Qatar Museums has announced the appointment of the new Board of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Qatar for the 2026–2028 term. ICOM Qatar serves as the country’s National Committee of the International Council of Museums, an organization founded in 1946 that represents over 57,000 museum professionals worldwide and promotes international cooperation and cultural heritage preservation.

The Board will be chaired by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad al-Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, with Dr. Fatema Hassan al-Sulaiti, Director of International Co-operation and Government Affairs at Qatar Museums, serving as Vice-Chair. Other board members include Shaikha al-Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art; Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya, Director of Cultural Diplomacy; Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art; Abdulla al-Naama, Director General of Msheireb Museums; and Saeed Ali al-Shawi, Director of Information Technology at Qatar Museums. Dr. Rashid Malheya, Head of International Relations at Qatar Museums, has been appointed secretary, while Maryam al-Suwaidi, Head of Cash Management at Qatar Museums, will serve as treasurer.

Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani highlighted the important role museums play as places that foster learning, dialogue, and community enrichment. He expressed a commitment to advancing the committee’s work to reinforce the value of museums in society. Dr. Fatema Hassan al-Sulaiti underscored ICOM Qatar’s dedication to strengthening international cooperation and supporting the professional development of museum and heritage professionals in the country. She noted that the new leadership aims to broaden engagement among professionals and support initiatives that promote the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of cultural heritage.

The Board plans to work closely with Qatar Museums, local cultural institutions, government entities, and international partners to enhance ICOM’s mission. Their priorities for the 2026–2028 term include encouraging cross-sector collaboration, fostering professional growth, and increasing the impact of museums as spaces for cultural exchange and dialogue.

ICOM Qatar functions as a key platform for professional exchange, capacity building, and collaboration aligned with international standards and best practices. The committee’s relationship with Qatar Museums supports efforts to raise museum standards, strengthen professional networks, and bolster cultural diplomacy within Qatar.