Matahef Issue 03 Out Now
Issue 03 of Matahef arrives at a moment when the question of what heritage means has never felt more urgent.
It carries two covers meant to be read together: one speaks to hope — that even in the darkest moments, our heritage is what holds us together; the other to the future — that heritage and identity are not simply cultural expressions but strategic assets.
Inside, you will find interviews, features, and essays spanning museum leadership, heritage preservation, digital innovation, community engagement, architectural vision, environmental stewardship, philanthropy, and the books shaping our field — told through the voices of practitioners, directors, artists, and thinkers from across the Arab world and beyond.
Features
Timekeepers
Built in 1869 to welcome pilgrims crossing the Red Sea, Jeddah’s Al Bunt has found a second life as the Red Sea Museum — where the act of arrival, then and now, remains the heart of the experience.
Beacons
From Dubai to the world: Read about ICOM’s historic first General Conference in the Arab world, where 4,500 museum professionals
Learning Lab
How do museums lead communities through change? It starts, says Dr. Dierking, with transforming the institution itself.
Guardians
Protecting Museum collections safeguards cultural identity and shared heritage
Arab Museums — Windows to our heritage, visions of our future
المتاحف العربية — نوافذ على تراثنا، ورؤى لمستقبلنا
Matahef offers a 360-degree approach to museum practices, innovation, and cultural leadership across the Arab world. Published quarterly in English with select Arabic features, it connects museum professionals and cultural enthusiasts while championing heritage preservation, igniting curiosity, sparking dialogue, and nurturing a passionate community committed to cultural collaboration.
Past issues
Issue 02 – January 2026
January 2, 2026
Issue 01 – October 2025
October 9, 2025