Qatar Shell, Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) and 1001 Inventions announced yesterday their partnership to bring to Doha two exhibitions about Muslim heritage celebrating the extraordinary and often-forgotten scientific and cultural achievements from the ‘Golden Age’ of Muslim Civilisation.
The ground-breaking achievements of this era, from the seventh to the 17th centuries, will be introduced to residents and visitors of Doha from October 2012 until January 2013 through the internationally renowned and award-winning 1001 Inventions exhibition and the Arabick Roots exhibition, which premiered at the Royal Society in London in 2011.
The 15-week celebration will feature interactive exhibitions, movies, live shows, cultural events and educational seminars.  The exhibitions will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art and will be open to the public.
“These two exhibitions will encourage Qatar’s younger generation to innovate and contribute towards a better future. Building from a long history of innovations in Muslim civilisation, Qatar is perfectly placed to be a leader in modern science and technological innovations,” said QMC CEO Mansoor al-Khater thanking both Qatar Shell and 1001 Inventions for the productive partnership. 
Al-Khater added that “The discoveries featured in these two exhibitions, and the inventive way they have been put together, are an inspiration to us and our youth, and we are proud to be its gateway to local and international audiences here in Qatar.  We are pleased to be collaborating with such dedicated and creative partners such as Qatar Shell and 1001 Inventions to bring these exciting exhibitions to Qatar.”
The 1001 Inventions exhibition was named the best touring exhibition of the year at the Museums and Heritage Excellence Awards in 2011. The exhibition reveals achievements of the golden age of Muslim civilisation in an interactive, fun and family-friendly environment. It uses technology and interactive exhibits to relate stories of a thousand years of science using highly engaging interpretation. 1001 Inventions has drawn millions of visitors at blockbuster residencies in London, New York, Los Angeles, Istanbul and Washington, DC. Situated in the Museum of Islamic Art Park, the 1001 Inventions exhibition will be open to the public from 17th October to 12th November 2012.
Qatar will also welcome the Arabick Roots exhibition, which was opened by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, at its premiere last year.  
The Doha version of the exhibition, specially curated for the Doha audience through collaboration between 1001 Inventions and MIA, will be open to the public at the Museum of Islamic Art from October 17, 2012 to  January 19, 2013.  
“At a time when international collaboration is increasingly important to the advancement of science, Arabick Roots reveals the rich and surprising connections between the scientific pioneers of Muslim civilisation and 17th century Europe’s greatest scholars and scientists, and shows that then – just like today – collaboration across linguistic and cultural boundaries can lead to great results,” said Wael Sawan, Qatar Shell’s Executive Vice President.
“Shell is honoured to partner with QMA, MIA and 1001 Inventions to bring these two high-profile exhibitions to Qatar as part of our corporate social responsibility programme. These initiatives aim to celebrate the towering achievements of the past to inspire the Qatari youth to create the innovations of the future, and build upon the existing accomplishments of this great nation,” he added.
Ahmed Salim, Producer and Director of 1001 Inventions, said: “The exhibitions, live shows, films and educational events – working in partnership with local schools and universities – are all designed to take young people on a journey to the past to inspire a better future.” He also expressed his pride to work jointly with QMA and Qatar Shell on this.
Doha will also play host to a range of events including inspirational educational films about the history of Muslim civilisation, poetry readings, live shows and academic seminars to complement the exhibitions. Schoolteachers and parents from across Qatar will be invited to introduce the nation’s young people to the inspirational role models featured within the two exhibitions.