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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.

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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.

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Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination located at Msheireb Downtown Doha, in partnership with Institut Français du Qatar, hosted the ‘Night of Ideas’ yesterday (25^th 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.

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Msheireb Museums, the new cultural destination located at Msheireb Downtown Doha, has been included on the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) long list of world’s best new buildings. Sixty-two buildings from 28 countries have made the list – including Msheireb Museums – and are now in the running to win the RIBA International Prize 2018.

The RIBA International Prize 2018 will be awarded to a building which exemplifies design excellence, architectural ambition and delivers meaningful social impact – all qualities which are encapsulated in the Downtown Doha museums project, and which ensured its recognition by the leading global architectural competition. The RIBA list highlights the world’s best buildings and outstanding architectural talent in the RIBA International Awards ceremony, which takes place every two years, selecting the best architectural designs from around the world. The award is presented in eight categories, including public buildings, private offices, places of worship, houses, museums, residential buildings and designs that respond to natural disasters.

Mr. Abdulla Al Mehshadi, Chief Executive Officer of Msheireb Properties, commented on the inclusion of Msheireb Museums on the RIBA International Prize 2018 list: “We are proud of this great achievement. It reflects our ongoing commitment and the collective efforts we have made in creating the four heritage houses in the Msheireb Properties flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha. After years of research and architectural and engineering studies, and with the participation of institutes from around the world, we have succeeded in developing an architectural method that took insights from the past and combined them with present-day technologies and thinking, to achieve a new, distinctly Qatari architectural language.”

Al Mehshadi added: “The inclusion of Msheireb Museums within the Royal Institute of British Architects International Prize list is proof of their important status worldwide, and the unique approach that Msheireb has taken in the museums’ development and in the development of Downtown Doha as a whole.”

Msheireb Museums are located within the Msheireb Doha Downtown project, developed by Msheireb Properties. The Heritage Houses, commonly known as the Bin Jelmood House, the Company House, the Mohammed bin Jassim House and the Radwani House have transformed the Heritage Quarter at Msheireb Downtown Doha and created an important cultural destination within the development. The four courtyard houses have been converted into culturally significant museums, cultural centres and exhibition buildings. Rooted in local history, these courtyards and spaces showcase important aspects of Qatar’s history and memories of old Doha.

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading real estate developer aims to enrich the lives of both individuals and communities – encouraging more sustainable and environmentally responsible behaviour, while offering a better understanding of the local and regional heritage through its unique lifestyle and environment.