QATAR. In celebration of this year’s Trinity Forum (30-31 October) in Doha, The Moodie Davitt Report is proud to bring readers and Trinity delegates a series called Qatari Wonders that highlights the cultural attractions of Qatar.
The Trinity Forum, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI and ACI Asia-Pacific, is this year being jointly hosted by Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said, “In a troubled and divided world, travel retail plays an important role in creating mutual international tolerance and awareness of other cultures. We do not see the hosting of our premier conference as just a commercial occasion but one in which we also celebrate the culture, tastes and traditions of the host country. Qatar is a nation rich in history, resplendent with natural and man-made attractions, and renowned for its magnificent art collections and architecture.
“We know that Trinity Forum delegates will savour this fascinating cultural tapestry and we are proud to highlight it during the run-up to the event.”
The National Museum of Qatar is known as the “heartbeat” of Qatar’s culture and offers an immersive and educational experience that should not be missed.
The awe-inspiring building, at the south end of Doha’s Corniche – the waterfront promenade which extends for 7kms along Doha Bay – opened in March this year. A dramatic addition to the Doha landscape, the museum is the work of French architect Jean Nouvel whose curved disks, intersections and cantilevered angles were inspired by the local desert rose crystals.
The building embraces the newly-restored Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, which itself is regarded as the heart of Qatari national identity.
The 40,000sq m museum gives voice to Qatar’s unique story, and that of its people, taking its visitors along a 1.5km path from the earliest times towards the country’s future. It is designed to be both immersive and experiential and offers a rich environment to explore.
Three ‘chapters’ – Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar – are presented across eleven galleries which house some 8,000 objects ranging from archaeological artefacts and historical documents to textiles, jewellery and costumes.
Qatar has a long maritime tradition and the museum is celebrating this through its commitment to preserving and better understanding the hand-built wooden dhows that were once Doha’s lifeblood.
The eye-catching use of wood in the Gift Shop is another example of the museum’s determination to highlight local culture and craftsmanship.
The National Museum is another Qatari jewel. Trinity Forum delegates, don’t miss it.
PREVIOUSLY FEATURED ON QATARI WONDERS
