The new Museum of Islamic Art, Doha is a truly inspirational project. The exceptional quality of the building design and location and the positioning of the new Museum as a catalyst for the development of Doha as a cultural and educational centre of excellence demonstrate the vision and commitment of the State of Qatar to the international cultural/museums sector.

The Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) will provide a stunning environment in which to showcase its extensive store of treasures from across the Islamic world. Designed by I.M. Pei, the Museum will have nearly 5,000 square meters of exhibition space available, in addition to generous education, conservation and presentation areas. The Museum plans to employ c.160 staff in a range of activities and it will form a centrepiece of Qatar’s strategy to become a tourist destination of choice. The Museum will in time join forces with four other national museums which will be built in the Doha Harbour area.

The Museum is one of the most important and monumental building projects of its type in the world today. In architectural terms, it is one of the most distinguished modern buildings in the entire Middle East. It is a structure of exceptional quality, designed by one of the most important architects in the world and will house great treasures. It represents cultural, scholarly and artistic achievements at the highest possible level. This museum, along with the other museums planned to be constructed in the area, and in the context of the major educational reforms and new university establishments being supported by the Qatari authorities, will transform the State of Qatar into a centre of world-class educational excellence.

The chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority is Sheika Nyassa. The chief curator is Dr Sabiha Al Khemir. The umbrella organisation is the Qatar Museums Authority. The Museum of Islamic Art building is by I M Pie.

The web site that will give an impression of the project is www.nccah-projects.com

The organisation is now known as the Qatar Museum Authority, not the National Council for Culture Arts and Heritage.

 Ian Duckworth

CLR Global Group

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