Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is being celebrated on her birthday for her long-standing contribution to Qatar’s art, museums, film, heritage and cultural development. As Chairperson of Qatar Museums, she has been closely associated with the growth of Qatar’s cultural landscape since 2005.
From museums and public art to international cultural exchanges, her work has helped make Qatar art and culture a major part of Doha’s identity.
But who is Sheikha Al Mayassa, and what has she done for Qatar?
Here are the key things to know.
Who is Sheikha Al Mayassa?
Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is a prominent Qatari cultural leader whose work spans art, museums, education, film, heritage and philanthropy.
She currently serves as Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia and Qatar Leadership Centre, and as Co-Chairperson of Fashion Trust Arabia.
Her work has placed a strong focus on developing Qatar’s cultural infrastructure while supporting creative talent and cultural exchange.
Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums
One of her most recognised roles is her leadership of Qatar Museums.
She has served as Chairperson since Qatar Museums was founded in 2005, overseeing the development of its museums, galleries, heritage sites, public art programme and creative hubs.
Today, Qatar Museums describes itself as the country’s leading institution for art and culture, with museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations and cultural programmes.
This includes some of Doha’s best-known cultural destinations, including:
- Museum of Islamic Art
- National Museum of Qatar
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
- MIA Park
- Qatar Museums Gallery Al Riwaq
- Qatar Museums Gallery Katara
Qatar Museums has also continued expanding its cultural programme, including Design Doha, Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival and major public art projects.
Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar’s public art scene
Walk around Doha and you can see how strongly public art has become part of the city’s visual identity.
Qatar Museums says its public art programme is among the world’s largest, while its wider mission includes preserving heritage and creating opportunities for artists and the creative economy.
From installations around Doha to major works displayed in public spaces, art has increasingly moved beyond museum walls.
That has helped make Doha art, Qatar art and public art in Qatar popular topics for residents and international visitors alike.
She founded the Doha Film Institute
Sheikha Al Mayassa founded the Doha Film Institute in 2010 with the aim of developing a dynamic film industry in Qatar and supporting storytellers from the region.
The institute supports filmmakers through programmes, workshops and mentorship while organising major film events.
The Doha Film Festival has also become an important platform for international and regional cinema.
For young filmmakers, the institute provides opportunities to learn, create and connect with the wider film community.
Sheikha Al Mayassa and Years of Culture
Another major initiative associated with Sheikha Al Mayassa is Years of Culture.
The programme creates cultural exchanges between Qatar and partner countries, bringing together exhibitions, artists, designers, performances and other cultural projects.
Qatar Museums says she created the programme as part of Qatar’s cultural diplomacy efforts, with exchanges involving countries including France, China and Italy.
The idea is simple: culture becomes a way for people from different countries to understand each other.
Her connection to Fashion Trust Arabia
Sheikha Al Mayassa is also closely connected to the fashion industry.
In 2019, she became a principal founder of Fashion Trust Arabia, which she co-chairs.
The organisation supports emerging designers from the Middle East and North Africa through financial support, guidance and mentorship.
This has also strengthened Doha’s position within the region’s growing fashion and creative industries.
Qatar’s presence on the global cultural stage
Her cultural work extends beyond Qatar.
Sheikha Al Mayassa has been involved in Qatar’s participation at the Venice Biennale, including work toward establishing a permanent Qatar Pavilion.
Qatar Museums says she served as Commissioner of the Qatar Pavilion and that Qatar made its first official participation in the Biennale in 2025.
Her cultural diplomacy work was also recognised by France in 2025 with her induction into the Legion of Honour, according to Qatar Museums.
A growing cultural Qatar
The story of Sheikha Al Mayassa is closely connected with Qatar’s broader investment in culture.
Qatar Museums now operates a growing network of museums, exhibitions, heritage locations, public art projects and educational programmes.
The next chapter is already taking shape.
The Art Mill Museum, a future museum of modern and contemporary art on Doha’s Corniche, is scheduled to open in 2030. Qatar Museums says it will bring together painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, film, fashion and crafts from around the world.
Sheikha Al Mayassa’s role in Qatar’s future
Beyond museums and exhibitions, her leadership portfolio covers education, philanthropy, creative industries and cultural exchange.
Qatar Museums also highlights educational programmes designed to help children, young people and adults engage with art, heritage and creativity.
That makes her work about more than collecting or displaying art.
It is also about creating spaces where people can learn, create, experience and share culture.
Happy birthday, Sheikha Al Mayassa
As Qatar celebrates Sheikha Al Mayassa’s birthday, her career offers a look at how art, culture and creativity have become an important part of modern Qatar.
From Qatar Museums and the Doha Film Institute to Years of Culture, public art, fashion and international cultural exchanges, her work has been closely connected with Qatar’s evolving cultural identity.
And with new museums and creative projects still taking shape, Doha’s cultural story is far from finished.
