DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) is showcasing its cultural initiatives to a global audience at Bayt Qatar, the Qatar Olympic Committee’s hospitality house at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
QF members Al Shaqab and Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) are each displaying Qatar’s rich culture and diversity at the hospitality house. The Al Shaqab Arabian Horse World Championship interactive screen gives visitors an opportunity to learn about Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and its world-class equestrian facilities. Books relating to Qatar are available at HBKU’s Rio bookshop, while documentaries are screened to highlight QF’s extensive sporting initiatives.
In addition, the Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG), a QF centre that highlights the botanical terms mentioned in the Holy Qur’an has presence at Bayt Qatar; while Stars of Science, an “edutainment reality” TV programme initiated by QF that inspires excellence in innovation, is exhibiting a sports-related invention from the programme on how camel injuries are identified and classified by specific casts.
“Qatar Foundation is committed to harnessing the opportunity of the Rio 2016 Games to promote cross-cultural learning between Qatar and Brazil. Both countries share a deep passion for sports and we believe this prestigious sporting event provides a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen ties between the countries and encourage future cross-cultural collaborations,” Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, President of Community Development, QF, said.
“Through the extensive facilities and cultural activities at Bayt Qatar, the passion for life and sport of both countries will further encourage cultural exchange. Leaving a lasting legacy of Qatar and its achievements in Rio.” “The Olympic Games provides an occasion like no other to unite all countries, cultures, backgrounds and beliefs in a display of the very best of humanity. Qatar is a nation passionate about sport and we are very proud to be a part of the Olympic movement,” Al Qahtani concluded. As Qatar sends its largest and strongest ever Olympic squad to the games, a total of 38 athletes across 10 sports, Bayt Qatar welcomes people from around the world to celebrate Qatar’s warm hospitality. A former museum and historical heritage site, the Olympic hospitality house includes an exhibition on Qatar’s culture, heritage and history as well as its sporting past, present and future. A dedicated Majilis is also set up to host guests in a relaxed setting, while an outdoor souq gives visitors an authentic Arabic experience.
A full entertainment programme at the hospitality house highlights a progressive society, creating a celebration of Qatar’s culture and heritage in the heart of Rio.
The Peninsula
