Doha: The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), in collaboration with ExxonMobil Qatar, has launched the ExxonMobil STEAM Festival, which will run from 27 August to 28 November. The festival is being held at NMoQ's Temporary Exhibitions Gallery 2 and offers a fresh approach to education by integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with Qatar's cultural heritage. The initiative spans multiple museum spaces and features hands-on experimentation, interactive workshops, and scientific activities that connect modern inquiry with the nation's cultural, environmental, and historical contexts.
According to Qatar News Agency, CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the festival offers a novel way to utilize museum spaces for educational purposes, allowing young audiences to learn, experiment, and develop new skills. Al Rumaihi highlighted the importance of the ongoing partnership with ExxonMobil Qatar in creating new educational opportunities within the museum.
HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasized the role of STEAM learning in the festival, noting that it begins with stories, knowledge, and environments that have shaped Qatar for generations. The festival invites children and families to explore efforts to restore Qatar's natural heritage and to understand the science and ingenuity behind the Arab world's maritime heritage. Sheikh Abdulaziz hopes the initiative will inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens.
Rashid Al Hajri, Vice President and Manager of Public and Government Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar, stated that education is a critical investment and that such initiatives enhance learning through exploration while connecting with Qatar's heritage and traditions. He expressed pride in supporting STEM education and community engagement, contributing to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
A key feature of the festival is The STEAM Lab, which includes zones tailored for various age groups. Notable highlights are the DADU Light Atelier for young children, the ExxonMobil Research Qatar x DADU - Mangroves Lab focusing on marine biology, and the NMoQ Roots of Routes zone, where visitors can build traditional tools like the kamal and dhow boats.
The STEAM Festival also extends to the museum's Digital and AI Centre and Library, offering activities such as Evolution of Navigation workshops, a Teen Tech Takeover on creating augmented reality filters, a Silk Road board game, and storytelling sessions introducing younger audiences to navigation and traditional boats.
Additionally, the festival will host Caf© Scientifique: Careers in STEAM, aimed at connecting young adults aged 16 and above with industry experts to explore professional pathways in multidisciplinary fields.
