Msheireb Museums and UCL Qatar presents Community Archives Symposium

The participants discuss the relevance of community archives to document the heritage of communities in the region

 Doha, Qatar, 5thMay 2018:

Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown, hosted today the ‘Community Archives Symposium’ by UCL Qatar.

The symposium organized by the UCL Qatar’s Master in Library and Information Science programme, gathered scholars, archivists, and community members at Bin Jelmood House, where they discussedthe relevance of community archives to document the heritage of communities in the region. The participants also raised questions on the future of this community-based form of independent documentation in the region.

Aiming to examine the possibilities for and signs of community archives developing in the MENA region, community archives are “collections of materials gathered primarily by members of a given community” to document the commonalities of the group’s identity. They diversify our understanding of the past and help to address omissions in the historical record.

Mr. Hafiz Ali, Msheireb Museums Director said: “Msheireb Museums is pleased to host this cultural and community event that documents and preserves our history. We stay committed to our community through these collaborations with educational institutions, and maintain our identity for the next generations. Thissymposiumis one of many we host at the museums, we would like to thank UCL Qatar for this collaboration and a continued prosperous partnership.”

Following keynote remarks from Director Hafiz Ali, Msheireb Museums and Dr Andrew Flynn, UCL London, UK, the symposium included four main panels that discussed related topics. The first panel, ‘Documenting Everyday Life’, talked about their experiences in Palestine and the Arab World, as well as archiving Islamic history in UK. Additionally, Aisha Ali Al Kuwari and Mohammed AlYousuf, Msheireb Museums, experience in Oral History.

The second panel focused on building Gulf community archives and showcased different cases in Qatar and Kuwait, under the title ‘Building Gulf Community Archive’. Following this, attendees looked at the importance of collecting information and documenting oral histories through ‘Listening to Archives’ panel. While oral history has been a popular tool for community archives, collections can also include photographs, written documents, material artefacts, digital files and websites. Concluding the symposium was a panel exploring cases of ‘Communities Inside of Communities’ with an outlook on The Online Community Archive of Western Expats from 1950s Qatar.

Located in the Heritage Quarter, a historic area of Msheireb Downtown Doha, Bin Jelmood House is one of four heritage houses that have been restored to create a trusted cultural destination that enriches the community. Rooted in history, these reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage with significant aspects of Qatar’s past and memories of life, before the country’s rapid economic development.

Since the inception of UCL Qatar in 2012, the students of the Master in Museum and Gallery Practice have collaborated with Qatari cultural institutions to create and develop temporary creative exhibitions.

Doha’s Most Desirable Address and View is Now Available at Wadi One

Msheireb Properties releases for rental its first residential building at Msheireb Downtown Doha at this year’s Cityscape Qatar

Doha, Qatar, 23 April 2018:

Residents in Doha are now able to sign up to live in one of the region’s most desirable addresses, at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). Msheireb Properties (MP) is proud to present at this week’s Cityscape Qatar their first residential tower for leasing, Wadi One.

As the leading real estate development company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and Social Development, MP is previewing Wadi One for potential letting opportunities on 1-4-bedroom apartments that offer unparalleled views of the West Bay, old Doha and Souq Waqif, as well as state-of-the-art smart home technology.

With one of the most magnificent views of Doha’s West Bay skyline, Wadi One will offer a combination of understated luxury and day-to-day convenience with easy access to MDD’s flagship Galleria Mall, a supermarket, children’s edutainment area and many retail and F&B options on their doorstep.Residents can also take advantage of exclusive pools, state-of-the art gyms, roof-top terraces with stunning views, private lifts, communal majlis and 24/7 concierge and facility management services. MDD will offer a new type of urban living that’s unprecedented in terms of style, amenities, location, and safety, alongside promoting a healthier, more green way of living.

Thanks to these facilities, MDD will be a haven for all residents and families. Wadi One provides peace of mind with high-tech IP-based camera surveillance systems ensuring total security within the neighbourhood, and around-the-clock facilities and project management guaranteeing everything within the project works perfectly. Complementing this, the location of Wadi One is central to the city and close to Doha’s most iconic landmarks, with easy access via the Souq Waqif tunnel, as well as close to AL Wadi Hotel and Sikkat Al Wadi Square.

Upon completion, the new downtown district will offer residents a combination of luxurious and spacious townhouses that blendtraditional Qatari heritage with modern architecture, as well as contemporary apartments with world-class fittings and finishes. MDD will also offer residents the largest offer of parks & plazas within one development in Qatar – a testament to its commitment to providing not only green spaces, but also green practices throughout the city.

With a variety of residential, retail and commercial options available within MDD, Msheireb Properties will present investment opportunities to attract retailers and companies. MP will provide them with leasing and sales options that best suit the most luxurious fashion brands, cafes, restaurants and recreations that include kids zone, mall, amongst others. Mixing elements of traditional heritage with the latest smart city technology provides a unique experience to those that live in, work and visit MDD, reviving the historical commercial heart of Doha in line with Qatar’s 2030 National Vision.

Details about Wadi One can be found at its dedicated space on the Msheireb Properties pavilion at Cityscape Qatar, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Conference Center until Wednesday (April 25). The highly-anticipated MP pavilion offers visitors an array of activities including access to its never-before-seen Barahat Msheireb architecture 3D model, with two additional large-scale models highlighting the grandeur of the billion-dollar regeneration project of Qatar’s historic commercial centre. In addition, a sneak peek at two of the four hotels that will be on offer at MDD, Al Wadi Hotel Doha by MGallery and the Mandarin Oriental. MP’s cinematic partner Novo is also offering a mini-cinema environment to view MDD’s latest fly-through video in luxury, style and comfortable VIP seating.

For more information on Msheireb Properties and Msheireb Downtown Doha please visit http://www.msheireb.com, or alternatively follow the latest news and updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

To speak to the team about available retail, residential and leasing opportunities, please contact T: 800 DOHA (800 3642), or E: [email protected].

 

Activating Msheireb Downtown Doha’s Leasing Opportunities, Msheireb Properties Opens its Pavilion at Cityscape Qatar

Doha, Qatar, 22 April 2018:

Today Msheireb Properties (MP), the leading real estate development company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and Social Development, opened its pavilion at Cityscape Qatar offering visitors access to new leasing opportunities at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) – the nation’s highly-anticipated downtown new regeneration project.
Participating at Cityscape Qatar until Wednesday (April 25) at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, MP is presenting MDD and all it will offer for retailers, residents and commercial entities. With some areas of the project already operational including Msheireb mosque, Qatar Academy – Msheireb (school), msheireb prayer ground, Amiri Diwan and the acclaimed Msheireb Museums, 2018 is particularly exciting as new elements will be activated across a broad spectrum of exciting retail, residential and commercial options.
Those who sign new commercial leasing agreements this week will join an elite list of government entities and global and regional brands. This includes Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), who is moving all its business to MDD the new Financial City of Qatar, as well as flagship brands such as Novo cinemas and Al Meera. They are all part of the world’s largest certified sustainable and smart downtown community, featuring 100 mixed-use buildings, 800 residential units, more than 300 retail units and 17 commercial buildings, in addition to four hotels, a school, 3 mosques, Msheireb Museums, the Galleria Mall and many other buildings.
MDD seeks to provide innovative retail outlets and experiences for shoppers. Those wishing to join the MDD retail and commercial community can book their space and enjoy doing business in a unique way. Msheireb Properties is offering attractive investment opportunities by creating a range of leasing opportunities to suit everyone from the most luxurious brands, cafes & restaurants and recreational edutainment areas. The key retail differential for MDD is the variety of shopping experiences on offer and the high-street outlets that serve as an attractive, new way of shopping.
MDD offers an attractive destination for shoppers all year round creating an advantage for retailers. The central downtown location offers quick “on-the-door step” access for residents and those working in the new commercial hubs of the downtown area. Convenient access to MDD will be facilitated through a variety of transport options; over 10,000 parking spaces spread over six underground floors, tram, pedestrian-friendly streets, bicycle lanes, as well as hosting the main hub station for Qatar Rail. This is all complemented by MDD’s modern, smart city infrastructure for seamless connectivity and communication.
MP’s pavilion at Cityscape Qatar is offering a cinematic experience in partnership with Novo cinemas to view the new flythrough video in style and luxury, as well as hospitality and marketing from two of the four hotels at MDD, Al Wadi Hotel Doha by MGallery and Mandarin Oriental. To showcase the development, three large-scale masterpiece models will display to visitors the magnificence and grandeur of MDD and the project’s iconic Barahat Msheireb.
Barahat Msheireb is Qatar’s biggest open-air square at MDD that features the largest retractable roof in the Middle East, allowing for all-year-round use. Complementing the roof are innovative cool pool systems that will push chilled air from the ground up, designed to keep diners and visitors comfortable during Doha’s summer months whilst enjoying the 11 food and beverage outlets and lively atmosphere. Located next to the square is the Mandarin Oriental hotel as well as the Cultural Forum.
For more information on Msheireb Properties and Msheireb Downtown Doha visit the Cityscape Qatar pavilion. Alternatively, visit www.msheireb.com or follow the latest news and updates via the Msheireb Properties social media channels; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
To speak to the team about available retail, residential and leasing opportunities, please contact
T: 800 DOHA (800 3642), or E: [email protected]

National Archive Building at “Msheireb Downtown Doha” Wins Big At Tarsheed Awards 2018

Doha, Qatar, 18 April 2018: Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation and Qatar’s leading sustainable developer, for the second time in a row, has claimed an award at the National Programme for Conservation and Energy (Tarsheed) at a ceremony held at Qatar National Convention Centre.
Launched as part of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation’s (KAHRAMAA) National Programme for Conservation and Energy, the Tarsheed Awards’ ceremony is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al- Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar and was attended by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Prime Minster and Minster of Interior, to motivate developers to adopt building conservation practices and encourage them to embrace energy conservation strategies that work towards Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
The National Archive located at Msheireb Properties’ flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, claimed the Best Conserving Building Award in the Government category of the Tarsheed competition. This landmark building aims to reduce energy and water waste by utilising the best technology and unique architectural language.
Receiving the award, Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties said: “We are extremely pleased that our flagship project is being recognised and acknowledged for our commitment to sustainable urban regeneration, which shows our endeavours to support the plans of sustainable development as stated in Qatar vision 2030. Msheireb Downtown Doha is emblematic of our mission to build sustainable modern communities that change the way people think about urban living.”
The National Archive was honoured and acknowledged for its energy and water saving features, use of non-potable water, rainwater recovery and on-site renewable energy generation. Sustainability is central to Msheireb Downtown Doha, in terms of both the conservation of natural resources and the quality of its design. The National Archive’s energy efficient building design includes improved building envelopes of walls and windows, recessed windows, energy recovery to the outside air entering the building, optimised ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors and a high efficiency district cooling plant. Also, thicker walls, and orientation that enables building to benefit from the shade of adjacent buildings, which cools the local environment and reduces air-conditioning requirements. While adoption of the latest technology enables Msheireb Properties to produce renewable energy, monitor electricity use, and make the most efficient use of water. Translating in reduced emissions, energy and water savings and minimised waste.
Winning the Best Conserving Building Award in the Government category of last year’s Tarsheed competition, the Cultural Forum building is located at Msheireb Downtown Doha. With aims to have the largest concentration of gold and platinum LEED certified buildings – while MDD is set to be the world’s first sustainable regeneration project.

Msheireb Properties to Showcase its Flagship Project “Msheireb Downtown Doha” at Cityscape Qatar 2018

Doha, Qatar; 17 April 2018:

Msheireb Properties (MP), the leading real estate development company and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and Social Development, will participate at Cityscape Qatar 2018 this month to showcase its flagship development, Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), the pioneering regeneration project in the Doha’s historical commercial centre.
The pavilion will include access to MP’s masterplan of the project, detailed through three large-scale models highlighting MDD in all its splendour. For the first time viewing for the public, one of the three models include a large-scale replica of Barahat Msheireb, MDD’s large open public square, that boasts the largest retractable outdoor roof in the Middle East.
Two of the four hotels at MDD will be present on the pavilion highlighting their upcoming hospitality offerings; the internationally acclaimed hotels, Al Wadi Hotel Doha by MGallery and the Mandarin Oriental. Novo cinemas will also be present in MP’s booth, where a mini-cinema environment has been replicated, where visitors can view MDD’s latest fly-through video in luxury, style and comfortable VIP seating.
MP’s participation at this year’s event is highly anticipated as new residential, retail and commercial offerings will be revealed, as well as additional hospitality prospects.
In addition, MDD’s first residential tower will be presented to prospective tenants and customers. It will offer its residents unparalleled views across the water to the West Bay with a mix of 1-4-bedroom apartments, featuring state-of-the-art smart home technology, in Qatar’s most upcoming desirable neighbourhood.
Mr. Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “2018 is the year of activation for Msheireb Downtown Doha. We’re delighted to participate at Cityscape Qatar 2018 as it provides us with a platform to showcase the latest achievements of Msheireb Downtown Doha. We are thrilled to announce to the public that residential, commercial, and retail leasing opportunities are available to discover now.”
With a variety of residential, retail and commercial options available within MDD, Msheireb Properties will present investment opportunities to attract retailers and companies. MP will provide them with leasing and sales options that best suit the most luxurious fashion brands, cafes, restaurants and recreations that include kids zone, mall, amongst others.
Al-Kuwari continued; “The residential and commercial buildings, retail outlets and restaurants, hotels, the tram and other facilities are just getting the finishing touches to be ready to welcome our new tenants and visitors. We are proud to say we are accomplishing our goals and are on schedule for Msheireb Downtown Doha. Upon completion, the city will redefine the style of living and working in Qatar and indeed, the region. Now the local and international community will be able to see first-hand our pioneering smart city initiatives set in MDD’s sustainable urban development.”
On completion, MDD will be the world’s largest certified sustainable and smart downtown community with 100 mixed-use buildings, 800 residential units, more than 300 retail units and 17 commercial buildings, in addition to four hotels, a school, 3 mosques, the Galleria Mall and many other retail stores set in a high street environment and the much-admired Msheireb Museums. Mixing elements of traditional heritage with the latest smart city technology provides a unique experience to those that live in, work and visit MDD, reviving the historical commercial heart of Doha in line with Qatar’s 2030 National Vision.
Held in Doha Exhibition and Conference Center from 22nd to 25th April, Cityscape Qatar 2018 will be held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minster, Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. The event brings together real estate professionals, including investors, developers, architects, designers, governmental authorities, who will come together to explore the exhibition and conference to close profitable real estate transaction.

“Msheireb Museums” in Cooperation with UCL Qatar MA Students are Organizing ‘We are the Daughters of Qatar’ Exhibition

Doha, 10 April 2018

UCL Qatar Masters students on the Museum and Gallery Programme have partnered with Msheireb Museums to curate the ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ exhibition that explores the topic of Qatari womanhood.

Starting from 11 April until 9 May 2018, this exhibition tells the stories of Qatari women whose lives were transformed as a result of the discovery of oil. ‘We are the daughters of Qatar’ takes place at Musheireb Museums, the new cultural destination that reflects the history of four heritage houses, which are located in the heritage district of Msheireb Downtown Doha. With its unique location in Msheireb, these houses reflect a historical background of Qatar and provide a cultural space for exchanging ideas and enriching dialogue about the past and the future.

 

Through the perspectives of grandmothers, mothers and daughters of Qatar this exhibition explores what has changed and what has remained the same in women’s lives. At the heart of this exhibition are the personal encounters of three generations of Qatari women as we examine their memories and ideas concerning education, career, fashion, crafts and art and celebrate these resilient and inspiring Qatari women.

The MA in Museum and Gallery Practice is designed to help shape future generations of museum professionals and cultural leaders in Qatar and beyond. The exhibition project is one of the core modules the MA students undertake each year in a museum where they have conceived, curated, designed and installed the exhibition. Furthermore, the students bring to life their new knowledge and skills by delivering museum outputs to a high professional standard. UCL students on the MA in Museum and Gallery PracticeThe exhibition forms part of UCL Qatar’s aim to bring light to Qatari history, creating a sense of national relevance through its programmes.

Talking ahead of the exhibition, Lejla Niksic, MA student, said: “Our aim is to understand what kind of lives Qatari women have lived in the personal, familial, and professional sphere. We hope it will strengthen the female narrative in the storytelling of Qatar’s development.”

She continued: “Being a part of UCLQurates, a yearly student-led project, helps me to not only grow professionally but also to actively contribute to the development and innovation of the sector. Students at UCL Qatar play an active role in engaging all elements of the community to build appreciation, awareness and understanding of Qatar’s cultural heritage and traditions”.

There will be a series of events organised for the public. Family activities include a Treasure Hunt, a Family Mood Board event encouraging conversations amongst family on 14 April and an interactive and fun craft workshop on 21 April. All welcome.

Mr. Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “Msheireb Museums is committed to developing exhibition content to tell our nation’s stories’ and build bridges between new generations and the heritage and history of our ancestors. ‘We Are Daughters of Qatar’ exhibition is a truly unique and special tribute to Qatari women who have played a major role in the transformation process of our country. I’d like to thank the UCL Qatar for helping deliver this premier exhibition”.

 

As well as displaying objects such as dresses, artefacts, and oral history, students will facilitate multisensory engagement that will activate the visitors’ sense of smell using traditional Bokhoor. Community engagement activities will be held to create a memorable and participatory exhibition where the community will be engaged in content creation.

The exhibition will be open from the 11thof April until 9thof May to the public at the temporary galleries at Company House, Msheireb Museums. For more information about this exhibition please visit http://uclqurates.squarespace.com/

Msheireb Museums library receives 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report from the U.S. Embassy in Doha

Doha, Qatar, March 2018: Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination situated in Doha’s Msheireb Downtown, today was presented an addition to its library called the U.S. Department of State’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

The report will become a significant part of the Msheireb Museums Library, specifically Bin Jelmood Heritage House, which provides a space for reflection on the story of slavery and how it has evolved into modern forms of human exploitation. Comprising four Heritage Houses, of which Bin Jelmood is one, Msheireb Museums serves as an essential reference on the history of Qatar for students and researchers.

The TIP Report showcases Qatar’s progress in the protection of human rights and the fight against human trafficking. Bin Jelmood House provides an opportunity for visitors to make a personal commitment to joining the fight against the various forms of human trafficking.

Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums said, “It is our honour to receive here today the Trafficking in Persons Report which fully aligns with our effort to tackle the unjust treatment of human beings. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for presenting our library with this report, as it will no doubt serve as a valuable resource to students and researchers alike, who seek further information Qatar’s ongoing efforts to eliminate human trafficking.

“Msheireb Museums plays a vital role in raising awareness on such topics, and will continue its effort alongside other partners to shed light on topics that are so critical to our history. The protection of human rights is something our leadership strongly believes in, and our government is taking all the necessary actions to ensure the rights of everyone in Qatar remain secure on par with international standards.”

Representing the U.S. Embassy was Chargé d’Affaires Ryan Gliha, who personally presented the report to Director of Msheireb Museums, Hafiz Ali.  Mr. Gliha remarked:  “The United States’ collaboration with Qatar to fight human trafficking is the closest it has ever been. The memorandum signed between U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and His Excellency the Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Than captures our commitments to combat human trafficking.” On behalf of Msheireb Museums, Mr. Ali noted:   “It is our honor to receive here today the Trafficking in Persons Report which fully aligns with our effort to tackle the unjust treatment of human beings. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for presenting our library with this report.  Msheireb Museums plays a vital role in raising awareness on such topics…the protection of human rights is something our leadership strongly believes in, and our government is taking all the necessary actions to ensure the rights of everyone in Qatar remain secure on par with international standards.”

The TIP Report, is an annual report issued by the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. It is the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue. It represents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of human trafficking and the broad range of government actions to confront and eliminate it.

Located within the oldest part of the capital, Msheireb Museums form an important part of Qatar’s national history and Doha’s new Msheireb Downtown. The reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s past and life before the country’s rapid economic development.

The ‘Night of Ideas’: Msheireb Museums and Institut Français du Qatar Host Global Design Seminar

Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination located at Msheireb Downtown Doha, in partnership with Institut Français du Qatar, hosted the ‘Night of Ideas’ yesterday (25th January), under the theme: ‘Power to the Imagination: DOHA 2022 – PARIS 2024.’

Launched by the Institut Français in 2017, the ‘Night of Ideas’ is a global project staged simultaneously around the world, from Tokyo to Los Angeles, from Stockholm to Johannesburg, where people gather to celebrate ideas. This year, Msheireb Museums brought together design leaders at Bin Jelmood House to join 41 other cities across five continents taking part in the global innovation initiative.

The event welcomed four expert Arab and European panelists who discussed with the audience three discussion points; ‘the main challenges facing urban areas in Doha and Paris,’ ‘how major events can help shape cities,’ and lastly, ‘if public spaces can humanise cities’.

The panelists included; Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah, Group Chief Executive Officer, Chief Architect, Arab Engineering Bureau; Dr. Ali A. Alraouf, Professor of Architecture and Urbanism, Head of Research and Development at QNMP- Doha; Pierre Alain Trévelo, Architect (DPLG – National School of Architecture–Marne-la-Vallée) and urban designer (MDesS – Harvard GSD), founder with Antoine Viger-Kohler of Paris based international architecture and urban design office TVK; and Stéphane Lecler, Deputy director of urban planning for the City of Paris.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “We at Msheireb Museums are proud of hosting this global event in partnership with Institut Français du Qatar. The ‘Night of Ideas’ helped create a platform to discuss art and design issues and provide creative solutions. The evening was a tremendous success and we would like to thank everyone who took part in the dynamic and engaging debates.”

Mr. Olivier DESEEZ, Counsellor for cooperation and cultural affairs at the French Embassy, Director of the  Institut Français of Qatar, said: “The goal of the Night of Ideas (‘La Nuit des idées’) is to celebrate the stream of ideas between countries, cultures, topics and generations. Every year, the Night of Ideas gives the opportunity to discover the latest discoveries in knowledge and arts, to listen to the ones who contribute to bring more ideas to their field, and to take part in the discussion about the main issues of our times. In Doha we are celebrating the imagination displayed by urban planners in the buildup of spectacular  urban transformations in two cities,  both hosting major global  events in the coming years.“

Located within the oldest part of the capital, Msheireb Museums form an important part of Qatar’s national history and Doha’s new Msheireb Downtown Doha. The reconstructed buildings and gallery spaces allow the community to engage in the significant aspects of Qatar’s past and memories of life before the country’s rapid economic development. Designed as a safe space to converse and inspire dialogue, the hosting of the ‘Night of Ideas’ seminar is part of Msheireb Museums ongoing efforts in bringing the community together to create a positive creative space.