Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz H. Al Thani, shares his vision and ambition
The museum has long served as a cultural catalyst within Qatar Museums
It feels like home for Sheikh Abdulaziz H. Al Thani as he roams the halls of the National Museum of Qatar each morning, a vast space built around the historic palace of his ancestor, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. On an exceptional morning in Doha, we joined Sheikh Abdulaziz on one of those tours to discover this architectural marvel designed by Jean Nouvel. As he leads the way, his calm character and composed manner set the tone for the experience. He enthusiastically shares insights into each part of the museum with pride and passion "The Museum is a journey through space and time, transporting us to different eras of our past. It offers a humbling experience that truly demonstrates how far Qatar has come and where it is heading," Sheikh Abdulaziz expresses as we embark on this journey around the marvellous space, already immersed in the deep-rooted heritage while breathing in the wisps of steady progress towards a bright future.
“The National Museum of Qatar is, first and foremost, a communicator, dynamically conveying information and insights about Qatar to our people and a global audience,” Sheikh Abdulaziz begins. It is a place that undoubtedly holds personal significance for the young director, who has become an integral part of this national treasure. Beyond aligning with his vision for Qatar's cultural identity, he emphasises, "Everything that the National Museum of Qatar has undertaken under the leadership of our Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, resonates with me and reflects my own understanding of Qatar's identity."
He goes on to express how honoured he felt when Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa asked him to take the helm of this national institution, leaving behind his career in the financial sector. However, this was a natural transition, given his previous role as head of the sponsorship programme for Qatar Museums and his key involvement in communications leading up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. "My career has spanned banking, institutional development, sponsorships, and communications. Every one of these areas is reflected in the exhibitions and programmes of the National Museum of Qatar," he explains.
The Museum has long served as a cultural catalyst within Qatar Museums, a role Sheikh Abdulaziz passionately acknowledges. But how did it all begin, and how has it evolved into a central hub for preserving, promoting, and interpreting Qatar's rich cultural heritage? "The story begins with the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the son of the founder of Qatar, which was both the residence of the ruling family and the seat of government," Sheikh Abdulaziz fondly tells us. In 1975, Qatar renovated and adapted the building to serve as the Qatar National Museum, the first institution of its kind in the region.
"When Qatar Museums, under our Chairperson's leadership, began planning for a new National Museum about twenty years ago, it was immediately understood that the old palace would be central to the project. In fact, in the architectural design that Jean Nouvel created with Qatar Museums, the old palace is at the heart of the National Museum of Qatar building," Sheikh Abdulaziz explains. Since its opening in 2019, the old palace has served as the culminating exhibit in the National Museum of Qatar's series of galleries.
The story of the old palace reflects how the museum is both the guardian of Qatar's cultural heritage and a tireless innovator. Another fascinating aspect of this blend of heritage and innovation is also evident in the museum's exhibitions, which include excerpts of video interviews with dozens of Qataris from multiple generations. These interviews offer insights into the traditional ways of life they experienced and are seamlessly integrated into the National Museum of Qatar's galleries as part of the museum's immersive, technologically advanced audiovisual experience. "We document and preserve heritage. We bring heritage to life in highly advanced and sophisticated ways. We serve as a global hub where people from around the world encounter Qatar's history and heritage and engage in meaningful dialogue with us," Sheikh Abdulaziz expresses.
Reflecting on the FIFA World Cup 2022, Sheikh Abdulaziz emphasises its pivotal role in showcasing Qatar’s culture to a global audience and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “During the 2022 World Cup, multitudes of visitors from around the globe came to Qatar for the first time, meeting our people and experiencing our culture. Millions of others watched from their homes and saw for themselves what our nation has to offer. It was a defining moment,” he proudly recalls. “To build on its success, Qatar is, of course, maintaining and strengthening its cultural relationships with the world. At the same time, under the leadership of our Chairperson, Qatar Museums is heightening its relationships with nations in our region and throughout the world,” he continues. During that historic event, the Years of Culture initiative partnered with an entire region for the first time. “We joined in cultural exchange with the nations of the MENASA region to welcome the world to our shared values,” he says. “The National Museum of Qatar played a key role in the initiative as the organiser and venue of the exhibition On the Move, which explored the lives of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists in the Central Sahara, the Arab Middle East, and Central Eurasia and Mongolia,” he adds.
In the 2022 edition of the Year of Culture, the National Museum of Qatar served as a vibrant hub, drawing people from across the MENASA region whose nations were participating in this annual initiative. It became a place where they could explore key aspects of their own heritage, showcased in exhibitions that spanned a major portion of the globe. These special exhibitions at the museum have become a cornerstone of the Years of Culture initiative. This year, the National Museum of Qatar remains a prime platform in Qatar’s Year of Culture with Morocco, offering major exhibitions that visitors can eagerly look forward to. “As always, our visitors will be able to enjoy the National Museum of Qatar’s renowned permanent collection. In addition, they will have the opportunity to explore an unprecedented survey of the art and architecture of Pakistan, revealing the country’s extraordinary cultural achievements over the past eighty years, and to view a collection of stunning couture by Moroccan designer Mohamed Benchellal, presented as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture,” Sheikh Abdulaziz unveils.
The museum will be home to Manzar, Art and Architecture from Pakistan 1940s to Today, curated by the future Art Mill Museum, which is the first comprehensive survey of the remarkably diverse works by the artists and architects who have shaped the narratives of Pakistan and its people. Like all Qatar Museums initiatives, Manzar aims to foster mutual understanding. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Qatar and M7 have also partnered to showcase the historical and contemporary connections between Qatari and Moroccan cultures through fashion to celebrate the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture and Morocco’s enduring cultural legacy. This collaboration features garments that illustrate the evolution of sustainable design, tying into the museum’s commitment to incorporating sustainable practices. As Sheikh Abdulaziz notes, “The Museum is a shining example of sustainability, both in its design and the exhibitions it presents. It is an exponent of the benefits of the cultural and intellectual exchange enabled by trade and commerce.” It’s also worth mentioning that the National Museum of Qatar has recently achieved Carbon Neutrality Certification, further reinforcing the museum's dedication to sustainable operations and setting a benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide.
Among the highlights of the Years of Culture showcase, the National Museum of Qatar will present a traditional wool Bisht adorned with hand-stitched Zari designs from its collection. Meanwhile, M7 will collaborate with Qatari designer Mashael Al Naimi, owner of the Mhefhef brand, to reinterpret the Bisht in a modern context—crafting an abaya from handwoven Tusar silk, inspired by the architectural beauty of the Kasbah Gate in Morocco’s capital of Rabat.
“The National Museum of Qatar seeks to preserve and celebrate Qatar’s heritage and natural history while engaging with its present and inspiring its ambitions for the future,” explains Sheikh Abdulaziz. He elaborates on how fashion aligns with the museum’s broader aim of exploring contemporary art forms and technologies. “What we wear is an important expression of our identity, and it’s a key component of our cultural heritage. The collaborative showcase is homage to the MENA region, celebrating not only Arab fashion design but the innovative energy that is coursing throughout our region,” he adds, emphasising the connection between fashion and cultural heritage and how the showcase enriches that dialogue.
Since becoming director, Sheikh Abdulaziz has made significant strides in his mission to nurture Qatar’s cultural legacy while inspiring its future. He remains focused on ensuring that the museum strikes a delicate balance between tradition and modernity. “This balance is central to our mission and all that we do, from exploring the founding of our nation to looking at how we can help shape the future and connect communities and cultures,” he emphasises. He continues, “In previous years, our exhibitions have ranged from an overview of antiquities from the ancient Middle East to commissioned site-specific installations by Olafur Eliasson. The upcoming slate of autumn exhibitions continues this broad approach, which both honours tradition and engages with today’s world.”
The young director has also reached beyond national borders with major milestones and personal triumphs. These include expanding Qatar’s international presence with its first-ever travelling exhibition in Mongolia and launching the Digital Centre, which engaged over 900 students in its first year, with fully booked workshops throughout the summer. International collaborations such as the recent MoU with China, partnerships like the Gwangju Biennale Pavilion, and notable sustainability successes further highlight Sheikh Abdulaziz’s forward-thinking leadership.
“We implement this vision by creating a dynamic platform where contemporary narratives and historical heritage coexist. This is reflected in our exhibitions that emphasise Qatar's rich history, cultural traditions, and natural environment, while also addressing modern themes of globalisation, sustainability, and innovation,” he explains. Adding, “For example, we design immersive, multi-sensory exhibitions that blend traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that visitors experience Qatar’s history in ways that resonate with both the past and the present. Collaborating with local artists, we have a series of art installations in and around the museum that showcase local and regional talent while presenting commentary on relevant issues.” As we walk through the vast venue, we can’t help but notice that this is a space where traditions are not only preserved but also reimagined in the context of global conversations. The programming encourages dialogue between the local community and international participants, emphasising cultural exchange and aligning with the country’s ongoing transformation.
As this immersive journey draws to an end, we wonder what the future holds. “My aspirations for the National Museum of Qatar involve deepening our cultural impact and enhancing our global presence,” Sheikh Abdulaziz replies with remarkable confidence and determination. “Ultimately, we strive to position the National Museum of Qatar as a leading institution that honours our traditions while contributing to the global art and cultural community,” he adds.
His vision is clear—fostering deeper engagement with academics and local experts and increasing academic partnerships. With his unwavering passion and innovative vision, it’s clear that the future holds nothing but promise.