The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), in collaboration with ExxonMobil Qatar, has launched the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, open from 27 August to 28 November.
The festival will take place at NMOQ's Temporary Exhibitions Gallery 2 and presents a new approach to learning by connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through Qatar's rich heritage. Spanning multiple museum spaces, the initiative combines hands-on experimentation, interactive workshops, and scientific-based activities designed to link modern enquiry with the nation's culture, environment, and history.
CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi said: "The festival brings a fresh approach to how we use museum spaces for learning and discovery, creating opportunities for young audiences to learn, experiment and develop new skills. We are pleased to continue our partnership with ExxonMobil Qatar and to give young audiences new ways to learn within the museum."
HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani said: "At NMoQ, STEAM learning begins with the stories, knowledge, and environments that have shaped Qatar for generations. At the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, we invite children and families to learn about the work being done to restore Qatar’s natural heritage and uncover the science and ingenuity behind the rich maritime heritage of the Arab world. By connecting past knowledge with future possibilities, we hope to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens."
"We believe education is one of the most important investments we can make, and initiatives like this advance children’s and families' learning through exploration while connecting with the heritage and traditions that shape Qatar’s identity," said Vice President and Manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar Rashid Al Hajri. "By supporting STEM education and community engagement, we are proud to contribute to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030."
A primary anchor of the festival is The STEAM Lab, featuring zones customised for different age groups. Highlights include the DADU Light Atelier for young children, the ExxonMobil Research Qatar x DADU - Mangroves Lab centred on marine biology activities, and the NMoQ Roots of Routes zone, where visitors will be building traditional tools like the kamal (a traditional celestial navigation device) and dhow boats.
The STEAM Festival extends across the National Museum of Qatar, with programmes taking place at the museum's Digital and AI Centre, and Library. Activities will include Evolution of Navigation workshops, a Teen Tech Takeover focused on creating augmented reality filters, a Silk Road board game, and storytelling sessions introducing younger audiences to navigation and traditional boats, and STEAM Storytelling Sessions.
In addition to family activities, the festival will host Café Scientifique: Careers in STEAM, connecting young adults aged 16 and above with industry experts to consider about professional pathways across multidisciplinary fields.
