Visit Qatar App Explore things to do in Qatar! The internationally renowned Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is the crown jewel of Qatar’s museums. Architecture, Museum Museum of Islamic Art On a purpose-built island abutting the Corniche, Doha’s waterfront promenade, the building itself is an architectural wonder designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei. The museum contains four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, gift shop, a café and a haute cuisine restaurant IDAM by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, on the fifth floor. It is also home to a heritage library, with a collection of 21,000 books including 2000 rare editions in both Arabic and English. How to get there? The Museum of Islamic Art is easily accessible via car or a taxi (Uber is widely used, alternatively Karwa). The distance from Hamad International Airport is approximately 15 minutes. The Museum of Islamic Art is easily accessible via car or a taxi (Uber is widely used, alternatively Karwa). The distance from Hamad International Airport is approximately 15 minutes. The nearest metro station is Qatar National Museum, Gold line. The nearest metro station is Qatar National Museum, Gold line. MIA Park, the Corniche The museum hosts a variety of cultural activities throughout the year, including performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, film screenings and art and calligraphy classes for the community. The lush MIA park next to the museum overlooks the Arabian sea, and is a favourite spot for family picnics, walking, running or outdoor yoga classes. A weekend bazar in the cooler months features over a hundred stalls selling everything from food and drinks to handicrafts, clothing and jeweller Shahnameh Manuscript Shahnameh Manuscript Planispheric Astrolabe Planispheric Astrolabe Carved Emerald Plaque Carved Emerald Plaque MIA commands breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Inside the museum, visitors should look for the Shahnameh Manuscript. Written a thousand years ago by Persian poet Ferdowsi, the Book of Kings recounts the histories and myths of the pre-Islamic Greater Persian Empire. See one of the world’s first navigational tools, the Planispheric Astrolabe, made in 10 th century Iraq during Abbasid rule. Be dazzled by the Carved Emerald Plaque, a large emerald from the 16 th century. Owned by India’s Mughal emperors, an Arabic prayer is inscribed on one side while a floral motif is carved on the other. Conceived by Pritzker Prize winning architect I.M. Pei, best known for designing the glass pyramid in the forecourt of the Louvre in Paris, the museum sits on a purpose-built island abutting Doha’s central waterfront promenade and is surrounded by MIA Park’s extensive green spaces. The building was inspired by the Sabil, or ablution fountain, in the 9 th century Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt. Traditional Islamic patterns (domes, geometric patterns, arches, water features) meld with modern architecture to produce this hallmark museum in Qatar. MIA showcases 14 centuries of Islamic art and artefacts from around the world. MIA is surrounded by vast green lawns and amazing views of the Doha skyline and the Arabian sea. It is centrally located, walking distance from numerous tourist hotspots including Doha Corniche where one can take a ride on the traditional dhow boats. The traditional market Souq Waqif is a few minutes walk away, with shops, restaurants and entertainment aplenty, while the Gold Souq is located nearby. The Emiri Stables are at one end of Souq Waqif, while the grand Amiri Diwan, the seat of government in Qatar, sits on a tract of land abutting Al Bidda Park. Useful information Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 9am–7pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9am–9pm Friday: 1:30pm–7pm

The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum Msheireb Museums Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Things to know before travelling Visas Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here. Read more Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here. Getting here Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here. Read more Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here. Travel tips Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide. Read more Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide. Getting around From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar. Read more From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar. Download our app Doha City Guidebook Terms & conditions Corporate website Qatar Tourism brand logos Subscribe to our newsletter Cookie settings Welcome to Qatar Get your dose of travel inspiration straight to your inbox. Thank you for subscribing We’d love to know your interests to send personalized content. By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy policy and Terms & Conditions . The site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . Thank you for subscribing Thank you for subscribing! Your dose of travel inspiration will be delivered straight to your inbox. Stay tuned! © 2026 Qatar Tourism | All rights reserved