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Speaking at the event, al-Namla said Qatar Museum is recognised as a gateway to Qatar’s cultural tourism and as a distinguished institution for art and culture, dedicated to providing authentic cultural experiences through an expanding network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public arts, and programmes.
“Our purpose is to be a culture instigator, inspired by ground ambition – one that we will deliver together as a group of museums and sights to help fulfil the cultural goals of our Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said.
Al-Namla said growth in global tourism has a direct impact on economic growth, greater disposable income, and the latest technologies that enable tourists to enjoy low prices and “much affordable” travelling experience.
“These demands are increasingly accompanied by an expectation for a fuller cultural experience. Today, tourism focus has moved beyond the need for sun, sea, and sand. It moved more towards a desire to experience art, culture, and history by visiting such places.
“In just two or three generations, the opportunity to experience the richness of a global culture has gone from being a privilege to a form of mass consumption and a possibility for millions more,” he explained.
Al-Namla said, “Undoubtedly, museums are essential to the success and development of cultural tourism. Museums are considered places with effective and lasting partnerships between tourists and their hosting countries.
“As a traditional custodian of cultural identity, museums can act as a bonafide motivator in establishing relations between tourists and culture, while opening a new horizon for visitors.”
In Qatar, al-Namla said tourists will be able to experience the country’s history and its Islamic heritage through the Museum of Islamic Art, which demonstrates 1,400 years of Islamic history. Similarly, the interactive exhibits in the Qatar National Museum allow visitors to walk through the history of Qatar, he said.
“In addition, the first museum of its kind in the region, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, offers Arab perspective on modern and contemporary arts. Mathaf’s growing collection presents a priceless resource to help connect our rich cultural heritage to the promise of contemporary art movements,” he said.
Al-Namla also announced that the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the “world's most sophisticated” museum dedicated to sport, “is scheduled to open soon to the world.”
He said this museum will offer a vast and amazing experience. It is also eventful with interactive and unforgettable exhibits, inspiring objects, and unique activity areas. The museum is designed to educate and entertain, delivering state-of-the-art sports from around the world and inspiring visitors to get involved in sport every day, he noted.
Al-Namla added: “Likewise, Qatar's pearling industry can be explored at Zubara, once the largest pearl harvesting and trading centre in Qatar and today, a Unesco World Heritage site.
“The historic Zubara Fort has been transformed into a museum displaying diverse exhibits and artworks. Visitors can explore partial excavation dating to the 17th century with the remains of palaces, courtyard, houses, mosques, defensive walls, streets, a canal, and symmetries.”
