Artist’s illustration of the National Museum of Qatar’s west view from the Doha bay.

Qatari poet Sheikh Mubarak bin Saif al-Thani has donated “exceptional and historical items’ to the under-construction National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).
The unique objects include the first draft of the poem used in the Qatari national anthem, as well as the pen used to write it.     
Written by Sheikh Mubarak, the poem is an iconic piece of writing which reinforces the meaning and significance of individual loyalty towards and love for one’s country.  
The piece will be showcased alongside a selection of other exhibits which characterise the strong bond between the people and leaders of Qatar.  
Accompanied by the musical score and the pen used to write it, the NMoQ will exhibit this poem in a way that befits its national value and importance.  
“We are very grateful for this great gesture by Sheikh Mubarak who is known not only as a poet but as someone who is loyal to and loving of his country,” Qatar Museums acting CEO Mansoor bin Ebrahim al-Mahmoud said in a statement.
“The poem means a lot to Qatari citizens and by exhibiting this poem in the National Museum of Qatar, we aim to honour it and emphasise its importance as a part of Qatar history which will resonate in the present as well as in future generations,” he added.
The donated objects will be exhibited under the donors’ names as part of the upcoming NMoQ’s collection, along with other artefacts that highlight the modern history of Qatar and tell the story of its people.
Qatar Museums always welcomes contributions from valued citizens who own documents or heritage materials that could enrich the NMoQ.