Qatar Museums (QM) CEO, Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, has called on the Qatari government to further enhance the region’s museum sector and inspire the country’s youth.

Established in 2005 by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM is the leading authority for museums in Qatar, which aims to be a ‘cultural instigator for the creation generation’.

“The museum industry is relatively new in the region and the interest of the audience is in the early stage. However, our government has begun to realise the importance of museums,” said Al Mahmoud, speaking at a “Generations of Culture” panel discussion at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar.

“Today, museums are one of the most popular attractions and educational centres of the world. Globally, demand for museums has grown substantially. In the last 20 years, the number of museums and attendances have nearly doubled.

“Museums have very strong positive impact on the economy. In the US, museums employ over four million people and receive more visitors than sports events and theme parks combined.”

Al Mahmoud added that cultural tourists spend 63 per cent more on average than other tourists and museums are among the top three family destinations anywhere worldwide.

Qatar is already investing in its museum sector, with multiple projects catering to different sectors of society including the under-construction National Museum of Qatar, Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and Children’s Museum, among others.

“Investing in museums and collection however is not enough; the other half of the investment relies on our relationship with students,” added Al Mahmoud. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of creative audience and producers. It is youth that will become our future and carry the growth of this art and culture industry in the years to come.”