Qatar Airways named official airline for Qatar Museums Authority

The Museum of Islamic Art is the flagship project of Qatar Museums Authority, under the leadership of Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The museum's opening celebrations will be a week-long affair, attracting a star-studded mix of celebrities and VIPs from around the world.

The museum opening is also highly anticipated in the international art scene, with a host of media expected to descend on Doha to experience first-hand one of the finest collections of Islamic art from and beyond the Arab world ever curated.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and Qatar Museums Authority Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Al-Najjar officially signed a sponsorship deal at the museum today, which will see the airline fly international art critics and top-tier media to Doha and experience its award-winning service.

Al Baker said that Qatar Airways welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the opening celebrations:

"As the national airline of the State of Qatar, it is with great pride that Qatar Airways is involved in this important moment in the country's history."

"We are offering our full support to this dynamic cultural institution ensuring the international media see it first hand and provide the global coverage it deserves. The Museum of Islamic Art will draw visitors from around the world and, Qatar is set to benefit as a result."

Qatar Museums Authority CEO Abdulla Al-Najjar added: "Our partnership with Qatar Airways means respected international media will experience the very best Qatar has to offer. After relaxing and enjoying Qatar Airways' legendary 5-Star service on their journey to and from Doha, each influential editor and journalist will attend a glittering ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Museum of Islamic Art, the world's newest cultural landmark.

"We hope the new Museum will become a place for enjoyment, stimulation and dialogue - a place where what is important in our culture and society is openly debated, through exhibitions and a wide range of public programmes. In the same way, Qatar Airways promotes the State of Qatar as a global tourist destination, the Museum of Islamic Art will also attract many new visitors to Qatar."