Attraction
Museum of Islamic Art
I. M. Pei's limestone Museum of Islamic Art stands on its own peninsula off the Doha Corniche, with 1,400 years of art from three continents.
Qatar National Library
Rem Koolhaas's Qatar National Library in Education City holds more than a million books and a Heritage Library of rare manuscripts, and offers building orientation tours.
At a glance
- Type
- National library and architecture
- Area
- Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- qnl.qa
Good to know
- Café
- Restaurant
- Children's library
- Heritage Library
- Sensory room
- Orientation tours
Why we recommend it
Qatar National Library is worth a visit even if you have no plans to read. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and his practice OMA, the building in Education City had a soft opening in November 2017 and was officially inaugurated in April 2018. The building is as much a piece of contemporary architecture as a place to borrow books, and visitors are welcome to come simply to look around.
The library holds more than a million books, along with eBooks, periodicals and special collections. The highlight for visitors is the Heritage Library, which holds rare books and manuscripts relating to Arab and Islamic civilisation, including around 2,400 manuscripts. Its core collection was started in 1979 by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani and became part of the national library in 2012. Elsewhere there is a children's library, a teen and young adult collection, a sensory room and spaces for study and events.
The library is open from 8am to 8pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 4pm to 8pm on Friday. The children's library closes at 6.30pm, except on Friday and Saturday when it stays open until 8pm. Visitors can join building orientation tours, and there is a virtual tour on the website if you want a preview. An hour is enough to look around, longer if you want to sit and read or visit the Heritage Library properly. As a working library, it asks visitors to keep noise down, and modest dress is sensible.
It suits architecture fans, families with young children, students and anyone wanting a cool, calm break from the heat. The café and restaurant make it easy to linger, and the children's library is a good rainy-day or hot-day option for families.
The Doha Metro Green Line stops at Qatar National Library station, which is the simplest way to arrive. Parking near the building is limited, so drivers are advised to use the Oxygen Park underground car park or the Education City Mosque parking and take the free Education City tram. Mathaf and the Education City Mosque are nearby, and Oxygen Park makes a pleasant stop for a walk in cooler months.
Qatar National Library FAQs
What are Qatar National Library's opening hours?
Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 4pm to 8pm.
Who designed the library?
Rem Koolhaas and his practice OMA.
How do I get there?
Take the Doha Metro Green Line to Qatar National Library station.
Is there parking?
Parking at the library is limited; the Oxygen Park underground car park and Education City Mosque parking are recommended, with the free tram to finish the trip.
What is the Heritage Library?
A collection of rare books and manuscripts on Arab and Islamic civilisation, including about 2,400 manuscripts.
Is it good for children?
Yes, there is a dedicated children's library, open until 6.30pm most days and 8pm on Friday and Saturday.
Are tours available?
Yes, the library offers building orientation tours as well as a virtual tour online.
Is there a café?
Yes, the library has a café and a restaurant.