Qatari Cultural Leader Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani Dies at 48
Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani, a prominent Qatari cultural figure and cousin of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, passed away on November 11, 2014. He served as Qatar's minister of culture from 1997 to 2005, overseeing a period of significant cultural investment. During his two-decade involvement in the arts, he directed approximately £630 million toward acquiring fine and applied art. These acquisitions were intended both for Qatar's expanding museum infrastructure and for his personal collections. His death marks the end of an era for Qatar's ambitious cultural development initiatives.
Key facts
- Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani died on November 11, 2014.
- He was a cousin of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.
- He served as Qatar's Minister of Culture from 1997 to 2005.
- Over approximately 20 years, he spent about £630 million on art acquisitions.
- The art purchases included fine and applied art.
- Acquisitions were made for Qatar's rapidly expanding museums.
- Acquisitions were also made for his personal collections.
- His tenure coincided with a major period of cultural investment in Qatar.
Entities
Locations
- Qatar