There are 80 new public art works nationwide, and various exhibitions will be held in Doha.
Qatar has received negative coverage from those who have not yet experienced the Gulf countries, Sheikh al-Mayassa binto Hamad al-Tani said at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) on Wednesday.
“I think we are trying to show the diversity of the Arab world, but we also want you to experience Qatar in person. There are such negative reports about Qatar. This is quite inaccurate for those who have never actually been to Qatar, “says Sheikh Al Mayassa.
Qatar’s official comments relate primarily to the wave of criticism that has emerged from the West since the Gulf countries won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup more than a decade ago.
Doha is receiving worldwide attention primarily on issues related to migrant workers and labor law. However, officials say the dismantling of the Kafala system and the introduction of historic reforms, including the region’s first minimum wage law, have been largely rejected and ignored by critics.
In her discussion on Wednesday, Sheikh al-Mayassa referred to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Tani’s speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF).
In his remarks, Qatar’s leaders aimed at unjustified criticism of the first Gulf countries to host the FIFA World Cup in the Middle East.
“For decades, the Middle East has suffered from discrimination, and I refuse to know us in some cases, as such discrimination is primarily based on those who do not know us. I found that I was there, “Amir said last month.
Reflecting Amir’s remarks, Sheikh al-Mayassa said, “The World Cup serves as a step towards uniting people,” opening conversations between people of different cultural backgrounds.
“The World Cup is a great opportunity to celebrate people and celebrate our differences and have conversations, even if these conversations are difficult, even if you disagree with them,” the Qatari royal family added.
Growing art scene
As chairman of the Qatar Museums (QM), Sheikh al-Mayassa has been at the forefront of transforming the local art scene.
As Doha approaches the opening of November, the Institute of Arts has stepped up its efforts to lead the initiative to introduce the Arab world and Qatar to millions of visitors.
Sheikh Al Mayassa revealed that 80 new public art pieces have been set up nationwide, noting that various exhibitions will be held for this big event.
“We are collaborating with other museums in Europe and the United States, not just the Baghdad Museum, to hold great exhibitions. We are talking about the 500 years of the Abbas dynasty when Baghdad was the capital of the Islamic world,” said QM. Said.
There is also an exhibition of “Labor of Love” with the Palestinian Museum, focusing on textiles in illegally occupied territories. Initiatives led by museum authorities also fall under the Qatar National Vision (2030).
“We have created a 25-year plan that fits perfectly with our vision of developing human abilities in Qatar and the region,” said Sheikh Al Mayassa, a country. Is intended to be introduced to foreigners in a more authentic way. ..
One initiative includes heritage revitalization, including the abandoned village of Einmohammed.
“One of the specific projects I’m very excited about is Einmohammed. The people who are revitalizing the village are actually of the original families and tribes who lived there centuries ago. It’s a descendant, “said the Qatari royal family.
Authorities are planning to install 1,000 “Bedouin-style” tents in the desert for World Cup fans, with the aim of drawing out important elements of Qatar culture. Nomadic tent exhibitions also welcome visitors during global events.
“The World Cup will be hosting an exhibition on nomadic tents, because we are very proud of our past and connect the regions of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. And that’s it. It will be the highlight of our program, “said a QM official.
Meanwhile, Sheikh al-Mayasad made a big presentation to the QEF audience, confirming the new desert artwork by Icelandic and Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. This follows the exhibition in Doha at the National Museum of Qatar next March.
While foreign works of art continue to gather in the country, the Gulf countries are also keen to secure support for local artists in a variety of industries, from filmmakers to artisans.
“We rely heavily on the organic role of our culture and society,” said Sheikh al-Mayassa.
