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Msheireb Museums celebrated its 10th anniversary Monday, bringing together leading international and regional architects, cultural leaders, and heritage preservation experts to examine a decade of architectural innovation and cultural transformation in Qatar.The event at Bin Jelmood House was marked by two panel discussions and the launch of two new publications that document the museums’ role in shaping Qatar’s contemporary built environment.Led by Msheireb Museums general manager Abdulla al-Naama and attended by senior officials from Msheireb Properties, the conference underlined the museums’ impact on defining a unique modern Qatari architectural identity.A highlight of the celebration was the launch of two publications: ‘Building on Tradition – The New Architectural Language of Qatar’ and ‘Msheireb Museums: Transforming Doha's Heritage Houses.’‘Building on Tradition’ establishes a comprehensive framework for contemporary Qatari architecture through the introduction of the ‘Seven Principles.’ Utilising Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), dubbed as the world’s largest sustainable downtown regeneration as its primary case study, the book demonstrates how timeless architectural wisdom can inform exceptional 21st century urban design.**media[371391]**According to Msheireb Museums, the Seven Principles – Continuity, Individual and Collective, Space and Form, Aspects of the Home, Aspects of the Street, Designing for Climate, and Architectural Language – offer a sophisticated methodology for honouring Qatar’s cultural identity while addressing modern needs through climate-responsive and culturally sensitive design.The second publication, ‘Msheireb Museums: Transforming Doha's Heritage Houses,’ chronicles the meticulous restoration of the four historic houses at the heart of the museums: Radwani House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, Company House, and Bin Jelmood House. The book documents the unique conservation approach, detailing how these rare examples of traditional Qatari domestic architecture were transformed into powerful, contemporary museological narratives, achieving LEED Gold standards.The event featured two panel discussions exploring the interplay between architectural heritage and future-forward innovation.The first talk, titled ‘The Architectural Alphabet - Crafting Msheireb's Urban Language,’ examined the architecture and urban planning foundational to Msheireb’s development, addressing the necessity of depicting the past while embracing the future and the importance of creating safer urban spaces. The panel included Rosanna Law, Simon Gathercole, and Michael Mossessian, and was moderated by Eng Fatima Mohamed Fawzi, senior manager – Education and Sustainability, Doha Design District.The second discussion, ‘Truth in Translation - Weaving Heritage into the Modern Fabric,’ shines a spotlight on the sensitive process of transforming historic buildings into dynamic storytelling spaces. This panel featured experts John McAslan, Fanos Panayides, and Fatima M Fazwy, and was moderated by Fahad al-Turki.

The fourth session of the Science Cafe series, a collaborative initiative between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine, was held at Bin Jelmood House where over 120 participants attended. Centered on the theme "Healthy Qatar: Addressing Lifestyle-Related Health Concerns," the event gathered healthcare specialists, wellness practitioners, and community members to discuss preventive care and holistic well-being. The session provided a comprehensive platform to examine how simple, everyday lifestyle changes can yield long-term benefits for individuals, families, and the Qatari society at large. Held at Bin Jelmood House — a museum dedicated to human perseverance and social development, the event continued the Science Cafe's mission of bridging scientific knowledge with public understanding. The fourth Science Cafe session structured its discussions about several critical themes in preventive healthcare: A National Snapshot of the current health trends in Qatar, The Wellness Triad of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, and Community Voices and Support Systems that emphasised the importance of local initiatives in shaping healthier lifestyles. Additional segments focused on Empowering Families Through Education and Action and A Shared Vision for a Healthier Qatar, underscoring the collective responsibility across communities and institutions. Dr. Sahar Da'as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine and lead of the Science Cafe initiative, stressed the personal significance of the event: "As both a researcher and a mother, I recognize that sustainable health change begins not in clinics or laboratories, but in our homes and communities. Our goal in every Science Cafe session is to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights that can improve the health and wellness of every family in Qatar. This session reminds us that prevention is not only about medical advice, but also about choices made in homes, schools, and workplaces. Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, highlighted how the partnership with Sidra Medicine supports broader cultural and social goals: "These sessions encourage dialogue on topics that directly affect people's lives, and we are proud to see the community actively engaging with science in this setting. Msheireb Museums functions as a hub for cultural and educational discourse. Hosting the Science Cafe series aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire social change. The event featured contributions from invited speakers, including Dr. Shaza Elhassan, Pediatrics Consultant at Children & Young People's Services, Sidra Medicine; Dr. Aisha Al-Ahmadi, Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health and Counseling Psychology at Qatar University; Rachel Rahme, journalist, Social Media Personality, and Health and Lifestyle Influencer, ; Iman Alazwani, Founder of the 5AM Club and Research Specialist at Sidra Medicine; and Ikhlas Ahmed, Engagement Specialist at Qatar National Library. The speakers shared their expertise and practical guidance with participants, where they discussed diverse perspectives on health, wellbeing, and community engagement. Meanwhile, the session was moderated by Dr. Omar Abdelsattar, Sustainability Strategist and Programme Leader at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council. In addition to the talks, the event also featured booth exhibitors including Qatar National Library, OrangeTheory, the 5AM Club, and Zest Activewear. Launched in 2024, Science Cafe is a continuing collaboration between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine designed to encourage public engagement with scientific issues that affect society. The 2025 series spans diverse topics, from community health and comprehensive care to rare genetic conditions, with each session offering accessible discussions led by experts.