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Sheikha Reem Al Thani

Deputy CEO of AL RIWAQ, Public Art, and Rubaiya Qatar, Qatar Museums

Sheikha Reem Al-Thani holds a pivotal position in the advancement of museums and the cultivation of cultural experiences across the region, with a particular emphasis on exhibitions, public art, and contemporary art. In her capacity as Deputy CEO of AL RIWAQ, Public Art, and Rubaiya Qatar at Qatar Museums (QM), she is responsible for overseeing AL RIWAQ—Qatar’s leading venue for arts and architecture exhibitions—as well as the Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial, which fosters contemporary art initiatives. Through her leadership, collaborative engagement among museums and galleries has been strengthened, extending their impact both regionally and internationally. Her innovative work in public art and contemporary programming has elevated the regional cultural profile, established creative partnerships, and facilitated the presentation of major exhibitions and artistic events to diverse audiences.

With over fifteen years of service at QM, Sheikha Reem has made significant contributions to exhibition design and strategy, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and expanded public art projects through global collaborations with artists and institutions. Under her direction, Qatar has hosted and developed more than one hundred prominent exhibitions, including German Design, Forever Valentino, Dior Designer of Dreams, Jeff Koons: Lost in America, Kaws: He Eats Alone, and IM Pei: Life is Architecture.

In addition to her responsibilities at QM, Sheikha Reem is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, where she instructs courses in exhibition design. Annually, she mentors students through the process of planning and executing their final exhibitions, bridging academic theory and practical experience.

Her professional influence extends to service on advisory boards and juries such as IE School of Architecture and Design, Qatar University, The World Around’s Young Climate Prize, and IN-Q Enterprises.

Sheikha Reem is a multidisciplinary designer specialising in human-centred spatial design. She is the first Qatari to earn a Master’s in Adaptive Reuse Interior Architecture from RISD, after completing dual undergraduate degrees in Interior and Fashion Design at VCU Qatar. Her background informs her inventive work in exhibitions and public spaces.

Drawing on her extensive background, Sheikha Reem remains dedicated to advancing inventive practices in the arts, fostering inclusive cultural discourse, and supporting emerging talent within the creative sector. Her commitment to mentorship and education bridges classroom instruction with practical application, empowering future designers and curators. Through strategic leadership and a focus on collaboration, Sheikha Reem Al-Thani continues to play a key role in positioning Qatar as a vital hub for contemporary art and international cultural exchange.