Museum of Islamic Art

The museum is influenced by ancient Islamic architecture yet has a uniquely modern design involving geometric patterns.

Museum of Islamic Art

An iconic feature of the Doha skyline, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) represents Islamic art from three continents for over 1,400 years

Museum of Islamic Art

Inspired by elements of Islamic architecture, noted architect I.M. Pei designed the museum

Museum of Islamic Art

MIA was designed by IM Pei, a world-renowned architect and Pritzker Prize winner, who was 86 and retired at the time he was requested to conceive the look and feel of this beautiful architectural delight. IM Pei, a Chinese American architect, is most-known for designing the innovative glass pyramid that adorns the forecourt of the Paris Louvre.

IM Pei refused to build the MIA on any of the sites put forward to him on the Corniche. Eventually, the MIA was built on a stand-alone island about 195 feet away from the Corniche that was specifically fashioned to make sure that no structures will be constructed in the future would stand in its way.

Illuminated Museum of Islamic Art

Illuminated Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art represents Islamic art from three continents for over 1,400 years. Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles, and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 20th century

The interiors of the museum have geometric patterns and the work has been done using different materials like wood and stone, giving a classic touch to the overall aesthetic of the place.

Interiors of Museum of Islamic Art

Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village is the city's new cultural village, designed to honor the traditional architecture of the region.

Katara Cultural Village

The Cultural Village Foundation is an exceptional project of hope for human interaction through art and cultural exchange

Ornate copper door of the portal of the amphitheater at the Katara Cultural Village

Amphitheater

The gem of the cultural village, the Katara Amphitheatre is a crafted balance between the classical Greek theatre concept and the everlasting Islamic features.

Illuminated Amphitheater at night

Pigeon Tower

Pigeon Tower is cylindrical and constructed of unfired mud brick, lime plaster and gypsum. The towers range from 10 to 22 meters in diameter and stand 18 or more meters high, and could house up to 14,000 pigeons

Standing tall, near the Katara Mosque, the mesmerizing Pigeon Towers complement Katara's ideology of merging the grace of the past with the splendor of the future.

Pigeon Tower

Pigeon Towers are a wonderful example of traditional Islamic architecture and ingenuity. They were designed to collect pigeon droppings, which was used as a fertilizer for farming. A design dating back to several milennia, these towers can provide housing for thousands of pigeons

Katara Cultural Village

A sculpture, The Force of Nature by Lorenzo Quinn, exhibited at the Katara heritage village

Arabian Cultural performance in Katara Cultural Village

Arabian Cultural performance in Katara Cultural Village

Arabian Cultural performance in Katara Cultural Village

Souq Waqif (Souq means “market”)

For centuries, this location has been a souq for Bedouin (nomads who have historically inhabited in the Arabian and Syrian Deserts) to take the wool and animals to trade for daily necessities. In 2004, it was decided to preserve this historical site and the entire market area has been renovated and restored according to the traditional Qatari architectural style. It’s probably the only traditional souq left in the Gulf.

Souq Waqif (Souq means “market”)

A stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif provides an authentic taste of traditional Qatari life. The maze of small shops have dazzling Middle Eastern merchandise, from spices and seasonal delicacies such as fresh dates and nuts, to perfumes, ornate jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains.

Souq Waqif Doha is said to be over 100 years old and was once a trading place for Bedouins and local people who exchanged products and socialized.

Illuminated Souq Waqif at Night

Qatari traditional architecture inside Souq Waqif

Falcon Souq

Falcon represents the wealth and standard in Qatar. So, if you desire to buy a falcon, directly approach the market without a second thought. Not just the bird, you can buy any rearing and training equipment for the falcons. If you want, the vendors would also guide you on the maintenance of health and training of the owned falcon.

Falcons are quite expensive and falconry is a pricey hobby

The Falcons in the souqs sell for anywhere between 5000 USD to 20000 USD depending on the condition and the skill level of the bird.

The Falcon’s eyes are always covered by a hood when it is not hunting

Falconry has a compelling place in Qatari society. Falconers revere falcons and take excellent care of their cherished birds.

Falcon

Falconry is the ancient tradition of hunting with hawks or falcons. Falconry has been instrumental to Bedouin desert survival in ancient times and is a distinct part of the Arab culture.

Falcon

But falconry goes beyond the Arab world. It was historically important in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa along with the Middle East. As such, it finds a place on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritages as a combined heritage of 18 different countries.

Small dhows and Pearl development — Stock Photo, Image Small dhows and Pearl development — Photo To download this image, create an account Sign up with Google Sign up with Facebook Sign up with Email Already have an account? Log In By clicking on Sign up, you agree to Depositphotos Membership Agreement A group of small, traditional Qatari fishing dhows moored in Doha Bay

Pearl

Pearling was the main source of revenue for Qatar until the discovery of oil in 1939. Approximately 85 pearl beds exist in Qatar's territorial waters.

Pearl

Laser show on Doha corniche

Doha Skyline at Night