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.
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar)
Known by its old name Fanar, this spiral-towered mosque and cultural centre beside Souq Waqif introduces visitors to Islam and Qatari traditions through tours, talks and coffee.
At a glance
- Type
- Mosque and Islamic cultural centre
- Area
- Souq Waqif / Corniche, Doha, Qatar
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- binzaid.gov.qa
Good to know
- Guided tours
- Traditional coffee
- Exhibition halls
- VR film hall
- Arabic courses
Why we recommend it
The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is still widely known in Doha by its earlier name, Fanar. Its spiral-shaped tower is one of the most recognisable shapes on the edge of Souq Waqif, and it is especially striking at night when the building is lit. The centre is a government body and a working mosque, and it also runs religious, educational and social activities designed to introduce Islam and Qatari heritage to visitors, particularly those who are not Arab.
That makes it one of the most useful places in the city for anyone curious about local culture and faith. Staff explain mosque etiquette and offer guided tours. Inside, the Traditional Hall and the Civilization Hall, designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, cover Qatari culture and traditional life, while a VR film and values hall presents Islamic values with posters in seven languages. The Qatari Majlis sessions are presented in English, Spanish and Russian, and a Coffee Morning for women only is held in English. Visitors are offered traditional coffee, and some programmes include a visit to the Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque. The centre also runs Arabic courses for non-native speakers.
Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to attend Friday prayers conducted in English. Opening hours are 8am to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 2pm to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. A visit with a guided tour and coffee takes around an hour. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and women may wish to bring a scarf; ask staff if you are unsure, as they are used to first-time visitors.
The centre suits solo travellers, couples and families with older children who want to understand more about Qatar than its skyline and shopping. It is also a good first stop for visitors arriving in Doha for the first time, because the conversations here make the rest of the trip, from the souq to the mosques, easier to read.
Fanar sits in the Corniche area right next to Souq Waqif, so it is easy to pair with an evening in the souq. The Museum of Islamic Art and Msheireb Downtown Doha are both close by, and the Corniche promenade is a short walk away for a stroll after sunset.
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar) FAQs
What is Fanar?
Fanar is the earlier, still widely used name of the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, a mosque and cultural centre next to Souq Waqif.
What are the opening hours?
Sunday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday 2pm to 8pm.
Can non-Muslims visit?
Yes, the centre is aimed largely at non-Arab visitors and offers guided tours and an explanation of mosque etiquette.
Can non-Muslims attend Friday prayers?
Yes, non-Muslim visitors can attend Friday prayers conducted in English.
Are there programmes for women?
Yes, a women-only Coffee Morning is held in English.
In which languages are sessions offered?
The Qatari Majlis is presented in English, Spanish and Russian, and the values hall has posters in seven languages.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; women may wish to bring a scarf.
What is nearby?
Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art, Msheireb Downtown Doha and the Corniche.