance their leadership skills while introducing the community to the country’s rich culture.

Established to create cultural ambassadors, Msheireb Museums Friends train a number of teachers and leaders from a wide range of educational organizations, youth associations, and with students, helping to develop their leadership skills and so they can get the most out of the Msheireb Museum’s four historic cultural houses.

Msheireb Museums are a significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realising the vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first sustainable and smart city regeneration project. The museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Qatar’s old town; Bin Jelmood House (raising awareness of formerly enslaved people), Company House (history of Qatar’s petroleum industry), Radwani House (providing insights into Qatari family life over generations), and Mohammed Bin Jassim House (a journey through Msheireb district over time).

Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. These reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s heritage and traditions before the country’s rapid economic development.

In line with its mandate, Msheireb Museums has built strong connections and collaborations with academic institutions, including universities, colleges, research programmes and exhibitions to engage with the museums’ content and offerings. Visitors of the museums have access to the library’s valuable digital resources of Qatar National Library.

 

Msheireb Museums in Partnership with Qatar Photographic Society Organize Workshops

Doha, Qatar, August 8, 2018:

Msheireb Museums (MM), the new cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), in collaboration with the Qatar Photography Society, organised special workshops aimed at raising awareness about the photography culture, as well as increase the public’s interest in this art. The workshops started from 19 July until the end of August at Msheireb Museums.
This unique partnership between the Msheireb Museums and Qatar Photographic Society aims to encourage youth in participating in photography competitions and festivals that highlight the beauty of vital landmarks in Qatar. The collaboration will also contribute to the completion of Msheireb Museums’ endeavors to develop skills in the Qatari community, as well as attract various talents to be an active component of the society.
Mr. Abdulla Al Naama, Public Program Manager Msheireb Museums, said: “We are delighted to have this valuable strategic partnership with the Qatar Photographic Society, which offers special workshops that supports photography artists, professionals and amateurs to become our future ambassadors. A group of young people and professionals will present these workshops to educate the audience on proper use of cameras and lenses, along with an overview of international photography competitions.”
Mr. Abdulrahman Obaidan, Vice President of the QPS, said: “Our organization is currently seeking to diversify the themes of workshops and photography courses as well as the exhibitions of its male and female members. The management of the association extends their great thanks and appreciation Msheireb Properties and Msheireb Museums managements for their collaboration to host this activity. The QPS hopes to continue this fruitful and constructive cooperation that serves the development and advancement of the Qatari youth. During this period, the association, in collaboration with Msheireb Properties, will preset several specialised photography workshops curated by experts in this field.”
The workshops will also highlight the development of Qatari architecture by highlighting the aesthetics of modern and historical Qatari architecture reflected in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). The photography workshops will also support the positioning of Msheireb Museums as a cultural platform that promotes awareness and educates the community in various cultural and artistic fields.
The partnership with the Qatar Photographic Society is one of many initiatives and partnerships held by Msheireb Museums with national and international institutions and associations aiming to highlight Qatar’s cultural role, as well as enhancing MDD’s position as a leading cultural destination.
The Qatar Photographic Society, which currently has more than 1000 members, organized numerous activities since its inception, and has achieved many accomplishments through sponsoring photographers, preserving the rights of its members, and marketing their works to government agencies and public and private institutions. Qatar Photographic Society is a member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP) and a member of the American Society of Photographers.
Within the framework of achieving the principle of community partnership, the Qatar Photographic Society also partners with various schools, universities, hospitals, charities and public institutions to support Qatar and to highlight their role in this society.
Msheireb Museums are a significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realising the vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Qatar’s first sustainable and smart city regeneration project. The museums celebrate the history of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Qatar’s old town. Located within the oldest part of the capital, they form an important part of Qatar’s national history. These reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s heritage and traditions before the country’s rapid economic development.
In line with its mandate, Msheireb Museums has built strong connections and collaborations with academic institutions, including universities, colleges, research programmes and exhibitions to engage with the museums offering and content. In addition, visitors of the museums have access to the library’s valuable digital resources of Qatar National Library. To promote tourism to Qatar, Msheireb Museums also collaborated with Qatar Tourism Authority to provide tour guides with best practices and training to share with international visitors.

Al Fai Restaurant Opens Its Doors Creating Premier Qatari Gastronomy

Doha, Qatar: May 7, 2018:

Al Fai Restaurant, created by SavyHospitality, opened its doors today for guests to experience true Qatari food, ambience and hospitality. Located at Company House, one of the four acclaimed Msheireb Museums, the new dining destination is the first restaurant to open at the project, as part of Msheireb Downtown Doha’s exciting programme of activations for 2018.

The menu at Al Fai specialises in highlighting authentic Qatari cuisine presented in a modern style – a Qatari fusion of food using a contemporary design. Every dish served at Al Fai has an artistic flair, including a selection of continental dishes made with exciting techniques served in an elegant setting. Al Fai is not just a restaurant, it is also a representation of culture, offering food for a variety of occasions, through a great dining experience that tells stories with its setting.

Mr. Ali Al Kuwari A/CEO at Msheireb Properties commented: “The opening of Al Fai Restaurant is a landmark for Msheireb Downtown Doha, as the first of many fine-dining options to open soon at Qatar’s new regeneration project in the heart of Doha. This year we will be announcing a programme of new openings and milestones as new retail, residential and commercial opportunities become available. Our staff is pressing ahead to complete the final works of construction on the way to the completion of the project. We encourage everyone to come and see for themselves the acclaimed Msheireb Museums and taste authentic Qatari cuisine at Al Fai.”

Sheikh Abdul Rehman bin Saoud Al-Thani, Savy Hospitality, commented, “Al Fai Restaurant, meaning the shadow. The restaurant is housed at Company House which was the first technical office of the oil exploration initiatives in Qatar. It is a great privilege and honour to be a part of Qatari history and tradition, and we are pleased to announce we have brought the famous Omani Celebrity Chef Mr. Issa Allemki to head this prestigious restaurant. In addition, we will offer signature dishes from renowned Qatari Chef Mrs. Noora Al-Khulaifi. We have presented this restaurant as a tribute to local talent and culture. Paintings were sourced from Qatari artists Tamador and MariamAhmad, and flower decorations from HINKS flowers, run by a group of Qatari creative entrepreneur

And decorating tables of HINKS flower coordinators run by a group of Qatari creative girls

Mr. Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Al Fai Restaurant that will add a new dynamic to the rich, cultural offering already available at Msheireb Museums. As we continue to move forward with plans to develop our programme of partnerships, workshops and exhibitions, it is fantastic we can now offer unique, authentic Qatari cuisine right on our doorstep. We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents of Qatar, and beyond.”

Yoonus Salim Vappattu, Managing Director, SAVY Hospitality said; “We extend our sincere gratitude to Msheireb Properties and Msheireb Museums for entrusting us with this unique concept. We have taken several months of research to successfully launch and present a contemporary Qatari restaurant combining authenticity, tradition, fashion and a gastronomic fusion. Alfai will be the place for experiencing warm Qatari hospitality and the tastes of Qatar, for residents and tourists at its strategic location in the heart of Doha, overlooking the symbol of Qatari culture – Souq Waqif.”

A fine dining restaurant set at the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Al Fai stands exactly where the headquarters of Qatar’s first oil company stood in the early 1950s. This historic space retains many memories of the remarkable efforts of the Qatari pioneers of those times. Al Fai is an attempt in paying tribute to a bygone era by offering its guests the taste of authentic, traditional Qatari cuisine, in a contemporary setting. Where the menu is inspired by hundreds of stories from the golden period that ushered in a new beginning for the people of Qatar, curated by leading gastronomy experts from Qatar and Oman.

Savy Hospitality and Mshiereb Museums welcomes its guest to explore the gastronomy of Qatari cuisine and an immersion of Qatari culture. Al Fai Restaurant is open Saturday – Thursday from 11am to 11.30 pm and Friday from12:30pm to 11:30pm atCompany House, Msheireb Museums at Msheireb Downtown Doha.