Press release

Qatar Museums Hosts The 22nd Meeting of The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Undersecretaries Responsible for Antiquities and Museums

24 April 2024

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Qatar Museums will host the 22nd meeting of the GCC Undersecretaries Responsible for Antiquities and Museums in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat. The agenda of the meeting will encompass a review of the significant decisions made during the 21st session, chaired by Sultanate of Oman in 2023 via video conferencing, ensuring follow-up on key outcomes. These decisions play a crucial role in advancing the collective efforts within the fields of antiquities and museums, while enhancing relationships among GCC countries, friendly nations, and international organizations operating in these spheres.

The meeting itinerary will feature a recognition ceremony, honouring prestigious antiquities and museum specialists. Additionally, participating delegations will have the opportunity to explore one of the archaeological sites during a guided tour.

The meeting will be chaired by the CEO of Qatar Museums, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, in the presence of the representative of the GCC General Secretariat, and representatives of the GCC countries. Meanwhile, the Director of the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani, will lead the Qatari delegation participating in the meeting. This delegation includes the Director of Archaeology Department, Mr. Faisal Abdullah Al Nuaimi, and a group of archaeology specialists and experts from Qatar Museums.

Mr. Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi said: “This assembly underscores our commitment to foster cultural and heritage cooperation among our nations. Together, we are crafting a roadmap to safeguard our heritage and elevate our cultural standing on the global stage. Effective cooperation, both globally and locally, is paramount in the preservation of our monuments and the evolution of our museums. We are dedicated to fostering cooperative efforts aimed at enriching our cultural heritage and showcasing it to the global community using cutting-edge scientific approaches. We extend heartfelt appreciation to all individuals who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to these endeavors."

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani commented: “This programme marks a significant stride in translating the directives and recommendations laid out during the 21st GCC Undersecretaries Responsible for Antiquities and Museums meeting, reaffirming our dedication to fortify cultural and heritage cooperation. It presents a distinctive opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our region's history, delving into ancient civilizations through interactive sessions and educational visits that illuminate the richness and intricacies of our cultural heritage.”

This event underscores Qatar Museums’ unwavering commitment to enhancing regional cooperation in culture and heritage, further solidifying its position as a pivotal cultural hub in the region. It also exemplifies the State of Qatar’s steadfast dedication to fostering the growth and development of the cultural and heritage sector.

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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 and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, 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, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, and Design Doha. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto 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, M7, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, 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. For more information visit https://qm.org.qa

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Press Contacts:

Mohammed Khames Al Abdallah

mfaraj@qm.org.qa

+974 4402 8544

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