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At the dawn of the 21st century, Qatar was a nation lacking in numerous cultural attractions to engage both tourists and inhabitants. Nonetheless,
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
— referred to as the FBQ Museum — was a destination that many chose over the still quite rustic National Museum of Qatar at the time.
You needed to schedule an appointment and venture into the desert, navigating through several detours before arriving at the verdant Al Samriya Farm where you were greeted with a cup of tea and some cake. The main attraction was gaining access to a crowded area packed with shelves and display cases filled with various unusual items ranging from swords to coins—while occasional cars and carriages dotted the premises.
What made this museum distinctive wasn’t something you’d typically encounter in museums around the globe, yet it undeniably warranted a visit.
Currently, it has expanded and now boasts being among the biggest privately-owned museums globally. This museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts, featuring a collection of classic dhow boats alongside numerous rugs. Additionally, there is an entire residence that originally was located in Damascus, Syria.
The collection includes archaeological discoveries from the Jurassic era, early versions of the Quran, a segment highlighting the significance of pearl diving in Qatar’s past, as well as jewelry from the 1600s.
Items from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar can also be found here, such as replica trophies, game-used soccer balls, entrance tickets, football jerseys, and an array of somewhat eerie dolls and stuffed toys lined up on shelves.
Among the more unsettling displays are numerous artifacts from the Third Reich located in the war-era section, along with an oddly compelling collection of bird legs equipped with identification bands. In essence, anything you might imagine has a high probability of being exhibited here.
It is said that rumors circulate about a chamber brimming with late Princess Diana’s garments and personal items hidden away behind a sealed doorway, visible exclusively to certain privileged guests. There is another door concealing a space previously available for public viewing but now closed off; this area houses an array of artifacts belonging to the former leader, Saddam Hussein.
‘For the enjoyment of the public’
The museum’s origins date back to 1998, when Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani inaugurated a structure for visitors at his property approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Qatar’s capital city, Doha.
A member of Qatar’s royal family who founded and leads Al Faisal Holdings (one of the country’s largest diversified corporations) and is counted among the wealthiest individuals globally, known for his significant influence in Arab commerce, Sheikh Faisal has gathered a notable personal assortment of culturally crucial local relics along with some unusual items. This collection provides guests with a close-up view into the traditions and past of Qatar.
During an interview with the Qatari network Alrayyan TV in 2018, Sheikh Faisal mentioned that the museum began as a personal interest.
He mentioned, ‘Whenever I had the opportunity, I would gather various pieces. As my enterprise expanded, so too did my accumulations, leading me to amass an increasing number of artifacts until I chose to display them in a museum where everyone could appreciate them.’
His personal collection of oddities has grown into a vast 130-acre compound. Passing through the robust gateway reveals a sanctuary for oryx, an extensive equestrian center complete with stables, a charming duck pond, and a mosque featuring a tilted minaret. The area also includes a luxurious five-star facility.
Marriott hotel
, two cafés and the Zoufa restaurant offering contemporary Lebanese dishes.
Certainly, there’s an expansive museum nearby that has added a new wing featuring a car collection showcasing vehicles ranging from classic Rolls-Royces to World War II-era Jeeps and vibrant Buicks. As you step outside, you might spot peacocks wandering around the area, along with notices reminding motorists to stay alert for horses and ostriches.
People visiting the FBQ museum have the liberty to wander around the premises and may also go into the stables to pet the horses.
Eclectic treasures
Siham Haleem
A private tour guide with 15 years of experience mentions that Doha currently boasts numerous world-class, contemporary museums — his personal top choice being the National Museum of Qatar. Nevertheless, he insists that experiencing Sheikh Faisal’s museum remains an essential item on everyone’s itinerary.
For those interested in exploring Qatar’s—and the surrounding area’s—history and more, this museum serves as a perfect place to visit,” he states. “In my opinion, what draws me most are the automobile collection, the fossils, and particularly the Syrian house, which was carefully dismantled and reconstructed bit by bit.
Stephanie Y. Martinez, a Mexican-American student mobility coordinator at Texas A&M University in Qatar, enjoys the museum immensely and incorporates it into every itinerary for students visiting from the primary campus in Texas.
The guided tours offer an extensive look into the subject matter, and the museum houses a wide array of collections with countless tales waiting to be discovered,” she remarks. “Indeed, this place caters to anyone seeking intrigue. Among them, I particularly enjoy the car displays and the furnishings adorned with intricate woodwork and mother-of-pearl accents. It ranks as one of my top picks for museums in Qatar; each visit never fails to teach me something novel.
Raynor Abreu, who hails from India, also expressed admiration for the unconventional and extensive assortment.
Every artifact comes with its own tale, adding an extra layer of intrigue,” he remarks. “Moreover, it’s quite remarkable that Sheikh Faisal began amassing these distinctive items during his youth. This fact adds another dimension of significance, highlighting his enduring dedication to history and culture throughout his life.
Examining all the various exhibits at the museum requires both time and commitment—especially because much of what you’ll see isn’t accompanied by explanations.
While varied, one cannot easily criticize the dedication of Sheikh Faisal, who has assembled an array of exhibits chronicling the history of Qatar and the broader Middle Eastern region.
Sarah Bayley, who hails from the UK, mentioned that she recently took her family, which includes two teenagers aged 16 and 19, to visit the museum. She ended up being charmed by its undeniable peculiarity.
Incredible. I really enjoyed it. It’s a wild spot.
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