All photos by Navin Sam

The second edition of Qatar’s Mal Lawal exhibit has opened this month at the Doha Exhibition Center in Dafna/West Bay, where residents are invited to take a peek into the country’s past.

Mal Lawal means “from the old days” in Qatari dialect, and the new display includes rare collections from 100 Qatari and 42 regional private collectors depicting the past, present and future of Qatar.

In a statement, Qatar Museums said that new elements have been added to the exhibition to attract more visitors:

“Four Majilis settings will give visitors an intimate glimpse into the heart of a traditional Qatari home. Specially created live video links will deliver a virtual experience of eight ‘home museums’ and their private collections of unparalleled quality. More than 100 ‘oral histories’ captured in mini-films will document and celebrate the memories and observations of venerable Qatari elders.”

There will also be a food court and cafes serving Qatari dishes, and a children’s area.

The first edition opened in 2012, and highlights there included a large collection of rare manuscripts donated by the Father Emir, including the Qu’ran, scientific works and novels; a collection of historic photographs; and a display of everyday objects including clothes, lamps, beds and children’s furniture, giving a unique insight into Qatari life in the 20th century.

The Mal Lawal exhibition is open to all through Feb. 28, 2015. Hours are from 9am to 9pm each day, except for Thursday (9am to 10pm) and Fridays (3pm to 10pm). It is closed on Tuesdays.

Do you plan to check it out? Thoughts?