HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at the opening of Msheireb Museums. Picture: Aisha al-Sada/HHOPL

By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter

Msheireb Properties chairperson HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser officially opened Msheireb Museums on Tuesday at a ceremony at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) – the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project.

The Msheireb Museums is Msheireb Properties' flagship project, a cutting-edge development located in the heart of Doha.

“Today, MDD enters a new chapter in its history, through which it will inspire young minds of the future with the wisdom and beauty of our past,” HH Sheikha Moza said in a statement.

“With the opening of these museums, Msheireb reaches a milestone in fulfilling its vision of maintaining our unique architectural identity in Qatar, in a location that is set to be the vibrant heart of our capital,” she added.

Engineer Abdulla Hassan al-Mehshadi, CEO at Msheireb Properties, echoed the statements of HH Sheikha Moza saying that after six years of construction, the physical manifestations of their vision are becoming tangible, real and are increasingly visible as a major landmark on the Doha skyline.

The museums consist of four restored historical buildings which are part of the wider regeneration of the inner city to revive the old commercial centre.

A specialised team of leading local and international architects and experts have overseen the restoration and preservation of the four historical buildings.

“These museums are a testament to the exceptional quality of our work as a world class developer,” he added.

Carefully sourced materials that retain the spirit and building techniques of the original structures have been used to restore and convert the heritage houses into “four culturally significant museums” - the Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohamed bin Jassim House and Radwani House.

Msheireb Properties wants the museums to become centres of research, welcoming local, regional and international exhibitions and public educational and outreach programmes.

“Our mission is to transform the way we live and think about urban spaces here in Qatar,” al-Mehshadi said.

“In undertaking this development, we are meeting the challenge of striking a balance between the sophisticated requirements and benefits of contemporary living and the responsibility of preserving our local heritage and culture.”

The CEO also thanked HH Sheikha Moza for her continuous support and all her efforts and initiatives towards the company.

“The opening of these four museums is a very significant milestone for Msheireb Properties in realising the ambitious vision of MDD,” he added.

Described as a highly significant moment for Msheireb Properties, he noted the MDD development is a testament to Msheireb’s commitment to Qatar and to its 2030 Vision.

“The opening of Msheireb Museums will give the people of Doha their first major glimpse into the calibre and quality that will be exhibited throughout the development,” al-Mehshadi said.

“It has been constructed according to the highest ethical standards and international best practice."