Qatar Museums’ Architectural Conservation Department revealed its initiative to undertake the restoration project for Al-Jamiliya Old School. Qatar Museums’ Architectural Conservation Department announced the completion of the restoration project of Al-Jamiliya Old School, which constitutes a significant part of the history of the education process in Qatar, in realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Following the approval of the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and based on Qatar Museums’ and Seashore Group’s belief in the importance of participating in such preservation efforts, they joined forces to restore Al-Jamiliya School to serve the local community, as well as to preserve this building for future generations.
Adel Al Moslamani, Director of Qatar Museums’ Architectural Conservation Department said: “This project was implemented in coordination, collaboration, and support from Seashore Group, our primary partner and supporter of Qatar Museums in culture and heritage, particularly in our preservation efforts of archaeological sites and buildings in Qatar. The main goal of this project is to keep the architectural character and style of the old school building and to restore it in accordance with the restoration standards and conservation policies set forth by Qatar Museums, as it is considered one of the most important examples of school buildings that were constructed throughout the various historical stages that show the development of educational facilities in Qatar. In addition, this school will be utilised to host heritage and cultural events that will serve the local community, as well as highlight Qatar’s history of education.”
Al-Jamiliya School is one of the old buildings in the Al-Jamiliya area that are still intact. The school consists of four rooms, three of which are classrooms along with a principal's room, in addition to services annex and bathrooms located at the northwestern corner of the site.
The restoration process commenced in mid-2023, under close supervision of the Architectural Conservation Department, due to the poor structural condition of the ceilings and walls. This project underscores Qatar Museums' continuous efforts to encourage community partnerships and protect the country's cultural heritage. The school has been classified as a heritage building and allocated to Qatar Museums in coordination with the relevant authorities.
With generous support of Seashore Group, represented by its owner and chairman, Mr. Salem Al Mohannadi, it was agreed that Seashore Group would fully subsidise the renovation and restoration of this school.
Saqr Saeed Al Mohannadi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seashore Group, said: “Out of its social responsibility, Seashore Group believes that it is necessary to safeguard our heritage and antiquities as they represent the source of identity for the people of Qatar. Thus, future generations will have a better understanding of how their ancestors lived and how their lifestyle contributed to the development Qatar is experiencing today”.
The restoration work was finalised in May 2024, with Seashore Group adhering to Qatar Museums' conservation standards and principles, resulting in the preservation of the building's original architectural style. The school's permanent supply of electricity and water is currently being coordinated with Kahramaa. Furthermore, the school was fitted with a fire alarm system to guarantee safety.
For more information, please visit www.qm.org.qa.
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Heritage Sites of Qatar
Economic development and urban and demographic growth have dramatically impacted Qatar over the last fifty years. As the landscape continues to change, so do the ways of living. QM is committed to discovering, excavating, conserving, protecting, and promoting the heritage sites of Qatar that flourished long ago, thereby taking the cultural experience beyond the walls of museums. The Archeology department's conservation and outreach activities play an essential role in preserving Qatar's heritage—from prehistory through the Middle Ages, the Islamic period, and beyond—and putting modern communities in touch with their past. The Archeology department oversees heritage sites all over Qatar, works with foreign and domestic research teams, and engages in collaborative projects abroad. Qatar's Heritage Sites include Al Zubarah, Qatar's first UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Barzan Towers; the heritage village of Al Jumail; the 19th-century desert forts Al Rakayat and Al Thaqab; the Abbasid settlement of Murwab; and the rock art site Al Jassasiya
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and Design Doha. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, M7, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention. For more information visit https://qm.org.qa
About Seashore Group
The Seashore Group, with its diverse activities and aspirations for leadership and excellence, is dedicated to building an advanced and sustainable society in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030. It places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and has invested in purposeful initiatives that have contributed to community development.
The Seashore Group takes pride in promoting social responsibility through various programs and initiatives, supporting the younger generations through workshops and competitions, and sponsoring numerous local and international sports tournaments. Additionally, it has participated in and sponsored many regional summits and conferences. The group has also activated internal partnerships with state institutions to ensure the achievement of its societal goals.
Recognizing the importance of preserving heritage as a national memory and a fundamental pillar of Qatari identity, collaboration with Qatar's museums is pursued in various aspects. All of these efforts are part of the work towards realizing Qatar Vision 2030 and turning it into tangible reality.
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Media Contact:
Mohammad Khamis Al-Abdullah
mfaraj@qm.org.qa
+974 4402 8544
Jasmin Afifi
jafifi@qm.org.qa
+974 7041 3862