Qatar is a country that amalgamates ancient traditions and modern improvisations, manifested in paraphernalia, designs and monuments. Housing the eclectic mix of architectural designs, the country homes mesmerizing edifices, adding stars to the magnetism of Qatar. From ancient to modern, the design has changed basis convenience, visual appeal, specific purposes and much more. The county demonstrated the architectural brilliance representing the mass construction of buildings, towers and skyscrapers in Qatar. Here is the list of architectural wonders in Qatar that must be checked out, if you are visiting the country.
Stunning Architectures In Qatar
Qatar caters to almost every need of visitors, if you are someone who loves stunning designs and architecture then you must check out Qatar’s architectural wonders. There is plethora of places that you can check out, here is the list of few architectural marvel that you must check out.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Just how it's very much evident how Qatar is a mix of modernity and traditions 'The Museum of Islamic Art' is the epitome of the blend. Made on a manmade island the museum portrays an aesthetic connection. The astonishing design was carried out by architect IM Pei. There are three bridges that touch the museum and connect it to the shore, out of the which one bridge is used for vehicles and other two are pedestrian crossings used by visitors to reach their destination. The center of the lime light in the entire construction is the domed atrium with an oculus at the top, which creates a beautiful spectrum of light creating astonishing pattern. The Contruction has been executed, by encompassing traditional and modern buildings styles. The museum incorporates two cream-colored buildings, one is a two-story wing which is used for education while another one has 5 Storeys which is the main building of the construction.
- Location: Doha, Qatar
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9am – 7pm, Friday: 1.30pm – 7pm
- Entry Fees: QAR 50
- Main Highlights: Architecture, In- house restaurant
Tornado Tower
One of the tallest buildings of Qatar, Tornado tower attributes to the most iconic layouts in the country. The hour glass shaped building narrows down towards the bottom representing a jaw dropping site in the West Bay district of Doha. The unique Doha architecture renders a 360 panoramic view of the city and the corniche. Standing tall at 660 feet the tower boats 52 floors incorporating health club to a fine dining restaurant and lounge area along with a helipad for VIP entry and emergencies. For those who love exploring technological creativity, these towers are a must watch. 35000 illuminating patterns are formed by complex lighting system presenting and iconic visual attraction. Visitors can also check out the French restaurant La Varenna on the 28th floor to enjoy a wholesome dining experience.
- Location: West Bay, Doha, Qatar Level 22, Tornado Tower
- Timing: N/A
- Entry fees: none
- Main highlight: Design, architecture, health clubs, office spaces, rooms
Suggested Read: Qatar Vision 2030: Qatar's Effort Towards Sustainable Development & Progress
Al Thaqab Fort
The Al Thaqab Fort, located at an approximate distance of 10 km from al Ruwais, is famous for its exclusive architecture. Being an ancient marvel, it entices people across the globe to visit and take a look history and culture represented by it. If you are a history buff, you would love to explore the fort and interesting facts about it. There is no specific date stating the exact period claiming the timeline of the ancient fort in Qatar, although historians have been assuming its existence from the 10th century.
Fort's architecture had served two-tier functions, protecting the well at the bottom of the fort and guarding the villagers against attacks. Al Thaqab was constructed as per the traditional plan executed for building desert forts in Qatar. Three circular and one rectangular tower are placed on a square ground plan crafted off rough blocks of coral and limestone joined by a mud mortar.
- Location: Al Ruwais, Qatar
- Timing: Confirm the timings with authorities. Remains closed on Friday
- Entry fees: N/A
- Main Highlights: History and origin
Hamad International Airport
The impressive construction is the outcome of innovative design, state of the art technology and skills of meticulous engineers. The credit for the astounding design of the terminal passage goes to HOK's construction, which eventually is one of the best passenger terminals. The airport is built on 237 million square feet of land. The steel and glass facades used in the Construction provide sturdiness while maintaining a dialogues between the outside world ad allowing ample of light. The glass façades cover on the three sides and gives a perfect effect of shading and light effects adding to the charisma of the entire Construction. The projecting ceiling of the airports replicates the sand dunes and waves of water gives and light yet magnificent look to the airport. Subtle colors used inside the premises diffuse the light in all directions making everything bright and beautiful. The magnificence of the overall project is charted in Qatar’s architectural wonders.
- Location: Doha Qatar
- Timing: 24x7
- Entry fees: None
- Main Highlight: Design, interiors and shopping brands
Suggested Read: Hamad International Airport: A World-Class Travel Hub In The Heart Of The Middle East
Katara Towers
The Katara towers are divided into five areas with 8 core walls that are symmetrically arched. These towers cover an area of 2,315 m², and rise up to 36 storeys. Symbolically connected with Qatar’s heritage, these iconic towers in Lusail are Qatar’s traditional architectural translation of national emblem, which represents the traditional scimitar swords. In addition to hotel rooms, the towers, which are just over 200 m high, will also contain apartments, offices, leisure facilities and restaurants. The project was designed by Kling Consult, and the design was inspired by Qatar's seal.
- Location: Lusail city Qatar
- Timing: 24x7
- Entry fees: None
- Main Highlights: culture and heritage
The Pearl Qatar
The architectural planning and execution are the major reason why the pearl Qatar is known as the man-made marvel is nestled off Doha's coast. Constructed by international firm Callison this marvel is the tourist and community destination popular among the visitors. The entire project is built on 14 million-square-foot of land with a monetary investment of, 2.5 billion USD. Built on former pearl diving spot, the artificial island in Doha joins the historical and cultural dots linked with the sea. Home to many beautiful residential and community towers the island is owned by the United Development Company. If you are on a trip to the country don't forget to visit the island at least once to witness the grandeur of man's imagination and creativity.
- Location: Pearl Boulevard, Unaizah 66
- Timing: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm.
- Entry fees: None, visitors are suggested to check with the authority
- Main Highlights: Restaurants, waterfront line cafes
Lusail Plaza Towers
Lusail plaza towers is an iconic commercial tower in Qatar that the part of a grand project that is being executed for the FIFA world cup 2022. With a stretch of 660,000 sq. m in area and a parking space of approximately 13,150 cars, the major project is among the must-visit places in Qatar. Two towers at 70 stories and two at 50 stories the building forms a stunning skyline. Designed by Forster and Partners, the entire project is managed by Louis Berger – Qatar Project Management Joint Venture, if you are in Qatar don’t miss out the beauty of Lusail plaza towers in Qatar
- Location: Lusail city, Qatar
- Timing: 24x7
- Entry fees: None, visitors are suggested to check with the authority
- Main Highlight: Design, architecture and facilities
Suggested Read: FIFA Arab Cup 2021: An Ultimate Showdown Ahead Of The FIFA 2022 In Qatar
National Museum of Qatar
National museum of Qatar has been an integral part of the country, since the first and original museum was replaced by the new, on March 28, 2019. The construction is slightly complicated replicating Desert Rose crystal cluster designs that leaves people awe struck at the beauty and creativity with the area space 430,000 square foot the museum has multiple disc shaped volumes interconnected to with each creating and illusion of rose petals. The discs are steel frames in fiber reinforced in concrete, with the purpose of rendering shade to the visitors in the torrid climate of Qatar. Home to the royal family and the seat of government, the museum in Qatar embraces the restored historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, founder of modern Qatar.
- Location: Al Aaliya Street, Doha, Doha
- Timing: Saturday - Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday: 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM
- Entry fees: 50 Qatari Riyal
- Main Highlights: White Edifice, Architecture
Sidra Public Art
Out of many splendid attractions in Qatar, Sidra public art is one of the most renowned place located right in front of Sidra Medical and Research Center. Not just the construction of building, but the iconic art installation by the British artist Damien Hirst, notorious for his controversies. The art installation encompasses 4 large bronze sculptures depicting the human journey from conception to birth. The height of the bronze structures ranges from 5- to 11-metres tall, Hirst has depicted the entire procedure of birth highlighting all the details.
- Location: Al Gharrafa St, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
- Timing: 24x7
- Entry fees: None
- Main highlight: The building of research center, public art
Qatar National Library
Located in Doha’s education city The Qatar National is a home to millions of books and is acclaimed not just as a national library but also as a research and public library inclusive of extensive digital collections. Every year the library hosts upto 80 free events that are open to the public. The more you dig deeper the Qatar national library, its architecture and programs would impress you to the core, from knitting group to art exhibitions, try anything that you want. If you are lucky enough then you can get the opportunity of attending a performance by Philharmonic Orchestra, and visitors can check library’s website for more details.
- Location: Education City, Al Luqta St, Doha, Qatar
- Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: Closed
- Entry fees: Visitors need to avail membership
- Main Highlights: Reading access, membership, and access to computer
Al Wajbah Fort
Qatari architecture is a wonder to discover, especially when it's about ancient art. The Al Wajbah Fort was built with a touch of Qatari art and architecture that you can find in its ruins. The design includes four watchtowers and sturdy walls for protection against foes. The structure was renovated and made into a famous tourist attraction. After the renovation, the defense is a tourist attraction in Qatar where people learn about the art, design and architecture of the country.
- Location: Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
- Timing: Monday to Thursday - 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entry fees: None
- Main Highlights: history about the origin of fort
Aspire Tower
Also known as The Torch Doha, Aspire Tower is a 300-metre high-rise hotel in the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, Qatar. The tower is surrounded by many local attractions such as Villaggio Mall Shopping Center and the Khalifa International Stadium. Aspire Tower is one of the tallest structures in Qatar designed by architect and engineer Hadi Simaan of Ove Arup and Partners, The Aspire tower is one of the most stunning astonishing places to go in Qatar. For a view over a spectacular cityscape and a little fine dining, check out the Panorama Restaurant at the top of the tower itself.
- Location: Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
- Timing: N/A
- Entry fees: None
- Main Highlights: Serenity, playing area, Jogging space
Qatar is a country known for its rich culture, history and architecture, visitors from far off lands come and enjoy the affluence of the country. The architecture of a country has a major contribution in the grandeur and history of any nations depicting the modern and ancient style of design and requirements. Here is a list of architectural wonders in Qatar, that are designed with the commendable artistic genius and intelligentsias that has produced and engineered such creative designs that a look at the structures would leave you in awe! Make sure that you visit these visual treats on your next trip to Qatar.
Architectural Wonders In Qatar - FAQs
Qatar is brimming with astounding architectures, few of the most famous are:
- The Museum of Islamic Art
- Tornado Tower
- Katara Towers
- Lusail Plaza Towers
- Hamad International Airport
- National museum of Qatar
Aspire Tower also known as the torch, Doha is a 300-metre high-rise hotel in the Aspire Zone complex in Doha, Qatar.
The Qatar National Library is not only a national library but a research and public library, too. It houses over 1 million books, as well as extensive digital collections
'The Museum of Islamic Art' is the epitome of the blend, the operational time is from Saturday to Thursday: 9am – 7pm and Friday: 1.30pm – 7pm.
There is no specific date stating the exact period claiming the timeline of the fort, although historians have been assuming its existence from the 10th century.
Few of the best architects in Doha are:
- South West Architecture
- House of Architecture & Interiors (HAI)
- CAD Engineering Co. Interior Design, Designers, Architects, Decoration, Doha - Qatar
- APG - Architecture & Planning Group Doha
Hamad International Airport is located in Doha, the capital city of Qatar and New Hamad International Airport is situated located about 4 km southeast of downtown Doha.
The entire project is built on 14 million-square-foot of land with a monetary investment of, 2.5 billion USD. Built on former pearl diving spot, the artificial island in Doha joins the historical and cultural dots linked with the sea.
