Msheireb Museums 'revolutionised' visitor experience with AI, interactive technology

Msheireb Museums has set a new standard in the world of museums by integrating immersive experiences, interactive screens, and narrative journeys into their exhibits, according to Msheireb Properties senior corporate communications director Dr Hafiz Ali Abdulla.

Sharing his insight on this innovative approach in an interview, he said that Msheireb Museums is the first to use immersive experience, interactive screens, and a narrative museum journey.

This approach, Dr Abdulla noted, has fundamentally changed the way people view museums.

“Traditionally, museums have been about collections and the display of information about these collections,” he said. “We’ve shifted the focus to a more engaging and interactive experience.”

Msheireb Museums consists of four heritage houses: Bin Jelmood House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, Company House, and Radwani House, each highlighting unique facets of Qatar’s cultural and social evolution.

These houses are crucial in Qatar’s national history, providing spaces for people to engage and share thoughts about their past and future.

Transforming these historic houses into world-class museums is a central component of the Msheireb Downtown Doha development.

On integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in their daily operations and projects, Dr Abdulla said that Msheireb Museums found ways to enhance the visitor experience.

“By utilising various types of technology, we've made our exhibits more interactive and narrative-driven,” he said. “This allows visitors to embark on a journey through time and emotion, experiencing important topics that are relevant to our daily lives. Many museums are now adopting similar strategies to enhance their visitor journeys.”

Dr Abdulla highlighted the museum’s role in societal engagement and education, saying that museums can play a key role in society by addressing social issues and covering a range of topics that help chart the future.

Museums, he added, also serve as educational hubs for students and researchers interested in social history and societal changes.

He said that Msheireb Properties is not just focused on museums; the entire Msheireb is built on a foundation of cutting-edge technology designed to enhance customer, visitor, resident, and commercial experiences.

“We've signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft to explore how AI can serve our diverse clientele and provide technological solutions throughout the city,” Dr Abdulla said. “As a smart city, we are committed to adopting new technologies and integrating them into our solutions for the various customers we serve.”

This month, Msheireb hosted a series of technology, fashion, art, and creativity events, part of a partnership between Doha Design District and M7, located at Msheireb.

These initiatives, he said, are aimed at educating the younger generation about AI and design through workshops and interactive sessions.