The Qatar National Convention Centre is a great place to enjoy entertainment in Doha. The building opened in 2011 as part of the Qatar Foundation’s efforts to establish Qatar as a global leader in gathering people for learning and culture. When you visit the Qatar National Convention Centre, notice Arata Isozaki’s architectural design, with wide branches growing from the ground to support the building’s roof. This feature represents the Sidra tree, which provides shelter for desert travelers, who share knowledge in the shade of its protective branches.
Step inside where Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider sculpture Maman rises several stories in the open atrium. Other notable art and artifacts include a section of the Berlin Wall and 28 Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
Events at the site are truly diverse. Attend a musical performance such as Latin sensation the Gipsy Kings, American DJ Marshmello, Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir or otherworldly performers the Blue Man Group. The resident Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra regularly performs concerts by classical composers including Mendelssohn, Brahms, Chopin, Dvořák, Tchaikovsky and others.
Check to see if any children’s entertainment is scheduled during your stay. Past events have included Disney on Ice, Hello Kitty, the Smurfs and other international entertainment. Comedy is frequently offered, with the likes of Trevor Noah, Hamad Al Amari the Qatari Guy and other popular stand-up entertainers. Additional offerings range from visiting ballet troupes to fashion shows with abayas and accessories for Qatari women.
Besides serving as an entertainment venue, the site is popular for meetings, workshops, training, trade shows and private events. Peek inside one of the rooms and you may see it set up for a fantasy wedding.
Find the Qatar National Convention Centre in the Ar-Rayyan neighborhood of Doha, just a few miles from Education City. Travel here by car in about 25 minutes from the Doha Port area. Park in the large lot and use a travelator to get to the center’s entrance. Visit the official website of the Qatar National Convention Centre for further information about the venue and what’s on.
While in the Ar-Rayyan neighborhood, make a side trip to Sidra Medical Centre to see the amazing outdoor art installation The Miraculous Journey, 14 bronze sculptures by Damien Hirst depicting the process of human gestation.
