The event was moderated by writer Hanan Badii.
Al-Sunaidi, author of the book *Private Museums and Libraries in Qatar, presented a lecture on his research journey into the world of private museums.
Twenty-three private libraries and museums in Qatar are covered in the Part One of his book, while he is continuing to do research for Part Two.
After al-Sunaidi found more private museums as well as libraries, he visited them and spoke with their owners to find out the details about the libraries – the history and the various specialisations – and the owners' passion for these libraries and museums, whose contents and exhibits are of unique heritage and cultural value.
He said that the diversity of private museums in the country shows the extent of how much Qataris are aware of the value of history and heritage in Qatar and the world.
During the lecture, al-Sunaidi spoke about his journey while writing the book, and conveyed the difficulties and challenges experienced by some of the owners of these collections in preserving their properties.
He called for the authorities to help put them on the tourist map.
This is the first book issued by al-Sunaidi in co-operation with Katara Publishing House, and documents and chronicles the collections of owners of museums and private libraries in Qatar, including those of residents.
He said that he intends to publish a complete encyclopaedia and reference for future generations.
Al-Sunaidi mentioned that the Al Zubarah Historical Library was the first library established by founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamad al-Thani and the early teachers.
Then, in 1954, the Al Maaref Library was established to lend books to schools.
In 1962, then-Minister of Education Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani allocated the Qatar National Library, which was the first public library.
Al-Sunaidi also highlighted the importance of the private library of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, which consists of 10 halls, covering 1,000sq m each, and housing collections that are unique in the world.
Added to these are the automobile and carpet museums, with the latter containing 1,700 important rugs and their catalogues.
Among the other most important libraries mentioned by al-Sunaidi is the library of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim al-Ansari, which holds an important collection of unique books and references.
It is a private library open to the public, but it does not lend books.
Al-Sunaidi is currently working on writing Part Two of *Private Museums and Libraries in Qatar.
He is keen to interview the owners of these collections and photograph their memorabilia and books.
It is noteworthy that al-Sunaidi had previously organised two exhibitions on the history of computers at Katara – the Cultural Village in 2014 and 2015, in addition to giving lectures on the history of computers at a number of schools in Qatar.
He also has a museum of computers.
Al-Sunaidi, author of the book *Private Museums and Libraries in Qatar, presented a lecture on his research journey into the world of private museums.
Twenty-three private libraries and museums in Qatar are covered in the Part One of his book, while he is continuing to do research for Part Two.
After al-Sunaidi found more private museums as well as libraries, he visited them and spoke with their owners to find out the details about the libraries – the history and the various specialisations – and the owners' passion for these libraries and museums, whose contents and exhibits are of unique heritage and cultural value.
He said that the diversity of private museums in the country shows the extent of how much Qataris are aware of the value of history and heritage in Qatar and the world.
During the lecture, al-Sunaidi spoke about his journey while writing the book, and conveyed the difficulties and challenges experienced by some of the owners of these collections in preserving their properties.
He called for the authorities to help put them on the tourist map.
This is the first book issued by al-Sunaidi in co-operation with Katara Publishing House, and documents and chronicles the collections of owners of museums and private libraries in Qatar, including those of residents.
He said that he intends to publish a complete encyclopaedia and reference for future generations.
Al-Sunaidi mentioned that the Al Zubarah Historical Library was the first library established by founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamad al-Thani and the early teachers.
Then, in 1954, the Al Maaref Library was established to lend books to schools.
In 1962, then-Minister of Education Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Thani allocated the Qatar National Library, which was the first public library.
Al-Sunaidi also highlighted the importance of the private library of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, which consists of 10 halls, covering 1,000sq m each, and housing collections that are unique in the world.
Added to these are the automobile and carpet museums, with the latter containing 1,700 important rugs and their catalogues.
Among the other most important libraries mentioned by al-Sunaidi is the library of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim al-Ansari, which holds an important collection of unique books and references.
It is a private library open to the public, but it does not lend books.
Al-Sunaidi is currently working on writing Part Two of *Private Museums and Libraries in Qatar.
He is keen to interview the owners of these collections and photograph their memorabilia and books.
It is noteworthy that al-Sunaidi had previously organised two exhibitions on the history of computers at Katara – the Cultural Village in 2014 and 2015, in addition to giving lectures on the history of computers at a number of schools in Qatar.
He also has a museum of computers.