Qatar Becomes Open Museum in Preparation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

Public art

The efforts of Qatari institutions, led by Qatar Museums have combined to transform the country into an open museum that pleases the onlookers, by paying attention to promoting the culture of visual arts in the community and in every part of the country in preparation for hosting the most prominent and important event of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which begins on Nov. 20, 2022.

During the World Cup, visitor to the State of Qatar will be in the midst of a large painting, the mosaic of which was created by Qatari and international artists. It consists of sculptures, designs, antiques and artistic paintings that express the culture of Qatari society. It also shows Qatar's celebration of cultural diversity on its land and its interest in international arts.

This large art painting is not limited to Qatar Museums, which includes a variety of museums, such as Qatar National Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Arab Museum of Modern Art, Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, DADU, Childrens Museum Of Qatar. Rather, it includes the corridors and halls of cultural and educational institutions, the most important of which are the Ministry of Culture, Qatar Foundation, the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) and Qatar National Library, with the painting expressing the arts and heritage in Qatar and the Arab and Islamic world, and its topics vary between culture, arts, literature, sports and others.

Qatar Museums is working with various entities in the country on the public art program in Qatar, including Hamad International Airport, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to display artworks in a variety of crowded public spaces and in unexpected public spaces designed to surprise and delight passersby including parks, shopping areas, educational and sports facilities, hotels, Hamad International Airport and metro stations, in addition to the stadiums that will host the World Cup matches.

HE Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al- Thani, said in a previous statement that the public art is one of the most prominent aspects of our cultural exchange.

Her Excellency added that these new works vary in size and shape, and include a wide range of topics, which enhances the mission of Qatar Museums to bring art closer to the masses, encourage them to participate in it, celebrate our heritage, and embrace the cultures of others.

She affirmed that Qatar Museums' commitment to public art is evident throughout the country, expressing her hope that the Qatari community will welcome these works, which contribute to enriching the experiences of millions of visitors who are expected to be received in Doha this year.

There are currently many artworks and sculptures in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Creative Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (M7), Qatar National Museum, Hamad International Airport, Katara Cultural Village, Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) and Sidra Medicine.

Qatar Museums recently added 40 artworks, bringing the public art collection to more than 100 artworks made by more than 60 artists from Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa and around the world.
Director of Public Art Management at Qatar Museum, Eng. Abdulrahman Al Ishaq said in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), that the public art program at Qatar Museums enhances the presence of art all around us, and is not limited to museums and galleries, pointing out that many artworks that reflect important events in the history of Qatar were installed in the Qatar National Museum and on the promenade of Lusail Marina, which is a tributary to the history of the State of Qatar and its traditions.

Al Ishaq explained that the public art program includes displaying the works of international, regional and Qatari artists, adding that these art works will be displayed in the theater park and in the spaces surrounding the Museum of Islamic Art and its parks. He concluded his speech to QNA by saying that these artworks provide an opportunity for each member of the community to contemplate and discuss them.

Several international works have been shown recently by a number of international artists from Germany, Brazil, America, Switzerland and other countries of the world and Arab countries. Some of these works were displayed in the Sheraton Doha and will also be displayed in the Museum of Islamic Art parks, on the front of Ras Abu Aboud Beach in Doha near Stadium 974, along the north shore of West Bay, at the National Theater and at 974 Stadium, Hamad International Airport receives its visitors with creative icons: Those coming to the State of Qatar will find themselves in an open museum at Hamad International Airport thanks to the artworks of the great Qatari, Arab and international artists that reflect an aspect of the countrys heritage and culture as well as Gulf, Arab and international arts.

Qatar Museums, in cooperation with Hamad International Airport, displays a distinctive collection of public artworks that inspire millions of travelers, and prove that art can be tasted and enjoyed outside the walls of museums and galleries. There are many international artworks, huge murals and new sculptures that combine classicism and abstraction.

Many artworks by a group of Qatari artists are spread around Hamad International Airport, including Yousef Ahmed, Mohammed Al Jaidah, Amal Al Athem and Mubarak Al Malik.

There is also sculpture of the "falcon" outside the departures building at Hamad International Airport, and a series of models of a herd of Arabian Oryx deer in the arrivals building at the airport. Thus, the passenger coming to the State of Qatar can pass through a group of famous works of art from inside and outside the airport. 

Bridges, tunnels and metro decorate the roadside, which will witness the creativity audiences will enjoy wherever they are. Qatar Museums and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) implemented an integrated plan to add the roads a visual painting full of beauty, which enjoys fragrance of the past and the pulse of heritage, overlooking the present through graffiti art by Qatari and world artists, inspired by Qatar's heritage, Gulf, Arab and Islamic architecture, with its arches, inscriptions, aesthetic forms, Quranic verses, proverbs, and poems.

These wall paintings hold a cultural and aesthetic message, document the past and reflect on the future, the most of which is located in the tunnels of Salwa road, the longest road in the heart of the city, where visual vision was embodied.

When you cross this road, you enjoy the liquid alphabet 52 graffiti arts, including Qatar's national anthem, inspired by Qatar's past heritage highlighting Arabic calligraphy mixed with street art called Calligraffiti, by the French-Tunisian artist EL Seed.

The Lusail highway comes in a vital area linking Doha with Lusail City, including many public destinations starting from the Pearl in the north through Katara and the diplomatic area, and a large number of residential neighborhoods, hotels and malls, the road features a 5/6 intersection with 100m high arches with 54 huge steel pieces, reflecting a great engineering challenge, for the unique design for oblique and overlapping shape, to be the highest landmark in Qatar.

Qatar Museums and the Ashghal's Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places have also completed initiatives in Towers Park, Doha Festival City intersection, Al Khor intersection, green Post Office square, arches, 5/6 Park, as well ass the metro stations with aesthetic fingerprints of the creators.

The Committee also launched "Zeenah" initiative expressed in "Lets Celebrate" to decorate the facades of workplaces, schools, universities, real estate, in addition to squares, roads and other public services; in the framework of celebrating Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

World Cup stadiums are open spaces for art and beauty.

The Qatar's eight World Cup stadiums are not just playing grounds, but masterpieces of art through architectural design and the Qatari and world works of art contained in their spaces and arenas, the first of them is Khalifa International Stadium, established in 1976 in Al Rayyan to host important sporting events in Qatar.

The 40-thousand-seat stadium appeared in best suit after the changes, with two arches representing continuity and symbolizing the embrace of worldwide fans, connected through a short footpath to the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Al Rayyan's Ahmed bin Ali Stadium features an exterior with symbols of some aspects of life and culture in Qatar, family bonding, the beauty of desert life, local plants and animals, and local and international trade, all combined by a fifth shape similar in design to a shield, symbolizing strength and togetherness that distinguish the people of Qatar, making the stadium a historical and cultural icon in Qatar.

Education City stadium, based on the rich history of Islamic architecture and modernity, is characterized by triangled facade to form complex geometric patterns resembling diamonds, and their color seems to change with the movement of the sun across the sky, and at night, the facade presents a colorful attractive light show.

The Lusail Stadium, Lusail, reflects the character of the city, was built in a state-of-the-art style to meet the needs of its residents, and marks a new page in the history of the state of Qatar, and symbolizes the richness of the past, the 80-thousand-fan stadium design was inspired by the overlap of light and shadow characteristic of the traditional Arab lighthouse or lantern, the structure reflects the fine-detailed inscriptions carried by traditional food bowls, and other pieces of art that spread throughout the Arab and Islamic world during the renaissance witnessed in the region.

The 60-thousand-fan Al Bayt stadium in Al Khor city with the unique design embodies the Arab tent, the authentic Bedouin life and the Arab hospitality in the style of the traditional Arab tent inspired by the ancestral heritage, its design received a five-star certificate in design, and Category A rating in construction practices from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS).

Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakra shows features of the past of maritime trade defining the city in a modern style open to the future, forming a bridge connecting the past and present, and a strong visual symbol of Qatar's keenness to communicate with the world, featuring a traditional boat sailing design for the history of the city of Al Wakra and its people's connection to the sea.

The 40-thousand-fan Al Thumama stadium, inspired by the heritage of Qatar, displays works created by Qatari artists at the main entrance in the Amiri lounge and the VIP area with a design of the stadium, was inspired by the "Gahfiya", the traditional woven cap adorned by men and boys all across the Arab world.

Football fans will experience a wonderful visual experience as they head to the 974 stadium, their eyes will be caught between the enchanting view of the skyscrapers across the sea, and the dazzling design of the stadium, which is considered the first of its kind in the history of the World Cup.

The use of licensed shipping containers and removable steel elements to build the 974 stadium was a unique element that distinguishes the stadium from the rest of the World Cup hosting facilities, in amazing harmony with the nearby Port of Doha and the ancient maritime heritage of the State of Qatar.

Qatari hotels are decorated with the most magnificent Qatari and world paintings.

In preparation for its World Cup guests, Qatari hotels were decorated with a collection of the most magnificent works of art that express the heritage and culture in Qatar, the most important model for Qatari hotels was Katara Hospitality, a company that owns, manages and develops a group of luxury hotels and resorts globally based in Qatar, as it was keen to reflect the Qatari culture in the visual vision of its guests, this is confirmed by Dr. Khalid Hassan Al-Naama, Managing Director of the Projects Department at Katara Hospitality, in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA) saying that in 2020, Katara Hospitality participated with a number of foundations in Qatar Art initiative that reflects Katara Hospitality Company's values of creating communication through unique human experiences to introduce Qatari heritage.

He added that the promotion of culture in Qatar through heritage artistic endeavors will ultimately lead to its improvement and protection, so through this practical application, which enriches the artistic environment effectively through heritage-inspired designs developed by Qatari artists at Qatar Art, pointing out that Katara Hospitality is working to take advantage of this initiative for its guests so that they are introduced to Qatar's history, heritage and culture professionally and accurately, because these wonderful artistic interpretations of Qatari heritage will leave an indelible impression in the minds of visitors.

Dr. Khaled Hassan Al Naama explained that Katara Hospitality is continuously working with Qatar Museums through a range of partnerships.recently, the "Heritage" lounge was opened at Salwa beach resort, an exclusive lounge for villa and suite guests as well as Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members, which is rich in heritage and urban orientation, the lounge displays unique works of art by local artists all over the country.

He stressed that the Katara Hospitality hotels group provides a creative visual vision, whether from local works of art, for example, the Qatari artist Nouf Al- Abdullah was collaborated to decorate the entrance to the Hilton Salwa beach resort and villas, and works by international artists are also displayed in other hotels, such as the Finnish artist Matti Sirvio, whose works are exhibited at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, or the German artist Han-Kook (Blue Rooster) in the lobby of the Sheraton Grand Doha and many other works in various hotels.

A number of hotels also host galleries of local and international works of art, the most important of which is the St. Regis Hotel Doha, which hosts the gallery "Eiwan Al Gassar", so Qatari hotels can serve a visual vision full of fun for the guests of the World Cup. 

Shopping malls display the visual attraction.

Shopping malls in Qatar shape the aesthetic vision of visitors to the country during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

During shopping, visitors will enjoy many artistic and creative works, as well as many inspiring cultural events that bring Qatari culture closer to the multicultural audience, embracing creations that express the cultures of the participating countries in the World Cup, one of the most important of which is Al Hazm mall, which is an architectural gem located in the heart of Doha, close to major tourist and commercial centers.

In a statement to Qatar news agency (QNA) CEO of Al Emadi Enterprises and Al Hazm Mohammed Abdul-karim Al Emadi said that Al Hazm mall participates in the preparations of all national institutions for this world's most prominent event, the Qatar World Cup 2022, where Arabic sessions will be placed where the visitor can sit and enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee and a selection of Qatari plates and watch Qatari folklore teams presenting a distinctive show that reflects the Qatari heritage.

He added that a special art exhibition will be dedicated to the World Cup in cooperation with a group of Qatari artists, in order to display a collection of works, pointing out that television screens will be placed in the outdoor air-conditioned arenas of Al Hazm mall to view the World Cup matches, as well as the mall's readiness to receive the participating teams and the organizers of the tournament to enjoy distinctive hospitality in its luxurious restaurants, which will serve various dishes from different cultures of different countries throughout the days of the championship.

As part of its preparations for the reception of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hayat Plaza, as one of the most important commercial complexes, is preparing to give its own touch. This was confirmed by its Head of Marketing Mohammed Al-Hawamdeh in his speech to Qatar news agency (QNA), explaining that the mall's corridors will be decorated with the most magnificent special decorations in celebration of the World Cup in Qatar to reflect the spirit of the past, present and future.

He said that Hayat Plaza prepared for this huge event with a set of distinguished designs, which in turn brings together all the peoples of the world for the first time in an Arab country. These designs include various figures such as football figures, horses, purebred Arabian camels and others, as well as providing entertainment activities for children and their families during this occasion.

Festival City Mall, one of the most important tourist and entertainment destinations in Doha, has prepared for this event, as its decorations will be simulating the World Cup event throughout the mall, including places dedicated to photography, and there will also be special arts related to football and the State of Qatar during this period, to reflect the spirit of Qatari culture in its squares and corridors, where it holds arts by local painters of Arab, Islamic and calligraphic art.

The Villaggio complex is also decorated with flags of the participating countries in the World Cup, in addition to some distinctive interior lighting, as well as organizing artistic performances on the rink reflecting the Qatari culture and various cultures of countries participating in the World Cup.

The management of the Abu Sidra mall complex located in the Muaither area confirmed that programs have been prepared during the hosting of the World Cup through the presence of various paintings throughout the complex containing images inspired by Qatari culture, images of camels, falcons, horses and other images. A tent will also be placed inside the complex for hospitality and serving coffee, tea and dates, as well as a screen in the complex to highlight Qatari landmarks and distinctive art forms that fascinate visitors.

The visitor of the City Center mall, one of the most important destinations in the country, will be pleased to see its collection of Qatari and Arab antiques and paintings, as it has a huge collection of heritage collectibles and old cars of various sizes, as this mall is considered a museum open to visitors.

Visitors will also have a privilege with the visual beauty in the Mall of Qatar, Vendome Place in Lusail city, Ezdan mall, Al Salam mall and various commercial complexes, with multiple visions of the aesthetics of culture and creativity in Qatar to turn the shopping experience in these malls into shopping and visual dazzle. 

Qatar is replete with tourist attractions.

Qatar is full of heritage sites and many museums, libraries and tourist attractions that will remain in the memory of the fans of the World Cup in Qatar in terms of its architectural structure, whether the archaeological or modern buildings that have been designed on the latest international methods to be architectural masterpieces, towers, and castles, the most important of these sites is Al Zubarah fort that overlooks a nearby archaeological site of a village once famous for trade and pearl diving, and today this fort has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of those sites is the Ar Rakiyat Fort, considered a typical example of desert castles, as it contains three rectangular towers and a round one, in addition to rock carvings and islands that tell about the past of the State of Qatar, Ras Abrouq, a peninsula located on the west coast, having the remains of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times, and many archaeological sites from prehistoric times have located in a protected location within the Gulf of Khor Shaqiq, the island is rich in natural heritage that attracts visitors.

Souq Waqif is a great example of the attractive destinations in Qatar with various restaurants and unique hotels, next to the Cultural Village of Katara with its wonderful art galleries, the open-air theater, the waterfront, the distinctive Katara beach, as well as the Pearl Qatar island, with its unique character.

One of the attractions that can also be visited is Al Wakra market, which gives its visitor the opportunity to get acquainted with what the life of the first ancestors was like by wandering between the alleys of this market and its quiet courtyards. It is a fun destination to spend time exploring traditional mud buildings, where there is a small mosque, a stable, and many Qatari shops that provide products of honey, spices, dates, perfumes, and gifts. The visitor concludes with the experience of riding a camel, and tasting the most delicious meals in one of the restaurants overlooking the waterfront.

Visitors to Qatar will be scheduled to visit the Qatar National Museum which welcomes all its visitors from different cultures to explore its immersive environment, and learn about Qatar's past, present and future, with the importance of planning a visit to the Museum of Islamic art, which houses one of the best collections of Islamic art around the world, the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum as well as the Museum of the Arab Museum of Modern Art as cultural and creative icons in Qatar.

(QNA)