Chief Archaeology Officer at Qatar Museums Ali Jassim Al Kubaisi said that the state have made a number of achievements om the field of heritage and archaeology, the most prominent of which was the inclusion of Al Zubarah by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency, Al Kubaisi said that Al Zubarah is one of the most historical sites in Qatar. It was once a prosperous port filled with fishermen and traders. The site dates back to 1760. It consists of a fortified town that has an inner and an outer wall. The site also has a harbour, a sea canal, two screening walls, Murair fort, and Al Zubarah Fort.
Another achievement, Al Kubaisi added, was the launch of the Qatar-Sudan Archaeological Project four years ago. Today, the world celebrates the International Day For Monuments and Sites which was decided upon by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and was approved by the Unesco in 1983.
Al Kubaisi said that Qatar Museums, based on directives by Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is working on a comprehensive plan in cooperation with Qatar Tourism Authority to develop the site. He added that they are coordinating with ICOMOS and hope to begin implementing the plan in 2017. The plan includes establishing a centre for visitors that would reflect the historical and social value of the site.
He revealed that the Ministry of Municipality and Environment is studying the possibility of whether there were other sites eligible for becoming a world heritage sites. He highlighted in particular Al Reem Reserve, Al Udeid area, and Salwa Bay as ones under consideration.
Al Kubaisi noted that there was strong cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Qatar University (QU) to updating curriculums when it comes to subjects on museums and archaeological sites. He noted that there was also a joint committee formed with QU to establish a department on monuments and archaeology to prepare students for work in that field. He noted that such a specialization requires real skill and preparation to excel at.
