Qatar's Heritage Comes Alive In Art At Qatar National Library Exhibition

Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Library has launched a first-of-its-kind exhibition titled Heritage in Art: Reflections by Qatari Artists, featuring works by seven Qatari artists.

The opening took place yesterday in the presence of Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library, H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari.

Coinciding with Qatar National Day, the exhibition celebrates the intersection of culture, creativity, and heritage, highlighting how contemporary Qatari artists continue to draw inspiration from the nation's rich historical legacy.

“This exhibition reflects Qatar National Library's commitment to making heritage a living part of contemporary dialogue,” said Executive Director of Qatar National Library, Tan Huism, in a statement.

“By bringing together historical sources and modern creativity, Heritage in Art demonstrates how Qatari artists engage with the past to inspire new conversations within society.”

Through contemporary artistic practices, the exhibition reimagines treasures from the Heritage Library, including rare maps, manuscripts, illustrations, and photographs.

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The artworks explore themes of memory, place, and personal reflection, transforming heritage into an ongoing dialogue between past and present.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Communications and Digital Marketing Specialist at Qatar National Library, Noof Al Heidous, said the exhibition marks a significant milestone for the Library.“Heritage in Art is the first exhibition of its kind to be launched at Qatar National Library, coinciding with Qatar National Day on December 18.

The exhibition hosts seven Qatari artists who drew inspiration from items in the Heritage Library.”

She explained that the artists explored manuscripts, old maps, and historical posters across different sections of the Heritage Library.

“Each artist selected elements that resonated with them and transformed these sources into original artworks, reflecting both their personal interpretations and artistic backgrounds,” she said.

“By bringing together culture, art, and tradition, the exhibition creates something entirely new.”

Al Heidous added that the artists were selected based on diversity in medium, approach, and professional background, creating“a meaningful dialogue between art, culture, and heritage.”

Artist Abdullah Al-Mutawah with his artwork Qatar Through Time

Participating artists include Abdullah Al-Mutawah, Muna Al-Bader, Muneera Al-Obaidli, Sharefa Al-Mannai, Jaber Henzab, Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani, and Zainab Al-Shibani, each offering a distinctive interpretation that bridges heritage with contemporary expression.

Al-Mutawah's work, Qatar Through Time, depicts the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, built in the early 20th century as both a residence and seat of government.

The painting integrates symbols from the National Museum of Qatar, visually linking historical architecture with modern identity.

“In this artwork, I speak about my culture and the traditional architecture of old buildings in Qatar,” Al-Mutawah said.“I focus on design elements such as 'zakharif jibsiyah' the white gypsum carvings that are an important part of our architectural heritage.” He added that his research at the Library informed his choice of subject, adding that the palace“tells a story of life, history, and identity.”

Muneera Al-Obaidli

Artist and photographer Muneera Al-Obaidli's work reflects Qatar's deep connection to the sea as a source of livelihood, memory, and identity.“What matters most to me is expressing culture and identity in my art,” she said.

“The fisherman symbolises patience and wisdom, while the glowing pearls represent knowledge and values accumulated over generations.” By bringing together the sea and the modern skyline, she said, the work reflects the balance between tradition and modernity that defines Qatar today.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until the end of April 2026.

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