Stories

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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Events and Exhibitions

Exhibition

Atharna 2026: Life and Death in Pre-Islamic Qatar

Opens 26 October 2026

Qatar Museums

Bringing the Past to Life

Discover the many extraordinary stories taking place across Qatar Museums.

See All Qatari Heritage Stories
A close-up view of Barzan tower showing its white walls and protruding wooden shafts

Heritage

Local Heritage, Global Recognition

7 July 2026

By Dr Ferhan Sakal and Margaux Montserrat De Pauw

Qatar Museums Read
Woman wearing traditional Qatari dress and face covering

Fashion

Silk, Gold and Memory: Inside Qatari Womens’ Wardrobes

23 June 2026

Compiled by Boshra Al Meraikhi, written by Hissa Al Hitmi and Mohammed Al Thani

National Museum of Qatar Read
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Modern Art

Artists’ Voices: Salman Al Malek

14 June 2026

Produced by Pascale Abou Jamra

Qatar Museums Watch
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Public Art

Art as Memory and Meaning: Cultural Significance in Qatar’s Public Art

30 April 2026

By Mohamed Al Thani

Qatar Museums Read
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Fashion

In Conversation: Aisha Al Attiya on Creating Houbara Haven

21 April 2026

Interview by Boshra Al Meraikhi

M7 Read
Celebrating Our Folklore

Animated | 4 Episodes

Hazawy: Qatari Folklore

Hazawy is a four-part video series of animated shorts that bring stories from Qatari folklore to life.

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Trailer

Hazawy: Trailer

Watch
Hazawy episode one thumbnail image

Episode 1

Hazawy Episode 1: Mai and Ghaylan

Qatar Museums Watch
The second episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 2

Hazawy Episode 2: Suhail and the Daughters of Na'sh

Qatar Museums Watch
The third episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 3

Hazawy Episode 3: The Donkey Lady

Qatar Museums Watch
The fourth episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 4

Hazawy Episode 4: What Lurks Beneath

Qatar Museums Watch

Animated | 4 Episodes

Hazawy: Qatari Folklore

Hazawy is a four-part video series of animated shorts that bring stories from Qatari folklore to life.

Watch More
The second episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Trailer

Hazawy: Trailer

Qatar Museums
Hazawy episode one thumbnail image

Episode 1

Hazawy Episode 1: Mai and Ghaylan

Qatar Museums
The second episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 2

Hazawy Episode 2: Suhail and the Daughters of Na'sh

Qatar Museums
The third episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 3

Hazawy Episode 3: The Donkey Lady

Qatar Museums
The fourth episode of Hazawy thumbnail image

Episode 4

Hazawy Episode 4: What Lurks Beneath

Qatar Museums

Visit Our Heritage Sites

A group of people stand on a raised platform overlooking ancient stone

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.
map of the doha heritage walking trail

Doha Heritage Walking Trail

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Qatar, exploring the historic buildings, towers, and forts of Doha.
Inside an old house in Ain Mohammed village, the house has straight beams with openings as a roof.

AI Tour

Explore the history of Qatar with your own AI-powered guide to our buildings and heritage sites.
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Sidra House

Located within the grounds of Sidra Medicine, this historic house, once home to Sheikh Abdallah bin Thani bin Jassim bin Muhammad Al Thani, offers insight into mid-20th century Qatari domestic architecture and way of life.
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Bayt Al Zaman

A 1950s family home in Old Al Ghanim, this building reflects Doha’s residential and social history, featuring traditional architectural details, informal commerce and a courtyard cinema that once brought the neighbourhood together.
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Fahad Bin Ali Palace

A 1953 palace near the Amiri Diwan is now being reimagined as a centre for archaeology, heritage and research.
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Fuwairit Heritage Mosque

Originally built in 1940, Fuwairit Heritage Mosque is currently being restored to return it to its former shape and design.
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Al Yusuf Heritage Mosque

Located within a modern residential district, Al Yusuf Heritage Mosque stands as a testament to the area's enduring cultural and architectural traditions.
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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.
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.
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Al Jumail Heritage Village

The village of Al-Jumail dates back to the nineteenth century.
A stone structure on a beach with a visible set of stairs.

Zekreet Fort

Zekreet Fort and Mosque are open to visitors Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday from 9am to 5pm and Friday, 12:30-5pm.

Our Publications

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Nested in Modernity

Nested in Modernity presents the first in-depth scholarly study of the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha.
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 Qatari Twentieth Century Jewellery and Ornaments by Dr. Najla Ismail Al-Izzi

Qatari Twentieth Century Jewellery and Ornaments

A beautiful selection of jewellery that was displayed at the Doha Cultural Festival in 2003, showcasing unique pieces that have a special status in Qatari society.
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.
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Souq Waqif

This book reveals the rich history of one of Doha most iconic and historic sites – Souq Waqif.
Book cover of Al Zubarah Archaeological Site by Qatar Museums

Al Zubarah Archaeological Site

This book explains the characteristics that make Al Zubarah unique, as well as ongoing efforts in site preservation, research and community engagement.
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National Museum of Qatar Book

The National Museum of Qatar book encapsulates the museum's vision of honouring Qatar's heritage, traditions and cultural identity.
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.
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Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani: A Leader's Legacy

This fascinating publication documents life in Qatari society before and after the discovery of oil.

About Our Cultural Heritage Programmes

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

Archaeological Research Projects

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

Discover Qatar’s rich heritage at Atharna, Qatar Museums’ annual archaeology exhibition showcasing the latest field discoveries.
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Archaeology and Heritage Programmes

The Archaeology Department offers hands-on indoor and outdoor learning experiences for people of all ages.

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