The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is to present Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight, an immersive exhibition exploring the vital role sea turtles play in Qatar’s vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems. A Sea turtle in Qatar is commonly referred to as “Lehmesa”.
The exhibition focuses on the endangered Hawksbill turtle, the only sea turtle species that nests on Qatar’s beaches, and reflects the nation’s natural endowment.
The exhibition, on view from 27 October 2025 to 7 February 2026, marks NMoQ’s 50th anniversary, a moment that invites reflection on five decades of preserving and sharing the nation’s heritage. In keeping with the mission of the Museum and honouring its anniversary, Lehmesa demonstrates how the environment has shaped the nation’s development and the importance of preserving its natural history and ecosystems.
HE Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, said, “At the National Museum of Qatar, we see it as our responsibility not only to preserve and share the nation’s cultural heritage, but also to safeguard and celebrate the natural heritage that surrounds and sustains us. Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight reflects this dual responsibility by honouring Qatar’s ecological treasures and reminding our public of the remarkable resilience of a species facing increasing threats. In this milestone year for both Qatar Museums and NMoQ, this exhibition exemplifies our commitment to creating awareness, action, and stewardship for generations to come.”
Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight traces the journey of the Hawksbill turtle, from land to sea, exploring its evolutionary history, life cycle, habitat, and interactions with the environment. Visitors will move through an engaging, sensory-rich space designed to replicate the landscapes of Qatar’s coasts, ranging from sandy nesting grounds to vibrant coral reefs. Blending scientific insight with interactive displays, the exhibition encourages visitors to see themselves not as bystanders but as part of the environment the turtles depend on to survive.
While the Hawksbill turtle’s nesting in Qatar is well documented, the migration routes of other sea turtle species visiting Qatari waters remain largely unknown. Understanding these routes is crucial for identifying key foraging areas, which are as important to protect as nesting beaches. To address this, NMoQ is calling for the first regional GCC Forum on Sea Turtles, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, bringing together experts from across the Gulf to share insights and advance conservation efforts. The conference will explore themes including threats and protection—such as nesting site conservation, bycatch and marine debris, climate change impacts, turtle mortality causes, and community education—as well as management and sustainability, covering marine protected areas, policy and legal frameworks, rescue and rehabilitation programmes, and the integration of education and eco-tourism in conservation.
Qatar’s marine life is home to four species of sea turtles: the Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley, the Loggerhead, and the Hawksbill. While all have been sighted in Qatar’s waters, the Hawksbill is the only one that returns to its shores to nest. Fossils from Qatar’s Miocene formations reveal that turtles have been part of the region’s marine ecosystems for over 23 million years, offering a rare glimpse into the nation’s ancient natural ecosystem. The exhibition explores this deep history while also addressing modern threats, from light pollution and plastic waste to climate change and habitat destruction.
Unfolding over six sections, the exhibition begins by highlighting the importance of sea turtles to Qatar’s ecology and cultural heritage, setting the foundation for the experience that follows. Renowned London-based artist Josh Gluckstein, known for his intricate works crafted from recycled materials depicting coral and marine flora and fauna, will contribute several pieces to this section, including two striking “coral islands.” The second section, Turtles Through Space & Time, delves into the cultural significance and evolutionary history of turtles, from ancient fossil records to their symbolic role in human mythologies across cultures. This section will also feature a display of Proganochelys quenstedti, the first stem turtle with a fully developed shell that lived over 200 million years ago. Sea Turtles in Qatar introduces the turtles found in Qatari waters and highlights the Hawksbill as the only one to nest locally, inviting comparisons across species and habitats.
The fourth section, Hawksbill on the Land, focuses on nesting behaviours, egg incubation, and the challenges hatchlings face on their journey from sand to sea. It details how Qatar’s beaches support the first half of the turtle’s life cycle and illustrates threats such as habitat loss, predation, and the effects of climate change on nesting success. In Hawksbill in the Sea section, visitors will encounter coral reefs that will showcase the turtle’s feeding behaviours’, daily patterns, and ecological role in maintaining reef health. The final section presents Qatar’s conservation initiatives and encourages reflection on sustainable practices, public responsibility, and ongoing efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.
A series of public events, workshops, and educational activities will be held in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar University to deepen public understanding of marine biodiversity and sustainability. These programmes will engage families, school students, and communities in hands-on learning and advocacy, reinforcing the Museum’s role as a hub for environmental awareness and cultural learning.
Jassim Abdulla Al Khayat, Professor of Marine Biology and Ecology at Qatar University and Manager of Janan, a QU research vessel, said, “This exhibition, endorsed by the National Museum of Qatar, emphasises the ecological significance of sea turtles by urging citizens and visitors to investigate diverse scientific concepts and methodologies for their monitoring and protection, thereby enhancing wildlife awareness and promoting genuine environmental collaboration.”
As part of its public engagement around the exhibition, NMoQ collaborated with MoECC from 12 July to 15 July 2025 to organise a Turtle Hatching Programme at Fuwairet Beach. The event offered members of the public and local students a rare opportunity to witness the early-life stage of Hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat. The programme also served to raise awareness of ongoing conservation efforts and inspired dialogue about the importance of protecting Qatar’s coastal ecosystems.
Dr. Ibrahim Al Maslamani, Assistant Undersecretary for Protection and Natural Reserves Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change stated: “We are delighted to witness the opening of the exhibition Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight. The choice of the name Lehmesa, drawn from our rich maritime heritage, reflects how science, when intertwined with collective memory, becomes more relatable and capable of engaging the community in protecting our environment. This highlights the importance of using traditional terminology to foster environmental awareness and promote community engagement, ensuring the sustainability of our resources for generations to come. The exhibition presents the story of the four sea turtle species that inhabit Qatar, with a focus on the hawksbill turtle, listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It offers an educational experience that combines environmental knowledge with interactive displays, films, and learning activities for all members of society. The exhibition also highlights the pioneering role of the Sea Turtle Protection Project as a model of collaboration between government institutions and the academic and industrial sectors. We also extend our gratitude to Qatar Museums for their efforts in showcasing the harmony between science and cultural heritage, and for promoting community engagement in preserving biodiversity, aligning with the goals of MoECC and Qatar National Vision 2030. We remain committed to supporting such initiatives.”
Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight is presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future. The exhibition explores the turtle within the context of Qatar’s identity, aligning with the Years of Culture initiative, which shares Qatar’s cultural heritage with partner nations.
