Msheireb Museums Hosts Screening of Australian–Qatari Pearling Documentary Al Nayla
Reading Time: 2 minutesMsheireb Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Television and the Australian Embassy in Doha, hosted a special screening of the documentary Al Nayla: A Journey to the Depths of Sea and the Secrets of Extracting Oysters and Pearls from the Coast of Australia. Held at Stories in Msheireb Museums, the event brought together diplomats, cultural leaders, and members of the public to explore the deep historical ties between Qatar and Australia through the pearling industry. The documentary traced the evolution of Western Australia’s pearling sector, documenting traditional pearl diving practices, the transition to cultured pearls, and the families who shaped the industry over generations. Through archival footage and expert interviews, Al Nayla illustrated how technological and economic shifts transformed a regional trade into a globally significant industry—mirroring similar developments in the Gulf. The screening carried strong diplomatic significance, attended by Dick Milton, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives; Shane Flanagan; senior leadership from Qatar Television; and members of the diplomatic community. Their presence highlighted the enduring cultural and historical links between the two nations. Commenting on the occasion, Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, noted that the film created a natural dialogue between Qatar’s pearling legacy and international maritime histories—expanding audiences’ understanding of how the sea shaped societies across continents. Australian Ambassador Shane Flanagan described the documentary as a reminder of the human stories connecting Australia and Qatar, particularly as both nations celebrate a decade of diplomatic presence. Meanwhile, Ali Saleh Al-Sada, Director of Qatar Television, emphasised the importance of placing the film within Msheireb Museums, where Qatar’s pearling heritage is already preserved and interpreted. Through Al Nayla, Msheireb Museums reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural dialogue—using history, storytelling, and shared heritage to strengthen international understanding and collaboration.
Msheireb Downtown Doha Sees 30% Surge in Visitors and Growing Cultural Engagement During Ramadan
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoha, Qatar – 24 March 2025: Msheireb Downtown Doha experienced an unprecedented surge in visitors and cultural engagement during Ramadan, with footfall and participation figures surpassing the previous year. Between 1 and 19 March, it welcomed more than one million visitors — a 30% increase compared to 2024. Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Msheireb Properties, said: “Ramadan at Msheireb Downtown Doha continues to be a time of deep spiritual reflection, cultural enrichment, and community gathering. The growth in visitor numbers and engagement this year reflects how the downtown brings together tradition and modernity, offering meaningful experiences to all who visit.” “We are proud to see families and visitors from all over Qatar and the region come together to celebrate and share in the rich cultural heritage of our downtown during this special time,” he added. The Garangao celebrations on 14 and 15 March attracted thousands of families, with 1,800 children and parents enjoying a themed tram ride featuring traditional drummers and Garangao songs. Children received sweets and visited Msheireb Downtown Doha residents in traditional attire to share the festive spirit. Hosh Msheireb’s Garangao event on 15 March saw more than 2,000 visitors, doubling last year’s attendance. A highlight was the Kids’ Fashion Show, where children showcased traditional attire, and the winner received a family staycation at a prestigious Msheireb hotel. Furthermore, Hosh Msheireb remained a prominent community space, welcoming a total of 12,000 visitors. The venue hosted a variety of cultural and educational activities, including 1,000 visits to the Company House. The Kids’ Zone saw over 8,000 children engaged in its activities, while the “Back to Msheireb” exhibition attracted over 1,500 visitors, further contributing to the area’s significance as a hub for cultural exchange and learning. Msheireb Downtown Doha also reinforced its status as a spiritual hub, hosting esteemed scholars and reciters, including Sheikh Raad Al Kurdi, Sheikh Mohammed Al Awadhi, Sheikh Abdulaziz Sahim, and Mufti Ismail Menk, whose special sermon attracted over 3,000 attendees at the Eid Musala. Attendance at Isha and Tarawih prayers reached 70000 worshippers, marking a 75% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, the downtown’s appeal extended beyond cultural and spiritual activities, with its luxury offerings attracting significant interest. At Mandarin Oriental, Doha, Ramadan dining exceeded expectations, with Suhoor and Iftar drawing an exceptional turnout. Approximately 9,000 guests were served, marking a 54.5% increase and highlighting the growing demand for luxury dining in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
