Qatar is a captivating Middle Eastern country, which boasts a rich tapestry of culture and an emerging tourism scene. With a unique blend of tradition and modernity, this tiny gem offers visitors a multitude of captivating experiences.
From ancient heritage sites to awe-inspiring architecture, Qatar is a destination that promises to enthrall every traveler.
Qatar is a multifaceted, colorful, and dynamically developing state with a rich cultural heritage. There are many parks, museums, residential and office complexes, highways, and artificial islands.
Qatar is an amazing contrast of past and future, a country where modernity with its skyscrapers and high-tech parks harmoniously combines with ancient cultural heritage sites, sunny beaches, and the endless desert.
In Qatar, you can see the work of outstanding architects.
The mosque in Education City, made in a unique modern style, is the hallmark of the country. The mosque, with two minarets each 90 meters high and five columns symbolizing the five pillars of Islam, was designed by Mangera Yvars Architects.
The Aspire Tower became one of the symbols of the XV Asian Games held in Qatar in December 2006, and the highest-ever location of the Olympic flame, which was visible from all points of the city during the games. The architect is Hadi Simaan.
The tower houses a variety of services, including a five-star hotel with an outdoor pool on the 19th floor, a Tea Garden on the 21st floor overlooking Aspire Park, a revolving panoramic restaurant, and an observation deck on the 47th floor with a grand city view.
Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). The architect chose a site for this architectural masterpiece on a small island of land in the waters of the Arabian Gulf so that the building would stand apart and not be overshadowed by other large-scale structures in the future.
The building is made in the style of ancient Islamic architecture. It features a collection of Islamic art spanning 14 centuries of history, and the interior design of the museum’s galleries was designed by the team of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
The National Convention Center of Qatar, due to its unusual architecture, is one of the most original buildings in the world.
Three main halls can simultaneously accommodate 7,000 people: a conference hall with 2,500 seats, a theater with 500 seats, and a multifunctional hall with 4,000 seats.
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the Qatar National Convention Center is inspired by two Cider Trees. Giant columns in the form of curved branches symbolize the desert trees.
Burj Qatar or DohaTower is a creation of French architect Jean Nouvel. The unusual 49-story skyscraper, as if shrouded in carved chain mail, has received many international awards in the field of design and architecture.
The building houses office space, a panoramic restaurant, and a private residence.
The National Museum of Qatar is another building designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. The design was based on the image of the “desert rose” – a crystalline formation, to which the museum owes its unusual shape, consisting of curved disks intersecting at different angles.
The new building was erected around the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jasim Al-Thani. The museum was opened on March 28, 2019.
Qatar National Library. The snow-white building in the form of a flat crystal structure was created by the talented Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The library contains over a million books and ancient manuscripts relating to the Arab-Islamic civilization.
Once inside, the visitor will see endless rows of bookshelves. All the main passages of the library are connected by a large bridge, personifying the link between the past and the future of Qatar.
Looking at this bridge, visitors will be able to feel the power and grandeur of art.
Explore the architectural and natural wonders of Qatar and read more about Qatar in these city guides.