The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) will present Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight, an immersive exhibition exploring the vital role sea turtles play in Qatar’s vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems.

A sea turtle in Qatar is commonly referred to as ‘Lehmesa.’ The exhibition will focus on the endangered Hawksbill turtle, the only sea turtle species that nests on Qatar’s beaches, and reflects the nation’s natural endowment.

The exhibition, on view from October 27 to February 7, will mark NMoQ’s 50th anniversary — a moment that invites reflection on five decades of preserving and sharing the nation’s heritage.

In keeping with the mission of the museum and honouring its anniversary, Lehmesa demonstrates how the environment has shaped the nation’s development and the importance of preserving its natural history and ecosystems.

NMoQ Director Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Thani said: “At NMoQ, we see it as our responsibility not only to preserve and share the nation’s cultural heritage, but also to safeguard and celebrate the natural heritage that surrounds and sustains us.

“Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight reflects this dual responsibility by honouring Qatar’s ecological treasures and reminding our public of the remarkable resilience of a species facing increasing threats. In this milestone year for both Qatar Museums and NMoQ, this exhibition exemplifies our commitment to creating awareness, action, and stewardship for generations to come.

Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight traces the journey of the Hawksbill turtle, from land to sea, exploring its evolutionary history, life cycle, habitat, and interactions with the environment. Visitors will move through an engaging, sensory-rich space designed to replicate the landscapes of Qatar’s coasts, ranging from sandy nesting grounds to vibrant coral reefs. Blending scientific insight with interactive displays, the exhibition encourages visitors to see themselves not as bystanders but as part of the environment the turtles depend on to survive.

While the Hawksbill turtle’s nesting in Qatar is well documented, the migration routes of other sea turtle species visiting Qatari waters remain largely unknown. Understanding these routes is crucial for identifying key foraging areas, which are as important to protect as nesting beaches.

To address this, NMoQ is calling for the first regional GCC Forum on Sea Turtles, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, bringing together experts from across the Gulf to share insights and advance conservation efforts.

The conference will explore themes including threats and protection, such as nesting site conservation, by catch and marine debris, climate change impacts, turtle mortality causes, and community education, as well as management and sustainability, covering marine protected areas, policy and legal frameworks, rescue and rehabilitation programmes, and the integration of education and eco-tourism in conservation.

Qatar’s marine life is home to four species of sea turtles: the Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley, the Loggerhead, and the Hawksbill. While all have been sighted in Qatar’s waters, the Hawksbill is the only one that returns to its shores to nest.

A series of public events, workshops, and educational activities will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar University to deepen public understanding of marine biodiversity and sustainability. These programmes will engage families, school students, and communities in hands-on learning and advocacy, reinforcing the Museum’s role as a hub for environmental awareness and cultural learning.

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