Doha: The fourth session of the Science Cafe series, a collaborative initiative between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine, was held at Bin Jelmood House where over 120 participants attended.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event focused on the theme “Healthy Qatar: Addressing Lifestyle-Related Health Concerns,” and gathered healthcare specialists, wellness practitioners, and community members to discuss preventive care and holistic well-being.
The session provided a platform to examine how simple lifestyle changes can yield long-term benefits for individuals, families, and the Qatari society. Held at Bin Jelmood House-a museum dedicated to human perseverance and social development-the event continued the Science Cafe’s mission of bridging scientific knowledge with public understanding.
The fourth Science Cafe session structured its discussions around several critical themes in preventive healthcare: A National Snapshot of current health trends in Qatar, The Wellness Triad of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, and Community Voices and Support Systems that emphasised the importance of local initiatives in shaping healthier lifestyles. Additional segments focused on Empowering Families Through Education and Action and A Shared Vision for a Healthier Qatar, underscoring the collective responsibility across communities and institutions.
Dr. Sahar Da’as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine and lead of the Science Cafe initiative, highlighted the personal significance of the event, stating that sustainable health change begins not in clinics or laboratories, but in homes and communities. She emphasized the goal of translating complex scientific concepts into actionable insights to improve health and wellness in Qatar.
Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, discussed how the partnership with Sidra Medicine supports broader cultural and social goals. He noted that the sessions encourage dialogue on topics affecting people’s lives and align with the museum’s mission to inspire social change.
The event featured contributions from invited speakers including Dr. Shaza Elhassan, Dr. Aisha Al-Ahmadi, Rachel Rahme, Iman Alazwani, and Ikhlas Ahmed, who shared their expertise and practical guidance on health, wellbeing, and community engagement. The session was moderated by Dr. Omar Abdelsattar, Sustainability Strategist and Programme Leader at the QRDI Council.
In addition to the talks, booth exhibitors such as Qatar National Library, OrangeTheory, the 5AM Club, and Zest Activewear participated in the event.
Launched in 2024, Science Cafe is a collaboration between Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine to encourage public engagement with scientific issues. The 2025 series spans topics from community health to rare genetic conditions, offering discussions led by experts.