Doha: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been an ‘eye opener’ to the cultural heritage of Qatar and the region.
Over the past four weeks the tournament has paved way for international fans to rethink about misconceptions and stereotypes about Middle East and the Arab world, claimed experts yesterday.
The World Cup has been a catalyst to break the barriers and bridge gaps in understanding of Qatar and the region — it is a ‘very important legacy,’ said Community Arts lead, Qatar Foundation, Ameera Al Aji.
Community Arts lead, Qatar Foundation, Ameera Al Aji
“The World Cup is clearing the misunderstanding about local culture and heritage that we have in Qatar. This is a very important legacy to move forward — that we break the gap between communities and we correct the misunderstandings about us as a country,” she told The Peninsula on the sidelines of the discussion on ‘Cultivating Arab Heritage and Culture during the First World Cup in the Region.’
The discussion organised by Qatar Foundation (QF) at the Host Country Media Center in Msheireb Downtown Doha heard how the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 taking place in the Middle East for the first time. It plays an integral role in bringing the rich culture of the nation and the region to the attention – and the hearts and minds – of new global audiences.
“The World Cup has also created a warm and emotional link between the people of Qatar and people from around the world. It makes our hearts glad too,” said Al Aji during the discussion.
The discussion took place as the second edition of QF’s D’reesha Performing Arts Festival runs until December 17 at Oxygen Park and Al Khater House at Education City.
Al Aji also highlighted that a key element of QF’s community development focus is a commitment to promoting, preserving, celebrating and solidifying the unique identity and spirit of Qatar and the Arab world.
Director of Strategy and Strategic Projects at Qatar National Library, Hind Al Khulaifi.
The discussion also explored Qatar National Library’s and Qatar Museums’ role for the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage.
She said that the Library has “welcomed the world” during the World Cup and international visitors were happy to have the books they were looking for, said Director of Strategy and Strategic Projects at Qatar National Library, Hind Al Khulaifi.
“Not only have we been able to welcome the world, we have also been able to show people that we’re not so different, and we have more in common that they might think,” she added.
Museums around the country demonstrate the Arab history and heritage, said Acting Deputy CEO of Exhibitions and Marketing and Director of Centralised Museums, Qatar Museums, Sheikha Reem Al Thani.
“Our collections reflect the diversity of the Arab world and create visual connections that help to clear people’s minds of misconceptions and stereotypes. We are telling them things in our voice, and from our understanding and our reality,” she added.
