Press release

Qatar Museums Names Fahad Al Obaidly Acting Director of Design Doha

5 October 2024

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Qatar Museums (QM) has announced the appointment of Fahad Al Obaidly to Acting Director of Design Doha, a biennial showcase for excellence and innovation in the design community in Qatar and the MENA region.

A Qatari strategist with over 15 years in the culture and creative industry, Fahad continues at the forefront of Doha’s growing creative scene, drawing on his experience and connections in his new role as Acting Director of Design Doha. Al Obaidly will oversee all day-to-day operations including partnerships, international events, publishing efforts, and planning for the 2026 edition of the biennial Design Doha alongside Artistic Director Glenn Adamson.

Reflecting on his appointment, Al Obaidly said, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading Design Doha. Our mission with the inaugural edition was to nurture the many talented designers in the MENA region and to begin developing an infrastructure that can support their work. Since beginning my journey with Qatar Museums, I have been continually inspired to ensure that our contributions not only empower the creative landscape but also improve the quality of life for all. Under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, our focus remains steadfast on placing Qatari and MENA-based designers at the heart of everything we do, serving both the people and the region with dedication and passion."

Al Obaidly joined Qatar Museums in 2014 and was most recently Deputy Director of Programs and Partnership for Design Doha. His tenure coincided with the inaugural biennial, anchored by Arab Design Now, an unprecedented survey of more than 70 Arab designers at M7, Doha’s centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, fashion and design.

Al Obaidly began his career at HSBC before moving into the cultural sector. He has held positions with the Qatari Ministry of Culture, University College London (UCL), and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU-Q). At VCU-Q, he worked as a researcher and curator, focusing on Qatar’s Tangible and Intangible Heritage.

Since joining Qatar Museums, Fahad has been instrumental in several key projects, including the development of the Creative Startup Hub, M7. He also played a pivotal role in activating a significant heritage site during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was responsible for commissioning numerous artworks for Qatar’s World Cup stadiums. In 2024, he was appointed to the jury for the second edition of the Arab World Design Award, which recognises emerging and established designers from the Arab world.

ENDS

About Design Doha

Design Doha, a biennial for Qatar, is a platform for local, regional, and global design excellence. Established by Qatar Museums under the leadership of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the initiative is comprised of exhibitions, commissions, and associated programming. Projects are developed in close collaboration with local institutions such as M7, Liwan, VCU Qatar, and Msheireb Properties, as well as international partners, establishing a strong base of support and fostering a sense of community ownership. The event is held every two years, providing an ongoing focus for the rising energy of Qatar’s creative sector. Fahad Al Obaidly serves as Acting Director and Glenn Adamson is Artistic Director.

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. 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

Julia Caira

jcaira@qm.org.qa

+974 7021 5800

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