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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha recently celebrated the Phantom’s 100th anniversary at the first reveal in the Middle East of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.Limited to just 25 examples worldwide, it represents the most complex and technologically ambitious project ever undertaken by the marque’s Bespoke Collective, a moving tribute to Phantom’s enduring legacy of excellence and artistry.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Chris Brownridge unveiled the Phantom Centenary Private Collection at the National Museum of Qatar, honouring 100 years of the marque’s pinnacle product. Symbolising a century of stories, Phantom Centenary introduces new techniques and is the result of over 40,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship.Fitted with rear seats in high-resolution printed fabric developed with a fashion atelier and completed with 160,000 stitches, the Bespoke masterpiece reflects artistry in every detail. The most intricate woodwork ever crafted by Rolls-Royce debuts groundbreaking firsts: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. A unique Spirit of Ecstasy is created in homage to the first Phantom, cast in solid 18-carat gold, then plated in 24-carat gold, hallmarked and enamelled specially for the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. It is a symbol of the marque’s relentless pursuit of excellence and represents the ultimate canvas for Bespoke capabilities.For a century, Phantom has stood as the definitive expression of Rolls-Royce - an exquisite showcase of craftsmanship, individuality and timeless luxury. Through each generation, advances in design, engineering, materials and technology have secured its status as the world’s most revered luxury motor car and the ultimate canvas for the marque’s most imaginative Bespoke creations.Omar Hussain Alfardan, managing director of Alfardan Corporation, said: “Phantom is far more than a motor car; it is a timeless symbol of excellence. For over a century, it has stood as a true cultural icon: a reflection of achievement, artistry, and enduring influence. From its inception, Phantom has embodied the ultimate expression of success and personal vision, brought to life through the mastery of Bespoke craftsmanship.“This centenary celebration pays tribute to Phantom’s legacy of peerless distinction, and to the discerning clients of Qatar whose passion for innovation, individuality, and progress continues to define the spirit of modern luxury. We are proud to honour this remarkable milestone and to celebrate Phantom’s continuing presence in the ever-evolving story of elegance across our region.”James Crichton, regional director, Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added: “Phantom has defined the very essence of Rolls-Royce - an enduring benchmark of luxury, craftsmanship and engineering mastery. Across eight generations, it has reflected the values and aspirations of our clients while remaining true to its unmistakable character.“In many ways, the story of Phantom is the story of Rolls-Royce itself - a journey guided by artistry, innovation and an unwavering pursuit of perfection. We are proud to be celebrating Phantom’s legacy here in Doha - a city that continues to inspire the marque’s vision of progress and prestige.”Various generations of Phantom were placed centre stage - from the original Phantom I to the contemporary Phantom VIII - each representing a defining moment in the marque’s century-long pursuit of perfection.Among the more recent motoring masterpieces was Phantom Scintilla, a radiant expression of Bespoke artistry inspired by light itself. The heritage selection included the distinguished Phantom I Continental, epitomising the grace and refinement of the 1920s; Phantom II, admired for its dynamic touring character; and Phantom III, the first Rolls-Royce to feature a V12 engine, setting the template for future generations.The stately Phantom V and Phantom VI reflected the marque’s long-standing association with royalty and world leaders, while Phantom VII marked the dawn of a new era at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, redefining modern luxury for a new generation.Completing the display were the exquisite Phantom Zenith Drophead Coupé and Phantom Zenith Edition, highly exclusive creations celebrating the close of Phantom VII production, alongside Phantom VIII, the purest modern expression of effortless luxury, built upon the marque’s Architecture of Luxury.Completing this remarkable display of Phantom motor cars was a celebration not only of engineering excellence but of enduring artistic inspiration, as guests experienced a curated display of eight original artworks created by the marque’s designers.Displayed along the event’s History Wall, each piece echoed a tradition first established in 1910, when artist Charles Sykes produced paintings for early Rolls-Royce catalogues. Together, they paid tribute to Phantom’s eight generations, reinterpreting their spirit through a contemporary creative lens and celebrating the model’s evolving role in culture.The celebration not only honoured the heritage of the world’s most revered luxury motor car but also reflected the enduring passion of Rolls-Royce clients in Qatar for the marque’s innovation and craftsmanship. As Phantom enters its second century, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha remains a true home of Bespoke luxury in the region – where heritage and modernity continue to move in perfect harmony.

Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani unveiled the major retrospective “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told” on Thursday, marking the official kickoff of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)’s 50th-anniversary celebrations across Doha. The celebration featured the recognition of major donors, the prestigious Anniversary Awards Dinner, themed *Recognising Evolution – A Journey from Tradition to Tomorrow, and the “Taste Evolution: Collaboration Dinner”, presented by Qatar Creates. **media[373167]** The opening was attended by QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi and NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani, among other dignitaries and guests. “A Nation’s Legacy” chronicles the NMoQ’s journey, from its establishment in 1975 as the region’s first national museum to its reinvention in 2019 as a cutting-edge experiential institution housed within an iconic building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. **media[373173]** According to the QM, the NMoQ’s 50th-anniversary festivities began on October 22 with a symbolic voyage of the historical dhow Fateh Al Khair. Bearing the museum’s logo, the dhow sailed along the Doha Corniche, serving as a visual narrative of continuity, resilience, and transformation. **media[373169]** The ceremony was enhanced by cultural maritime performances, featuring renowned Qatari singer Munsoor al-Muhannadi, highlighting the museum’s role as a vital bridge between past heritage and future generations. “For half a century, the NMoQ has safeguarded the legacy of our nation and our national treasures while continually developing new means of storytelling through the latest advances in technology,” Sheikh Abdulaziz said in a press statement. **media[373168]** “With ‘A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told’, we invite audiences to join us in celebrating the institution’s remarkable record of honouring our heritage while imagining what is to come.” NMoQ Research and Collections deputy director Dr Abdullah Mohammed al-Sulaiti told reporters during the press preview that extensive public programming will form part of the exhibition, aimed at nurturing creativity, learning, and cultural participation across all age groups. Key among these initiatives is “NMoQ Late: Our Heritage, By Young NMoQ”, which aims to empower teenagers by offering creative expression opportunities, after-hours access, and culturally relevant initiatives. This effort seeks to position the museum as a vital “third space”, a welcoming environment where youth can connect, collaborate, develop skills, and build a sense of ownership within the community. The QM added that the NMoQ’s learning and outreach programmes, such as workshops, educational activities, and immersive experiences, will further connect audiences with Qatar’s heritage. Specialised culinary initiatives like collaborations with Chef Noof, Desert Rose, and cooking classes at Jiwan will explore food as a living heritage, demonstrating how traditional practices are preserved, adapted, and celebrated today. These programmes will transform the exhibition from a historical survey into a vibrant, interactive journey celebrating Qatar’s past, present, and future. The QM noted that the anniversary celebrations included a special tribute dedicated to the significant donations that have enriched the QM’s collections and sustained the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. These gifts were highlighted as a reflection of deep civic pride and the shared commitment of individuals, families, and institutions to safeguarding Qatar’s legacy. The celebrations also featured a live musical performance from Dana al-Meer and Hala al-Emadi, who reflected Qatar’s evolving national identity through a lively fusion of traditional Arabic and modern sounds. It concluded with “Taste Evolution: The Collaboration Dinner”, a culinary experience crafted by Chef Noof al-Marri and QC+’s Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Cheminade, blending authentic Qatari flavours with contemporary techniques.