Qatari Heritage

Two boys dressed in traditional Qatari attire hoop rolling with Al Zubarah fort in the background

We put local communities, young and old, in touch with their past, reminding them of the skills, wisdom and struggles of their ancestors.

Our Cultural Heritage division covers archaeology, architectural conservation and cultural tourism. We manage, conserve, protect and enhance archaeology and archaeological practices in Qatar.

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Unearthing Al Zubarah

Produced by Ali Al Anssari

A side view of Al Zubarah Fort

10 steps to protect Qatar’s heritage

By Margaux Montserrat De Pauw

A side view of Al Zubarah Fort

Preserving Heritage: Finding A Nation's Voice

By Abdullatif Al Jasmi

Restored historic palace with arches and sand coloured buildings in the background

Doha's Old Palace

Two men kneeling on sandy desert ground using small tools to expose archeological remains at Al Zurbarah, Qatar

Six Qatar Museums' Heritage Initiatives

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Visit Our Heritage Sites

A queue of visitors walking through the clay structures of the heritage site

Al Zubarah Archaeological site

Al Zubarah is Qatar’s largest heritage site, with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces and houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques.

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Barzan Towers

Built in the early 1900s, the Barzan Towers were used to monitor the arable land and wells in their surrounding area.

The Al Khor stone tower, Qatar, seen with a bright blue sky behind it

Al Khor Towers

Al Khor's defensive watchtowers stand over the ancient port.

A landscape view of the cliff showing its edges towering above land

Ras Brouq's White Cliffs

The beautiful and iconic rock formations at Ras Brouq offer a glimpse of a prehistoric landscape.

Three sets of rock carvings in a sand coloured stone comprising a series of small circular shapes, two parallel lines, and two additional boats

Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site

Al Jassasiya is arguably the most impressive of the dozen rock-carving sites in Qatar.

A close-up of the mangroves at Jazirat bin Ghannam island

Jazirat Bin Ghannam

The island of Jazirat Bin Ghannam on the east coast of Qatar reveals traces of human activity dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE.

Restored historic palace with arches and sand coloured buildings in the background

The Old Palace

The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani is the largest artefact on view at the National Museum.

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Al Rekayat Fort

The fort of Al Rekayat is one of several desert forts dating back to the 19th century.

Our Publications

Book cover of The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition

This publication, complete with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations, chronicles the Qatari traditions that are carried out during each stage of life.

Book cover of A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries by Deniz Erduman

A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries

This book looks at the history of literature in Arab culture and the reasons why calligraphy was to become its most original form of visual arts.

Book cover of Myths from Qatari Heritage by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Myths from Qatari Heritage

This whimsically illustrated book shares the myths and legends that form part of Qatar’s cultural legacy.

Book cover of the Traditional Games: Story Series by Dr. Maha Al Hendawy

Traditional Games in Qatar

Shared across generations, these playful pastimes reflect society’s creativity in developing a child’s mental and physical skills.

Book cover Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society

This illustrated book presents a fascinating part of oral heritage: children’s rhymes.

Book cover Adventure through the Old Palace Gates by Dr. Kaltham Al Ghanim

Adventure Through the Old Palace Gates

Pass through the enormous wooden gates of the magnificent Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace and learn what life was like during Qatar’s early modern period.

About Our Cultural Heritage Programmes

Two men kneeling on sandy desert ground using small tools to expose archeological remains at Al Zurbarah, Qatar

Cultural Heritage Management

We engage in archaeological fieldwork daily and are continuously excavating and conserving heritage structures across Qatar.

A view of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani's residence at Al Wakra, Qatar showing the local architectural building style

New Life for Old Qatar

In addition to our work on forts, palaces and towers, our team gives new life to old buildings and historic areas.

A tall angular tower made from sand coloured material with an open doorway and crenellations around the top of the building

Cultural Heritage Education

Our programmes provide students, teachers, and families with the opportunity to visit heritage sites and experience the work of archaeologists.

Discover More Themes

Architecture Sports Our Environment Contemporary Qatar

Find Everything For...

Families and children Researchers Schools

A queue of visitors walking through the clay structures of the heritage site

Al Zubarah Archaeological site

Al Zubarah is Qatar’s largest heritage site, with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces and houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques.

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Built in the early 1900s, the Barzan Towers were used to monitor the arable land and wells in their surrounding area.

The Al Khor stone tower, Qatar, seen with a bright blue sky behind it

Al Khor's defensive watchtowers stand over the ancient port.

A landscape view of the cliff showing its edges towering above land

Ras Brouq's White Cliffs

The beautiful and iconic rock formations at Ras Brouq offer a glimpse of a prehistoric landscape.

Three sets of rock carvings in a sand coloured stone comprising a series of small circular shapes, two parallel lines, and two additional boats

Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site

Al Jassasiya is arguably the most impressive of the dozen rock-carving sites in Qatar.

A close-up of the mangroves at Jazirat bin Ghannam island

Jazirat Bin Ghannam

The island of Jazirat Bin Ghannam on the east coast of Qatar reveals traces of human activity dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE.

Restored historic palace with arches and sand coloured buildings in the background

The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani is the largest artefact on view at the National Museum.

Insert text here

Al Rekayat Fort

The fort of Al Rekayat is one of several desert forts dating back to the 19th century.

Book cover of The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition

This publication, complete with beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations, chronicles the Qatari traditions that are carried out during each stage of life.

Book cover of A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries by Deniz Erduman

A Written Cosmos: Arabic Calligraphy and Literature Throughout the Centuries

This book looks at the history of literature in Arab culture and the reasons why calligraphy was to become its most original form of visual arts.

Book cover of Myths from Qatari Heritage by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Myths from Qatari Heritage

This whimsically illustrated book shares the myths and legends that form part of Qatar’s cultural legacy.

Book cover of the Traditional Games: Story Series by Dr. Maha Al Hendawy

Traditional Games in Qatar

Shared across generations, these playful pastimes reflect society’s creativity in developing a child’s mental and physical skills.

Book cover Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society by Dr. Khaltim Al Ghanim

Children's Rhymes in Qatari Society

This illustrated book presents a fascinating part of oral heritage: children’s rhymes.

Book cover Adventure through the Old Palace Gates by Dr. Kaltham Al Ghanim

Adventure Through the Old Palace Gates

Pass through the enormous wooden gates of the magnificent Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani Palace and learn what life was like during Qatar’s early modern period.

Two men kneeling on sandy desert ground using small tools to expose archeological remains at Al Zurbarah, Qatar

Cultural Heritage Management

We engage in archaeological fieldwork daily and are continuously excavating and conserving heritage structures across Qatar.

A view of Sheikh Ghanim bin Abdulrahman Al Thani's residence at Al Wakra, Qatar showing the local architectural building style

New Life for Old Qatar

In addition to our work on forts, palaces and towers, our team gives new life to old buildings and historic areas.

A tall angular tower made from sand coloured material with an open doorway and crenellations around the top of the building

Cultural Heritage Education

Our programmes provide students, teachers, and families with the opportunity to visit heritage sites and experience the work of archaeologists.

Qatar Museums on the Map

Explore our museums, galleries and creative spaces and see what’s happening at our various locations. Plan your trip in advance or find specific facilities or venues.

Museums, Galleries and Creative Spaces
Public Art
Heritage Sites

Exterior view of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art building with a group of three large sculptures positioned in front of it

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Learn about this vibrant museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art of the Arab world.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art invites visitors to experience a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art.

Visit website Buy tickets

What’s On

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Exhibition

Beirut and the Golden Sixties: A Manifesto of Fragility

Until 5 August 2023

People observing Ismael Azzam as he is demonstrating a work on canvas stand

Workshop

Art Lesson with artist Ismail Azzam

Every Sunday and Monday

mathaf guided family visit

Families and children

Tour

Family guided tour

On select days

Aerial view of National Museum of Qatar exterior

National Museum of Qatar

Bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) gives voice to Qatar’s rich heritage and culture. We welcome diverse communities to our vibrant and immersive space to come together to experience Qatar’s past, present and future.

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What’s On

Artwork by Pipilotti Rist of hanging lights in pink, purple and blue

Families and children

Exhibition

Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You

Until 15 July 2023

Rendering interior of the Qatar Auto Museum depicting animated people and cars in motion

Exhibition

A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum Project

Until 20 January 2024

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Exhibition

Olafur Eliasson: The Curious Desert

Until 15 August 2023

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An exterior view of the Museum of Islamic Art during the day, showing the building's reflection in the water

Museum of Islamic Art

MIA inspires the Future

A centre of knowledge and inspiration that illuminates the world of Islamic art

What’s On

Library at the Museum of Islamic Art

Families and children

Tour

Library Tour

A close-up of a woman's hand painting intricate floral designs with a slim brush

Workshop

Watercolour Painting

4–6 June 2023

Hand holding a pen and writing in Nasta'liq Script

Workshop

Nasta'liq Script (Beginners)

4–7 June 2023

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The Fire Station building viewed from the Fire Station Plaza.

Fire Station

Doha’s leading contemporary art space and supporter of creative residencies.

Fire Station is a contemporary art space located in the heart of Doha and is committed to supporting artists, curators and the wider public through our residencies and public programmes.

What’s On

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Exhibition

EDUARDO NAVARRO; THE FREE SPIRITS OF THE WILD HORSES

18 May - 10 July 2023

Image of M7 exterior

M7

M7 is Qatar's epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech.

Established by Qatar Museums under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa, M7 responds to the demands of Qatar’s growing fashion and design industries and is dedicated to empowering designers to explore, collaborate, and develop successful businesses.
M7 provides local designers with all the necessary tools and expertise to enable them to take their ideas from concept to market.

What’s On

Hands touching a hand painted fabric and materials

Exhibition

Zwara: Focus on Forever Valentino

Until 10 September 2023

Green wall with narrow holes for sunlight and tree in the foreground.

Liwan

Liwan Design Studios and Labs offers creatives a multifunctional co-working space and learning environment to experiment, collaborate and network.

Discover more about Liwan. From its iconic mid-century building and history to its facilities and programmes.

Exterior of Qatar Olympic Sports Museum

3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

An international centre for sports history, heritage and knowledge

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the world’s most sophisticated museum dedicated to sport. Visit today to enjoy interactive exhibits, inspiring stories and fun activities that celebrate sports culture within Qatar and beyond.

Visit website Buy tickets

A panorama of Doha's skyline behind a large green grassy area

MIA Park

MIA Park offers year-round attractions, including film screenings, sporting events, outdoor cafés, art workshops, pop-up markets and more.

Open 24 hours a day, MIA Park is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon picnic or a sunset stroll, complemented by family-friendly activities and engaging public artworks.

What’s On

Library at the Museum of Islamic Art

Families and children

Tour

Library Tour

A close-up of a woman's hand painting intricate floral designs with a slim brush

Workshop

Watercolour Painting

4–6 June 2023

Hand holding a pen and writing in Nasta'liq Script

Workshop

Nasta'liq Script (Beginners)

4–7 June 2023

View all events

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MIA Flag Plaza

Flag Plaza is a community space located near MIA Park, dedicated to celebrating unity and cultural exchange.

The site houses 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions in Qatar, as well as the European flag, the United Nations flag and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) flag; it also plays host to festivals, celebrations and other community events.

Exterior of Al Riwaq

Qatar Museums Gallery – Al Riwaq

Located next to the Museum of Islamic Art

Qatar Museums Gallery – Al Riwaq is a temporary exhibition space that hosts an exciting roster of ambitious projects.

Visit website Buy tickets

What’s On

Library at the Museum of Islamic Art

Families and children

Tour

Library Tour

A close-up of a woman's hand painting intricate floral designs with a slim brush

Workshop

Watercolour Painting

4–6 June 2023

Hand holding a pen and writing in Nasta'liq Script

Workshop

Nasta'liq Script (Beginners)

4–7 June 2023

View all events

A medium shot showing the arches and traditional clay walls of the gallery's facade

Qatar Museums Gallery – KATARA

Located within Katara Cultural Village

Qatar Museums Gallery – Katara was founded in 2010 as a space for temporary exhibitions and public art projects.

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Old stone building and doorways.

Al Najadah House

Learn more about a new community of emerging and established creatives and enterprises.

The Al Najadah community will comprise creatives and entrepreneurs who aspire to learn from one another and form partnerships, while showcasing their work for the world to see.

A stone structure on a beach with a visible set of stairs.

Zekreet Fort and Mosque

Believed to have been built between 1809 and 1812, Zekreet Fort is the only fort located in the western region of Qatar. The nearby Zekreet Mosque dates to the early 20th century.

Originally intended for defense purposes, Zekreet Fort was built by tribal leader Rahma bin Jaber Al Jalahmah, entirely of faroush stones, or beach rocks. The fort followed a rectangular plan and towers were added in a later stage to its four corners to further strengthen its structure. Small structures, among which are three madabis (date-pressing rooms), were discovered by archaeologists between the fort and the sea.

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Barzan Towers

Built in the early 1900s, the Barzan Towers were used to monitor the arable land and wells in their surrounding area.

The Barzan Towers are located about 20 km north of Doha in the village of Umm Salal Mohammed, which was developed in 1910 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani. Earlier towers may have existed at the site throughout the nineteenth century.

A sand coloured rock face with the outline of a boat with a sail carved into its surface

Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site

These rock carvings tell stories of Qatar’s past.

Rock carvings, or petroglyphs, can be found at a dozen sites around the coast of Qatar. However, the greatest number of carvings can be found at Al Jassasiya, some 60 km north of Doha, on low limestone hills. Discovered in 1957, the site was systematically studied in 1974, when nearly 900 carved single figures and compositions were catalogued.

A side view of Al Zubarah Fort

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

Once a thriving pearl fishing town and trading port, Al Zubarah is now Qatar’s largest heritage site, with an impressive city wall, ancient residential palaces and houses, markets, industrial areas and mosques.

Al Zubarah is Qatar’s largest archaeological heritage site. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and is the best-preserved example of an eighteenth – nineteenth century trading and pearl fishing town in the Gulf region. Unlike its contemporaries, it is largely intact and has not been lost beneath the region’s vast modern cities.

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Al Rekayat Fort

Toward the northwest coast of Qatar, on the road between Al Zubarah and Madinat Al Shamal, lies an area of forts, traditional architecture and old villages that includes the fort at Al Rekayat.

This was the most populated region of Qatar in the 18th and 19th centuries due to its proximity to the sea and Bahrain, a regional trade centre. The exact date of the construction of Al Rekayat is yet to be determined, but archaeological evidence suggests that it could go back to the mid-18th century, when nearby Al Zubarah was thriving.

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Al Ruwaida Archaeological Site

The Al Ruwaida Archaeological Site encompasses a settlement dating back to the 16th century; comprising a central fort, mosques, a boatyard and warehouses.

Extending along the coastline of northwest Qatar for some 2.5 km, Al Ruwaida was inhabited from about the 16th through the 18th centuries. The settlement incorporated a large, central fort, two mosques, a boatyard, and merchants’ warehouses.

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The Old Palace

At the heart of the National Museum of Qatar, this recently restored architectural treasure was once the home of the ruler of Qatar.

The Old Palace was built in the early 20th century by Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who is today considered to be the father of modern Qatar. For around a decade, the palace was at the centre of Qatar’s political leadership, serving as the residence of the ruler of Qatar and his family and the seat of government.

In 1975 the palace was converted into the Qatar National Museum, which included a Museum of the State, a lagoon and a popular marine aquarium. In 1980 the adaptation of the Old Palace as a museum won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

What’s On

Artwork by Pipilotti Rist of hanging lights in pink, purple and blue

Families and children

Exhibition

Pipilotti Rist: Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You

Until 15 July 2023

Rendering interior of the Qatar Auto Museum depicting animated people and cars in motion

Exhibition

A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum Project

Until 20 January 2024

insert text here

Exhibition

Olafur Eliasson: The Curious Desert

Until 15 August 2023

View all events