A unique, inspiring and first-of-its-kind exhibition, which features police and military memorabilia of Qatar and Kuwait, was opened at Katara – the Cultural Village on Saturday.
Titled ‘Homeland Guardians,’ the exhibition by Qatar’s Ali al-Bohaqab and Kuwait’s Mohamed al-Obaidly displays a collection of rare, vintage and historic items dating back to 1948 and used by the police and army of the past eras of the two nations.
“It is very inspiring and something the new generation must come and see. It tells you about the people who built their country and how,” said Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, who inaugurated the show.
From an aficionado to a common person, he added that anyone visiting the exhibition will be fascinated of what is on display. Out of the rare photographs of the police, army, military uniforms, body armour, belts, badges, medals and other gifts given to soldiers, the most attractive are the old Qatar and Kuwaiti Emiri flags.
“The first burgundy Qatari flag is of 1932 while the Kuwaiti Emiri flag is of 1956,” al-Bohaqab said.
Providing more insight into the exhibition, Dr Sulaiti said: “This is the first time that we have opened an exhibition related to collectibles of the army.”
“During those days, both army and police had the same uniform and it is very interesting to see and note the details,” he added. The exhibition, Dr al-Sulaiti pointed out, gives people “a very detailed historical data about what was being used at that time and who the commanders of Qatar were then.”
He said the exhibition also displays unique documents collected by Ali Jasm Abu Hajeb from various countries, including those about military ammunition, which he got from Pakistan. “It’s a very special and rare.”
About the flags on display, Dr Sulaiti said: “People can see the national flags of the two countries in existence then. Qatar flag has a different colour and look, and also the Kuwait flag was very different”.
He lauded the efforts of the memorabilia collectors and invited residents, especially the youth, to visit and look at the nation’s police and military history.  “There is a rare picture of Mohammed al-Attiyah, one who spent all his energy on building the army of Qatar. These things are inspiring, the young generation should see it,” the Katara chief stressed.
The exhibition evokes a great sense of pride and history as it relates to various events from 1848 to the 1980s.
“I started collecting items since 2003, and now I am focusing on Qatar military collectibles. In this exhibition we have a lot to showcase but what is catching everyone’s eye is the Qatar flag of 1932 and the Kuwaiti Emiri flag from 1956,” exhibit collector al-Bohaqab said.
The exhibition at Katara’s Building 19 Gallery 1 will remain open until January 6, 2018 from 10am to 10pm.


The old Qatar and Kuwaiti Emiri flags attract many visitors.
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