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Doha, Qatar – 19 May 2026: Msheireb Museums celebrated this year’s International Museum Day with a special seminar led by Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali, a member of the Executive Board of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and Director of the Cultural Advisor’s Office at Qatar Foundation, highlighting the evolving social and cultural role of museums in shaping inclusive and connected societies.

 Held at Msheireb Museums, the seminar titled “Museums: From Functional Role to the Social Dimension”, explored how museums today have gone beyond their traditional role as custodians of heritage to become dynamic public spaces that encourage dialogue and support community engagement.

 The event formed part of the global celebrations for International Museum Day 2026, under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World”, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of ICOM and its longstanding commitment to supporting museums as drivers of cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development.

 Organised annually by ICOM since 1977, International Museum Day has grown into one of the most widely observed cultural occasions worldwide, with more than 37,000 museums across 158 countries and territories participating each year. The occasion serves as a platform for museums to reaffirm their role as trusted public spaces that foster learning, inclusivity, and intercultural dialogue, while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said: “International Museum Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role museums play within society today. At Msheireb Museums, we believe museums are not only spaces that preserve history, but also platforms that encourage dialogue, inspire learning, and strengthen social cohesion. Hosting this seminar aligns with our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences that connect communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

 Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali said: “Museums need to become more accessible and engaging for their communities, offering opportunities that truly reflect and respond to the spirit of the community. Otherwise, they will become outdated institutions, disconnected from their audiences and eventually left behind. Today’s exhibition operates in a highly competitive cultural and entertainment landscape, particularly for younger audiences. Therefore, they should focus on aligning their marketing plans with the evolving demands and expectations of the current era.”

 As a major cultural destination in Msheireb Downtown Doha, Msheireb Museums helps enrich the city’s social and cultural life. Through its four heritage houses and regular programming, the Museums take visitors through Qatar’s history, urban growth, and identity, while acting as a space for open conversation and community connection.

 This gathering showed how museums can bridge different cultures, protect our shared memories, and create safe spaces where the community can meet to exchange ideas and look toward the future. It also emphasized how working with international partners helps museums promote better understanding and community ties in our connected world.