Museums in Qatar: creating narratives of history, economics and cultural co-operation

This thesis traces the history of museums in Qatar to investigate a
significant period of transformation - politically, economically and
socially - and their role in the reordering of ' things'. I compare the way
in which Qatari museums have been used during two different eras, from
the 19705 to 1995 and from 1995 to the current day, to demonstrate how
museums in Qatar have been politically driven and where they have been
used to strengthen a national profile, locally. region ally and globally. A
specific study of Qatar National Museum allows for an exploration of
how Sheikh Khalifa's aims for the museums in the country changed the
community's understanding of their everyday objects, when they were
shown in a museum context as a part of a specific narrative of history and
change.
The economic, social and political paradigm shifts that Qatar is
witnessing currently have brought about recognition of the need for a
wider and more important role for museums and their acquisitions.
Alongside moves to modernise the country, there has begun to be an
emphasis on the need to preserve Qatar's traditions and heritage and the
desire to rebuild some sites and cities from Qatar's hi story. Throughout
these projects, Qatari and Islamic heritage have been utilised in the
politicians' vision and plans for globalisation and modernisation. The new
museum culture in Qatar acts as a very powerful tool to generate
narratives about the country as a nation; however, the opening of these
new museums invites debate about why certain objects have been brought
together and why specific narratives have been constructed around them.
I have completed this research as both a curator employed by the
Museums Authority in Qatar since 1998, and as a doctoral student at the
University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. This has created an
interesting tension in my work. As an insider, I have had to engage with
the cultural basis of understanding demanded of a curator working in
Qatar. However, as a research student, I have been required to question,
analyse and critique Qatari museum practice. This is the first thesis to
explore the history of museums in Qatar conducted by a Qatari employed
by the Museums Authority and I have addressed the challenges of this
position in my research.