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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.

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Doha, Qatar, September 23^rd, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Msheireb Museums are awarded the “Best Practices” Award by CECA

Doha, Qatar 15 May 2018: Msheireb Museums (MM), the new cultural destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), celebrated International Museums Day 2018 under the theme ‘Hyperconnected Museums: New Approaches, New Publics’ that has been chosen by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA).

The celebrations took place at Bin Jelmood House located at MDD’s Heritage Quarter, in the presence of Hafiz Ali, Msheireb Museums Director, CECA President Milene Chiovatto, and representatives of cultural and educational institutions in Qatar. Activities during the festivities included a welcoming speech by Msheireb Museums, and presentations by CECA and UCL-Q representatives, the first Msheireb Museums Friends programme graduation and a panel discussion, followed by a special dinner.

The theme of the International Museum Day 2018 was chosen to explore today’s trend of a hyperconnected world. Hyperconnectivity is a term invented in 2001 to design the multiple means of communication between organisations and individuals, such as face-to-face contact, email, instant messaging, telephone or the Internet. This global network of connections becomes each day more complex, diverse and integrated.

Commenting on International Museums Day, Hafiz Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “It is a great pleasure to celebrate International Museums Day here at Msheireb Museums, a tradition we have followed in recent years. Marking this important date reiterates our commitment to supporting artistic development in Qatar, and reflects our passion to positively contribute to the flourishing global cultural scene.”

In his welcoming speech, he announced that Msheireb Museums was one of five entities to get the “Best Practices Award” by International Committee for Education and Cultural Action (CECA), accoupling the museums role in promoting educational initiatves and cultural events.

Milene Chiovatto, President of CECA conducted a presentation with the results of a two-day workshop for students, academics, and cultural leaders to commemorate this global event. During the interactive two-day workshop, participants had the chance to explore the possibility of seeing the transformation of ideas, and to go from a theoretical aspect to the practice through showing examples from around the world.

A panel discussion took place enabling participants to discuss ways in which museums and educational institutions can work together to support their curriculum and bridge the gap presented by language and culture.

The event also witnessed the graduation of Msheireb Museums Friends programme. Last year, Msheireb Museums Friends programme was launched aiming to create cultural ambassadors by training teachers and leaders from a wide range of educational, youth associations along with students, by developing leadership skills and to help highlight the historic cultural houses.

Mr. Hafiz Ali continued: “We are pleased to celebrate the Msheireb Museums Friends graduation, our programme that is designed to challenge the conventional approach to cultural education and enables us to create a knowledge ecosystem that delivers cultural, societal and educational wealth.”

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.

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 past and memories of life before the country’s rapid economic development.

International Museums Day has been acknowledged on May 18 since 1977, with more than 36,000 museums participating in 2017 across 147 countries. The objective of International Museums Day is to raise awareness that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace.

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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.