Doha: President of ICOM Arab Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi emphasized the significance of International Museum Day 2026 as a moment to celebrate achievements and look toward the future. Regarding the diversity of museums in the State of Qatar and its reflection on the country's rich archaeological and heritage holdings, Al Rumaihi, who is also the CEO of Qatar Museums, noted that the diversity of museums in Qatar is a direct reflection of the multiple layers of the nation's cultural identity.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Rumaihi highlighted that Qatar's heritage wealth encompasses maritime, desert, architectural, and archaeological elements, alongside traditional and contemporary arts. This diversity is embodied in the institutions affiliated with Qatar Museums, including a museum dedicated to Islamic art, another focused on national history and the local narrative, and institutions devoted to modern and contemporary Arab art, design, sports, and more.
Al Rumaihi further pointed out that archaeological sites, such as Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, underscore Qatar's role as a center of cultural interaction in the Gulf. He emphasized that the diversity of museums is presented within an integrated vision that connects the past with the present, highlighting the continuity and evolution of Qatari culture. Museums, he stated, reinterpret and present heritage to new generations through contemporary approaches.
Discussing the museum renaissance in the Gulf region over the past twenty years, Al Rumaihi described it as a strategic transformation in the role of culture within national development plans. Museums have evolved into integrated institutions that contribute to building the creative economy, strengthening national identity, and supporting cultural tourism.
He explained that this transformation is driven by factors such as a clear leadership vision recognizing the importance of culture, investment in museum infrastructure, attraction of global expertise, and the desire to present local narratives reflecting the region's history.
In Qatar, this transformation aligns with a comprehensive vision initiated by the establishment of Qatar Museums, evolving into an integrated network of museums, cultural centers, and future projects, reflecting a long-term commitment to building a sustainable cultural sector.
As President of the International Council of Museums Regional Alliance of Arab Countries (ICOM Arab), Al Rumaihi spoke about the potential of Arab museums to bring Arab peoples closer together and highlight their diverse heritage. He noted that Arab museums can serve as unifying platforms reflecting the unity of Arab culture within its rich framework.
He explained that Arab museums' role extends beyond preserving heritage to reintroducing it as a living space for dialogue and interaction, shaping the region's cultural future. By highlighting shared civilizational ties, such as language, history, arts, and traditional crafts, Arab museums can preserve the distinctiveness of each society while showcasing their unique local experiences.