Qatar Museums founder and Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani opened up about her personal life, and ambitions to expand the country’s cultural landscape during an interview with Al Jazeera 360, the Qatar-based TV channel’s new streaming platform.

Sheikha Al Mayassa spoke about her close relationship with her brother and Qatar’s ruler  HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom she shares a passion for sports.

She described her father — HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani — as ‘a great listener and the first person I turn to for advice.’ She described her mother HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser as ‘a strong woman with steady beliefs.’

“She taught me the importance of expressing opinions and striving for change, especially when it benefits the people,” Sheikha Al Mayassa said.

Looking at the future, Sheikha Al Mayassa spoke about her ambition of setting up several new museums in Qatar over the next decade, thereby enriching the nation’s cultural identity, promoting Arab and Islamic heritage, and supporting cultural sustainability.

Sheikha Al Mayassa, in the interview ‘The Other Side’ by presenter Ola Alfares, spoke about the country’s strong commitment to the Palestinian cause.

“Qatar has a special commitment to the Palestinian cause. While some Arab nations shifted their stance, Qatar is steadfast in its support. We recognise our vital role and maintain a clear, dedicated policy toward this issue,” she was quoted as saying.

 She said the new group of museums — like the Lusail Museum, the Auto Museum and the soon-to-be-converted Qatar Mills Museum — were aimed at promoting the country’s cultural and artistic scene.

“The existence of eight museums in Qatar isn’t a large number compared to its geographical size. A 25-year plan was drawn up to be in line with Qatar Vision 2030 and is based on several values, namely the Qatari, Arab and Islamic identity,” she said.

Sheikha Al Mayassa said Qatar's interest in placing artworks in public places stems from its view of it not as a material investment but rather as a scientific and cultural investment in human development.

“We want to create spaces that celebrate our identity and heritage while also fostering a dialogue with the global community,” she explained.

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