“Museum of Islamic Art attendance bodes well for the success of Qatar’s cultural future" .

Doha, Qatar, 16 December 2008:
Around 30,000 local and international visitors joined the rush to see Qatar’s new landmark symbol of culture, the Museum of Islamic Art, during its first two weeks of public opening, Qatar Museums Authority has announced. The largest dedicated Islamic art museum in the world resounded with the footsteps of 1,500 visitors on its 1 December opening day. Visitors of all ages enjoyed the museum’s permanent collection featuring more than 800 pieces of priceless Islamic art and the first temporary exhibition, Beyond Boundaries: Islamic Art Across Cultures – completely free of charge. “On Friday 12 December alone the museum received over 6,500 visitors in just 6 hours - a huge success,” commented Abdulla Al-Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Museums Authority. “Naturally we are delighted with such a large attendance. We are certain the high attendance for the Museum of Islamic Art bodes well for the success of Qatar’s cultural future, and that it is well on the way to becoming the most popular art museum in the region." Open 6 days every week (closed Tuesdays and 25 December), visitors will discover a fascinating history of art from across the Islamic world on display, as well as the high class museum facilities including the Gift Shop, spectacular outdoor courtyards with centrepiece water features, and prayer halls for men and women. “We would like to thank everyone who visited the Museum of Islamic Art during our opening weeks, and are encouraged by everyone's fantastic response to the Museum's collections. We look forward to welcoming everyone back as regular visitors or for future exhibitions,” added Al-Najjar. Designed by architect I.M. Pei and covering 35,500 sq m, Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art is the first phase in an ambitious plan to establish Qatar as the cultural capital of the Middle East. “With our first world class museum now complete and future projects in the pipeline, the early success of the Museum of Islamic Art reinforces the State of Qatar’s potential to become the leading cultural destination in the region,” explains Al-Najjar. Museum of Islamic Art visitor information can be obtained by visiting the museum’s website www.mia.org.qa or by telephoning +974 422 4444