H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani Joins QAIC’s Honorary Board of Trustees

“Culture allows us to recognize our common humanity and has the power to shape our communities and forge a sense of identity and belonging.” – Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the chairperson of Qatar Museums, joins QAIC as its first Honorary Trustee. H.E. is one of the most powerful and influential Arab leaders in the art and culture world, and the founder of the Doha Film Institute (DFI); which is a nonprofit that was established with the aim of building a dynamic film industry in Qatar and nurturing regional storytellers.

The multipronged approach that she envisioned and implemented at Doha Film Institute—promoting public appreciation of the art of film, providing educational opportunities centered on film, and encouraging the financing of film production—is in keeping with the larger strategy that Sheikha Al Mayassa has developed in her other cultural undertakings for the nation, including Reach Out to Asia (ROTA). She has established the goals of investing in the people of Qatar, extending their horizons, showcasing local and regional artists and designers to the world, and bringing significant international art and artists to Qatar.

Sheikha Al Mayassa’s principal interests are in human development, cultural regionalism and economic growth. Through her work in support of Qatar Vision 2030, using culture as a catalyst for education, dialogue and exchange, she is building a creative future for Qatar that connects communities in all areas of the arts and culture.

Among her other leadership roles, she is Chairperson of the Qatar Leadership Centre, Co-Chairperson of the Joint Advisory Board of Georgetown University Qatar, Co-Chairperson of Fashion Trust Arabia, Vice-Chairperson of Education Above All, a Member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Foundation, and a Member of the Board of Trustees of Rhode Island School of Design.

The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) family is very honored by Her Excellency joining our Honorary Board of Trustees, and we are very looking forward to sharing her vision and wisdom with our communities in Qatar, the US, and the larger Arab and Islamic worlds.