Abdulrahman al-Sunaidi's passion has transformed his focus into a private museum that combines the fragrance of the past with a vision for the future.

Al-Sunaidi told Arabic daily Arrayah about his collections to discover how he preserves time within the halls of his unique museum.

Al-Sunaidi said: “Since my early years, in the late 1980s, I was fascinated by technology, observing how technological advancements never stopped. I started as a mere hobbyist who kept some old devices, but at the turn of the millennium, I realised that these collectibles were rather testaments to an era of human development and even to moments that made a difference in the world of computers."

He pointed out: “I began collecting devices because I saw their historical value and realised that what we consider ordinary today could become rare in the future. This is how my hobby transformed into a private museum documenting the stages of technological development."

Al-Sunaidi emphasised that his museum is “completely a museum of preserved digital memory, which distinguishes it from other private museums in Qatar. I chose to document the history of technology and its development, not only globally, but also within Qatar.” He added: “Each piece in the museum has a special value, but what I treasure most are the collections related to the history of technology in Qatar. For example, I have the catalogue of the first computer exhibition held in Doha in 1996 at the Sheraton Hotel. I also have a special supplement of Al Sharq newspaper, issued to mark the launch of Internet service in Qatar. These items are in fact evidence of a radical transformation in our lives. In addition, I own several computers dating back decades, some of which were considered technological revolutions at the time and are now part of history.”

He finds it difficult “to pinpoint the first item I owned, as my journey with technology began in my childhood. However, I can say that I was a frequent visitor to the technology conferences held in Doha, specifically at the Sofitel Hotel in Msheireb, where computer enthusiasts gathered. Some of the devices I owned during that period were my true beginnings in the world of collecting, but they weren't initially intended for documentation purposes; rather, they were for everyday use. Over time, I realised that what I owned were pieces of history itself.”

Al-Sunaidi went on to talk about his books and said, “I am working on a project that includes two books. The first has already been published, documenting and detailing museums and private libraries in Qatar. Through it, I wanted to shed light on individual efforts to preserve heritage. The second book is expected to be published before the end of the year. This book focuses on the history and development of technology, because I believe that technology, despite its modernity, deserves to have a documented history,” al-Sunaidi said.