Qatar Museums Authority organizes “The Arab Games Exhibit”

Qatar Museums Authority is organizing “The Arab Games Exhibition” which will open to the public from 4 October – 23 December 2011 at QMA Gallery in Katara, coinciding with the 12th version of the Arab Games to be held in Qatar. The exhibition is an effort of the Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum at Qatar Museums Authority, supported by its partners Qatar Olympic Committee and Egyptian Olympic Committee.

Demonstrating a chronological narrative of the Games, the exhibition will feature items from the games (i.e. medals, posters, programs), films and interviews from athletes, photographic images and educational activities that inform about the history of the Games which took place for the first time in Alexandria, Egypt back in 1953.

The exhibition is divided into five sections each specializing in a certain time period which characterize the evolution of the Games from inception as an idea in 1947 until today. Starting from the beginning, the first section showcases the political agenda behind the concept of The Arab Games. This was followed by an era of Egyptian regional leadership. Then a period of decline affected the consistency of the Games from 1965 to 1985 because of political turmoil in several Arab countries. A re-organization of The Arab Games with a new vision later started to materialize eventually leading to the transformation of The Arab Games to become a mega-event.

In addition, the exhibition sheds light on the participation and achievements of Qatari athletes in The Arab Games and displays some of their trophies, medals, and pictures. Alongside the exhibition, a series of educational events catering to school children from various age groups is also being planned.

Commenting on the importance of this exhibition, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority stated: “The Qatar Museums Authority, with its responsibility to collect, restore, exhibit and educate, also recognizes its role in preserving the sports history and heritage of the Arab world.”

In December, Qatar will host the 12^th Arab Games and it is expected to draw over 8,000 athletes representing 22 Arab countries. The exhibition will open daily from 8am-12pm and 3pm to 9pm, admission is free of charge.