Iconic Structures and Landmarks in Qatar: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Whether you’re interested in architecture or want to see a modern city with a rich cultural history, Qatar’s architectural marvels will amaze you. Doha’s amazing blend of the old and the fresh will have you snapping photos at every opportunity.
You will undoubtedly find it distinctive due to its wide variety of styles and skilful fusion of contemporary design with conventional Islamic elements.
Here are the most stunning buildings and iconic landmarks in Doha for you to gawp at the next time you are out and about. So use the Emirates Airlines booking option and travel to Qatar to explore the most iconic landmarks.
Al-Bayt Stadium
In November 2022, Qatar took on Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup opening match, which was held in this legendary football stadium. Not a lover of football? Not to worry. The best place to expose guests to Qatari culture is Al Bayt Stadium. The stadium’s name comes from the bayt al sha’ar, which are traditional Bedouin tents used across the Gulf, and from which its design is intended to be reminiscent.
Al-Wahda Arches
The Al Wahda Arches, Qatar’s highest structure, with the arches’ distinctive intertwining and tilting forms, is an imaginative fusion of technology, tradition, and outstanding technical feats. Turkey is the source and supplier of Limra limestone, used at the base of the arches. The structure consists of 54 massive steel components that are more than 9,000 tonnes in weight.
Burj Doha
This famous Doha landmark is located in West Bay and is the most identifiable structure in Qatar. With 46 stories and a height of 238 metres, Burj Doha, also called Doha Tower, is the sixth-tallest building in Qatar and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. French architect Jean Nouvel designed the outside pattern to shield the interior from the summer heat. The building’s integrated lighting, which is usually golden, makes it come to life at night. However, it is also able to be customised, as seen on National Day as it takes on the hues of the Qatari flag.
Eye of Qatar
The Eye of Qatar, one of Doha’s most, well, visually striking structures, is also one of its more contentious ones. Located in the town’s former airport sector, this colourful commercial structure has glass panels in red, gold, and green accented with a blue ring. It is constructed primarily of aluminium hexagonal panels and covers 1,000 square metres. The building, which was finished in 2015, now houses many exclusive workplaces for Qatar Airways.
Museum of Islamic Art
Situated on an artificial peninsula near the end of Doha Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the most recognised structures in the city. It was redesigned in 2022 after opening in 2008 and now has a collection of 1,400 years’ worth of treasures from three continents. The 91-year-old Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei created the MIA design, drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture. Its two-story Education Wing and five-story Main Building, which comprise 45,000 square metres, are joined by a courtyard perfect for Instagram. There is a seaside park with play spaces for kids and sculptures and public art to view.
QNCC (Qatar National Convention Centre)
The architecture of this magnificent edifice is remarkable on the inside as well. This iconic Doha structure is located in Education City and opened its doors in 2011. The enormous QNCC event area is home to conferences, awards, events, exhibitions, and concerts. Famous performers who have played there in the past include Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic. In addition to meeting rooms, auditoriums, conference halls, and a theatre, it contains almost 40,000 square metres of display space.
National Library of Qatar
This edifice will appeal to bookworms and architectural enthusiasts alike! After six years of building, the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his company OMA created the architectural masterpiece that is the Qatar National Library, which unveiled its doors in Doha in 2018. The enormous 42,000-square-metre triangular structure, located in the centre of Education City and next to the Qatar National Convention Centre, another striking iconic structure in Qatar, is a must-see.
Zig Zag Towers
Located in West Bay Lagoon, the Zig Zag Towers were designed by the renowned architects MZ & Partners. With 748 residential apartments and a connection to Lagoona Mall, this Doha landmark is the highest and biggest residential twin tower in the world, rising to a height of 143 metres.
You can reach Qatar through the Emirates Airlines booking option that gives you easy access to Doha, where you can explore these impressive architectural marvels and more. The modern design and luxurious amenities of Zig Zag Towers make it a popular choice for both residents and visitors looking for a unique experience in Qatar.
Qatar Travel and Tour Packages
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Qatar via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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