The exhibition was attended by HE Sheik Hassan Bin Mohammed Al Thani Chairman of Qatar Art Center, Mr. Nasser Al Kawari, CEO, Msheireb Properties and Hafez Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums. The exhibition is held in collaboration with the Qatar Art Center at the Mohammed bin Jassim House at Msheireb Museums. Youssef Ahmed documents, through a series of oil paintings, a significant era in the history of the Msheireb area, highlighting nostalgia for the past by showcasing the quaint shops and important landmarks on Al Kahraba Street.

“Mahalhat” is part of the joint efforts of national institutions to preserve the heritage and history of Qatar, particularly the Msheireb area. The exhibition includes a variety of oil paintings by the creative artist who uses his impressionistic appraoch to evoke vivid pictures of the neighbourhood and areas along Al Kahraba Street. The paintings take viewers on an artistic journey through time, retrace memories of the past and provide an important means of preserving our legacy for present and future generations.
Dr Hafez Ali, Director of Msheireb Museums, said: “Msheireb Museums continues to collaborate with pioneering Qatari artist Youssef Ahmed and other national institutions to preserve the legacy of our country and present distinguished art exhibitions that document history through art. This exhibition is part of a series of ongoing initiatives and events to enrich the cultural and artistic potential in Qatar, as well as deliver the message and mission of Msheireb Museums. This exhibition serves as an important milestone in introducing current and future generations to the importance of Al Kahraba Street and the Msheireb area, which was, and continues to be, the heart of the city and an important commercial centre.”
Youssef Ahmed said: “Mahalat” is of great importance, as these oil paintings represent an important legacy for our past, present and future. Al Kahraba Street was once bustling with commerce and activity and was one of the most significant commercial landmarks in Qatar; perhaps many in the current generation will miss out on this. We wanted to consolidate its collective memory and provide the area a strong validation through art. Art is not only an expression of beauty but also a creative means of documentation and capturing memories of the past innovatively.”
Mahalalat showcases 41 oil paintings by Youssef Ahmed, who is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern art movement in Qatar. The public can visit the exhibition at Mohammed bin Jassim House at Msheireb Museums from Monday to Thursday between 9 AM and 5 PM, on Fridays from 3 PM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.