Msheireb Museums Shares Decade of Heritage Innovation at ICOM Dubai 2025

Msheireb Museums participated in the ICOM (International Council of Museums) Dubai 2025 Conference from 12 to 17 November at Dubai World Trade Centre, sharing insights from a decade of transforming heritage into living inspiration. The participation follows the recent 10th anniversary celebrations and enabled Msheireb Museums to present the practical methodologies documented in its recently launched publications to museum professionals and cultural heritage experts from across the globe.

The conference provided a platform to demonstrate how the lessons captured in 'Msheireb Museums: Transforming Doha's Heritage Houses' and 'Building on Tradition – The New Architectural Language of Qatar' translate into approaches for heritage-led museum practice and regional museum branding.

Mr Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager, Msheireb Museums, said: "The conversations at ICOM Dubai reinforced what we celebrated at our 10th anniversary: that heritage and progress work as partners when grounded in community wisdom. Sharing our approach with peers globally validated our work in making these four houses living platforms where heritage actively shapes identity and inspires belonging. This dialogue strengthens our commitment to being houses that continue to inspire."

Presentations at Global Forum

In Session A-22 (Intangible Heritage – Storytelling, Identity, and Relevance), Mr Abdulla Al Naama presented "Voices Remembered: Curating Intangible Heritage and Historical Trauma at Bin Jelmood House." The presentation explored how Bin Jelmood House addresses sensitive historical narratives whilst honouring the voices and experiences of those affected.

In Session C-22 (Regional Museum Branding / The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities), Mr Mohammed Al Yousuf, Operation and visitor relations manager, presented "Branding Heritage: How Msheireb Museums Connect Local Identity with Global Conversations." The session demonstrated how the museums position themselves as a bridge between Qatar's cultural heritage and contemporary global museum practices within the context of rapid urban transformation.

Discussions following both sessions focused on how the museums balance authenticity with innovation, and how they transform historic buildings into spaces where Qatar's stories continue to inspire education, dialogue and community belonging.

The ICOM Dubai 2025 Conference brought together museum professionals, curators, researchers and cultural heritage experts to address the evolving role of museums in contemporary society. The participation demonstrates how Msheireb Museums contributes to regional and international discourse on heritage-led innovation as part of Msheireb Downtown Doha's integrated approach to connecting tradition with sustainable urban development.

Msheireb Museums tell the story of four remarkable historic buildings in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. Born from the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, these heritage houses have been converted into world-class museums adapted with great sensitivity in accordance with international conservation standards. Over the past decade, the museums have enriched the educational journey of more than 200,000 students through strategic partnerships with academic and cultural institutions, establishing themselves as a vital platform for dialogue between heritage and contemporary urban development.

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About Msheireb Properties

Msheireb Properties is Qatar's leading sustainable real estate developer, backed by Qatar Foundation and Qatar Investment Authority. The company has pioneered sustainable urban development in Qatar, supporting the goals of Qatar's 2030 Vision.

Its mission is to change how people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.

The signature Msheireb Downtown Doha development is one of the smartest, most sustainable city districts globally. It employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology to preserve Qatar's environment and cultural identity. All buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is an integrated city that embraces a range of mixed-use and commercial buildings that offer a wide array of retail and business services, modern residential units, educational and cultural facilities.   It is also the home to Msheireb Museums, Mandarin Oriental Doha Hotel, Al Wadi Hotel - MGallery, Park Hyatt Hotel, Msheireb Galleria, and Barahat Msheireb - the biggest open-air covered pedestrian square in the region. The city is also home to the Doha Design District (DDD), an engaging space that supports design, innovation, and cultural exchange through organised events and creative initiatives.

The company also developed Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East's first and largest wellness destination. Located in northern Qatar, the resort offers two distinct experiences: Zulal Serenity, a wellness haven for individuals and couples, and Zulal Discovery, a world-first wellness offering for families. The resort is pioneering in its integration of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with contemporary wellness practices

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