Msheireb Museums marked a significant milestone on the global cultural stage by participating in the ICOM (International Council of Museums) Dubai 2025 Conference, held from November 12 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Fresh off its 10th anniversary celebrations, the institution shared insights from a decade of pioneering work in heritage-led innovation, museum practice, and community-driven cultural preservation.
The participation offered an opportunity to present the methodologies and learnings documented in the recently launched publications:
‘Msheireb Museums: Transforming Doha’s Heritage Houses’ and
‘Building on Tradition – The New Architectural Language of Qatar.’
These works highlight how the museums have translated heritage into a living resource for contemporary identity, urban placemaking, and regional museum development.
Heritage and Progress as Partners
Mr Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, reflected on the institution’s contribution to global dialogue:
“The conversations at ICOM Dubai reinforced what we celebrated at our 10th anniversary: that heritage and progress work together when rooted in community wisdom. Sharing our approach with peers validated our mission of transforming these houses into living platforms where heritage shapes identity and inspires belonging.”
This exchange strengthened Msheireb Museums’ commitment to expanding its role as a cultural anchor within Msheireb Downtown Doha — a model for integrating tradition with sustainable urban development.
Spotlight on Global Expertise: Msheireb Museums at ICOM
Msheireb Museums led two key presentations during the conference:
Session A-22: Intangible Heritage – Storytelling, Identity & Relevance
Presentation: Voices Remembered: Curating Intangible Heritage and Historical Trauma at Bin Jelmood House
Speaker: Abdullah Al Naama
This session explored how Bin Jelmood House navigates sensitive historical narratives while honouring the lived experiences of those impacted, creating meaningful spaces for dialogue and empathy.
Session C-22: Regional Museum Branding & The Future of Museums
Presentation: Branding Heritage: How Msheireb Museums Connect Local Identity with Global Conversations
Speaker: Mohammed Al Yousuf, Operations & Visitor Relations Manager
The presentation demonstrated how the museums position themselves as a bridge between Qatar’s cultural heritage and evolving global museum standards amid rapid urban transformation.
Following both sessions, discussions centred on how Msheireb Museums balances authenticity with innovation, transforming historic buildings into contemporary spaces for education, storytelling, and community belonging.
A Global Platform for Cultural Leadership
The ICOM Dubai 2025 Conference brought together museum leaders, curators, academics, researchers, and cultural heritage experts from around the world to examine the evolving role of museums in today’s rapidly changing societies.
Msheireb Museums’ participation highlights its growing influence as a regional and international thought leader, contributing to the cultural, educational, and social development of Qatar and beyond.
A Decade of Impact in Msheireb Downtown Doha
Born from the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Msheireb Museums tell the story of four iconic heritage houses at the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. Carefully restored and adapted in line with global conservation standards, these museums embody Qatar’s commitment to preserving its past while building for its future.
Over the past decade, Msheireb Museums have welcomed more than 200,000 students, strengthened partnerships with educational and cultural institutions, and established themselves as a leading platform where heritage, innovation, and urban development meet.
As heritage continues to shape identity and inspire new generations, Msheireb Museums reaffirm their role in preserving Qatar’s cultural narrative — and redefining the role of museums in a rapidly evolving world.
