Doha Architecture City Guide: 15 Contemporary Projects to Explore in the Capital City of Qatar

Doha is the capital of Qatar and the county’s most populated area, accommodating more people than the rest of Qatar combined. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Doha is a relatively young city, founded in the vicinity of another settlement, Al Bidda, sometime during the 1820s. In recent years, the city has seen rapid population growth, an image reflected in the architectural landscape. During the 1960s and 1970s, many of the old districts in Doha were demolished to make space for new developments, while several schemes have been deployed to advocate for the preservation of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

In 2022, Qatar welcomed the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, one of the most anticipated sports events of the past year, held in an Arab country for the first time. With many stadiums built in or around Doha, the country prepared extensively for the event, yet concerns were raised due to the hot climate and the extensive adaptations needed to host a sporting event of this scale. In 2024, the city is hosting the inaugural edition of Design Doha 2024, a new Biennial showcasing over 100 Middle Eastern and North African designers, running from February 24 to August 5, 2024.

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The following list showcases 15 contemporary architecture projects showcasing the innovative architecture of Qatar's capital, including works from internationally renowned architects such as Jean Nouvel, OMA, UNStudio, and I.M.Pei.


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Inaugural Edition of Design Doha 2024: Showcasing Innovation in Middle Eastern and North African Design

National Museum of Qatar / Ateliers Jean Nouvel

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National Museum of Qatar / Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Image © Iwan Baan

Museum of Islamic Art / I.M. Pei

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Museum of Islamic Art / I.M. Pei. Image © Wahyu Pratomo and Kris Provoost

Qatar National Convention Centre / Arata Isozaki

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Qatar National Convention Centre / Arata Isozaki. Image © Nelson Garrido

Qatar National Library / OMA

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Qatart National Library / OMA, Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti. Image Courtesy of OMA

Al Thumama Stadium / Ibrahim Jaidah Architects & Engineers

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Al Thumama Stadium. Image © Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy

Hamad International Airport Passenger Terminal Complex / HOK

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Hamad International Airport Passenger Terminal Complex / HOK. Image © Tim Griffith, HOK

Doha Metro Network / UNStudio

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Al Riffa Station. Image © Hufton + Crow

Msheireb Downtown Doha Masterplan / Allies and Morrison + AECOM + Arup

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Msheireb Downtown Doha Masterplan / Allies and Morrison + AECOM + Arup. Image © Hufton + Crow

Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies / Mangera Yvars Architects

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Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies / Mangera Yvars Architects. Image Courtesy of Mangera Yvars Architects

Al Jazeera Network Studio Building / Veech X Veech

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Al Jazeera Network Studio Building / Veech X Veech. Image © Hufton + Crow

M7 Cultural Forum / John McAslan + Partners

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M7 Cultural Forum / John McAslan + Partners. Image © Hufton + Crow

Sidra Medical and Research Center / Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

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Sidra Medical and Research Center / Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. Image © Jeff Goldberg, ESTO

Doha High Rise Office Tower / Ateliers Jean Nouvel

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Doha High Rise Office Tower / Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Image © Nelson Garrido

Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences / John McAslan + Partners

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Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences / John McAslan + Partners. Image © Hufton + Crow

Zig Zag Towers / MZ & Partners

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Zig Zag Towers / MZ & Partners. Image © Manuel Alvarez Diestro

You can visit our list of Architecture City Guides.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on 

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Cite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Doha Architecture City Guide: 15 Contemporary Projects to Explore in the Capital City of Qatar" 22 Feb 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/991888/doha-city-guide-15-contemporary-projects-to-explore-in-the-capital-city-of-qatar> ISSN 0719-8884

National Museum of Qatar / Ateliers Jean Nouvel. Image © Iwan Baan

卡塔尔城市导览|15 个当代建筑

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