Qatar Museums’ Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, has been elected President of the International Council of Museums Regional Alliance of Arab Countries (ICOM Arab) for the 2025–2028 term, a significant milestone for the region. The election was confirmed on November 13, 2025, during the 27th ICOM General Conference held in Dubai.
Al Rumaihi’s appointment reflects Qatar’s growing leadership in advancing museum innovation, cultural collaboration, and heritage preservation across the Arab world. Under the vision of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, the organization has been championing culture as a catalyst for development, creativity, and dialogue.
The Role of ICOM Arab and Qatar Museums
The ICOM Regional Alliance of Arab Countries represents 11 member nations and is part of ICOM, the world’s largest network of museums and museum professionals, with over 50,000 members globally. As President of ICOM Arab, Al Rumaihi is expected to enhance knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional capacities, and expand collaboration among Arab museum institutions.
Qatar Museums is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary with the Evolution Nation campaign, an 18-month celebration highlighting Qatar’s cultural journey. The campaign is curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity.
Advancing Cultural Collaboration and Heritage Preservation
Al Rumaihi’s leadership is expected to drive cultural exchange, safeguard heritage, and contribute to sustainable development and education across the Arab world. According to Al Rumaihi, the election signifies a collective trust in the capability of Arab museums to serve as bridges of understanding and dialogue.
The new leadership is anticipated to strengthen the role of museums in serving society and connecting the Arab world globally. With ICOM Arab representing a diverse range of member nations, the alliance is poised to promote cultural heritage and advance museum innovation in the region.
As Qatar Museums continues to evolve, its commitment to cultural collaboration and heritage preservation is expected to have a lasting impact on the region. The Evolution Nation campaign is a testament to Qatar’s dedication to celebrating its cultural milestones and aspirations for the future.
Looking ahead, Al Rumaihi’s presidency is expected to shape the future of museums in the Arab world. The next steps will likely involve strengthening partnerships and promoting cultural exchange among member nations. As the ICOM Arab continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the region’s cultural landscape will be worth watching.
