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.
Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque
Qatar's State Grand Mosque, opened in 2011, is a vast sandstone building with 93 domes and room for more than 30,000 worshippers, open to respectful visitors outside prayer times.
At a glance
- Type
- State grand mosque
- Area
- Lejbailat, Doha, Qatar
Good to know
- Abayas and scarves provided
- Libraries
Why we recommend it
The Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque, usually called the State Grand Mosque, is Qatar's national mosque. It opened in 2011 under the then Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the site offers views of the Doha skyline. The building is in a traditional Arab style with modern touches, built from sandstone with arcades of arches and dozens of domes; Visit Qatar counts 93 of them. Its single minaret rises above a huge courtyard, and the complex covers about 175,000 square metres.
Inside, the mosque can hold more than 30,000 worshippers. The central prayer hall alone accommodates up to 11,000 men, with a separate area for women. Marble floors that stay cool in summer, long colonnades and plain sandstone surfaces give the building a calm, restrained feel. The complex also houses three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and halls for Qur'an memorisation, and religious instruction and cultural programmes run throughout the year.
Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times, and organised tours are recommended if you want to learn about the building and Islamic practice. Visiting hours are not published in a fixed form, so call the mosque or check ahead before you go, and avoid Friday midday prayers. Dress conservatively: cover arms and legs, and women should cover their hair. Scarves, and abayas where needed, are provided for women. Remove your shoes before entering, do not bring food inside, and note that photography is not allowed in the women's prayer area. Children under seven are not admitted.
The mosque suits travellers interested in architecture and religion, and it is a good counterpoint to the museums along the Corniche. Allow 45 minutes to an hour, longer if you join a tour. Early morning or late afternoon, between prayers, is usually the most comfortable time to walk the courtyard, which can be very hot in the middle of the day.
The mosque is on Al Muhandiseen Street and is easiest to reach by car or taxi. Katara Cultural Village and the Al Hazm mall are both a short drive away, so it fits well into a day spent on the northern side of the city, and the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif are within easy reach for the evening.
Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque FAQs
Can non-Muslims visit the State Grand Mosque?
Yes, visitors of any religion are welcome outside prayer times, and organised tours are recommended.
What should I wear?
Dress conservatively, covering arms and legs; scarves, and abayas where needed, are provided for women.
Can children visit?
Children under seven are not allowed inside.
How many domes does it have?
Visit Qatar counts 93 domes across the building.
How many people does the mosque hold?
More than 30,000 worshippers.
When did it open?
The mosque opened in 2011.
How do I get there?
It is on Al Muhandiseen Street and is easiest to reach by car or taxi.
Are there rules about photography?
Photography is prohibited in the women's prayer area.