Q Life Magazine Issue 10 | Page 16

Issue 10

Qatar ’ s first and only children ’ s museum

‘ Dadu ’ comes from traditional Arabic , referring to the marks of play , from footmarks left behind in sand to carvings on stones . It is the perfect name for Qatar ’ s first children ’ s museum , which is currently under construction and has already built a loyal online following .

Dadu is being built with an ambition to help raise Qatar ’ s future leaders and changemakers , aligning with the wider ambitions of Qatar Museums . The proposal was driven under the leadership of the Chairperson of Qatar Museums Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and is now being led by the museum ’ s Director Essa Al Mannai , offering a third learning space that bridges the gap between school and home .

“ The children of Qatar are asking questions about the world they live in and how they can make a difference . This curiosity is what the children ’ s museum wishes to cultivate . We are enabling children to act on their sense of responsibility and belief in the importance of learning ”, Al Mannai notes .
The museum is working with child development specialists , teachers , and parents to curate exhibitions that are as interactive as possible for its visitors , with spaces for free play and self-directed exploration . A self-described “ oasis of fun ”, the exhibitions incorporate the latest research into child development in order to spark the curiosity and imagination of young visitors , together with their families , with topics including sustainability , global citizenship , and wellness .
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