There exists an extensive collection of antique vehicles, meticulously kept, situated in the heart of the desert.
Stepping into the desert wasteland, you'd find yourself lost a few times, but eventually, you'd stumble upon Al Samriya Farm - an oasis in the desert. Welcomed with a warm cup of tea and sweet cake, you'd be led to a museum jam-packed with an eclectic array of artifacts. From ancient swords and coins to vintage cars and horse-drawn carriages, this wasn't your average museum.
Nowadays, this peculiar establishment boasts an impressive collection of over 30,000 items, including a vast fleet of traditional dhow boats and countless carpet tapestries. There's even a fully-intact house that was once a residence in Damascus, Syria. archaeological relics from the Jurassic era, precious Qurans, and 17th-century jewelry are among some of the museum's most captivating attractions.
Unusual and intriguing exhibits, such as items from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including replica trophies, balls used in the matches, and an eerie collection of plush dolls, add an atypical charm to the museum. Some of the more peculiar items include collectibles from the Third Reich and ornate, marked bird legs on display in the wartime room.
Urban legends swirl that behind a guarded door lies a room filled with the late Princess Diana's dresses and memorabilia, accessible only to a select few. Another restricted room, no longer open to the public, is rumored to feature collectibles of the late Saddam Hussein.
The museum's genesis takes us back to 1998 when Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani opened his personal collection to the public on his farm, 20 kilometers north of Doha. A relative of Qatar's ruling family and one of Qatar's wealthiest businessmen, Sheikh Faisal established the museum as a hobby, growing it from his personal cabinet of curiosities to a complex 130 acres in size.
Now, the museum features an oryx reserve, impressive stables, a duck pond, a mosque with a leaning minaret, a five-star Marriott hotel, two cafes, and the Zoufa restaurant serving exquisite Lebanese cuisine. Visitors are free to roam the grounds and interact with the stables' horses.
Guided tours provide enriching insights for those eager to learn more about Qatar's and the region's history and culture. Treasures including a car collection, fossils, and Syrian house restorations enthrall visitors time and time again. The museum has evolved into a beloved destination for history enthusiasts, with each artifact teeming with a captivating story waiting to unfold.
Affectionately referred to as the "Museum of Wonders," Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani's ode to history and cultural heritage remains a unique and awe-inspiring attraction in Qatar.
After immersing yourself in the museum's rich history and artifacts, you might feel inspired to plan your next travel adventure to explore other historical sites. The vast collection at Al Samriya Farm serves as a testament to Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani's passion for travel and his desire to preserve cultural heritage.
