WATCH: Welcome to Qatar – Sheikh Faisal Museum

Founded in 1998 a by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani, this fortress shaped museum is a national treasure that houses more than 15,000 valuable items from all over the world.

The museum expands over 20,000 square meters and has different sections each with its own take on Qatari and regional historic items.

One section of the museum – dedicated to the country’s rich heritage – highlights ancient artefacts used in Qatari households, as well as, weapons and tools from different periods.

In an interview with Al-Rayan TV, Sheikh Faisal said the museum “started as a hobby.”

“I used to collect items whenever I got the chance,” he said.

“As my business grew, so did my collections, and soon I was able to collect more and more items until I decided to put them in the museum for the public to enjoy.”

Another gem in the museum is an old Syrian house dating back hundreds of years that was transported from Damascus and assembled brick-by-brick in the museum.

A collection of more than 400 classic cars is a popular draw card with visitors, on top of a fossil, and rare coins and stamp section.