Press release

Qatar Museums and the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH)

18 February 2024

Collaborate to Host 3-Day Workshop on World Heritage Convention

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Qatar Museums, in partnership with the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH), launches today a three-day workshop focused on enhancing the protection and preservation of World Heritage sites in Qatar. This collaboration also seeks to improve the skills and capacities of heritage professionals within the State of Qatar. The workshop, titled "Mechanisms and Concepts of the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict," is set to take place from 18 to 20 February 2024 at the Education Center of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).

Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO at Qatar Museums, said, “Preserving and protecting cultural property is an important matter that requires intensive efforts on an international and local level and requires national efforts amongst institutions to enhance this protection. Under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, we are dedicated to work on preserving the cultural heritage of the State of Qatar by preserving its heritage sites and properties to ensure the long-term sustainability of the cultural heritage in the region. In line with these efforts, Qatar Museums has collaborated with the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage to hold these important workshops which are aimed at enhancing our understanding and application of the standards set by UNESCO for the protection of world cultural heritage.”

This workshop is an essential initiative aimed at promoting the understanding and implementation of international conventions dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage. It brings together experts, practitioners, and stakeholders from various sectors to delve into the mechanisms and concepts outlined in the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Dr. Fatema Al Sulaiti, Director of International Cooperation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage on an initiative of high importance. This partnership marks our first collaboration and represents a significant step in cultural preservation within our region. The upcoming 3-day workshop focuses on 'Mechanisms and Concepts of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, and the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict'. This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to International Cooperations and the protection of our global heritage. We are eager to contribute to and learn from this important dialogue, and we look forward to future collaborations that continue to advance our collective mission.”

Key highlights of the workshop include in-depth discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions led by distinguished speakers and facilitators. Participants will explore strategies for effective heritage preservation, examine challenges posed by armed conflicts, and identify collaborative approaches to mitigate risks and protect cultural assets.

The workshop provides a platform for strengthening collaboration between Qatar Museums and ARC-WH, reinforcing their commitment to promoting heritage conservation and fostering regional cooperation.

For more information, please visit www.qm.org.qa

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About Qatar Museums  

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.  

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Future museums include Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Qatar Auto Museum, Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum. 

Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure. 

Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention. 

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Press Contact

Mohammed Khamis Faraj Al Abdulla

mfaraj@qm.org.qa

+974 4402 8544

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