Global Venues: Doha

Destination: Doha

Our next stop on Finding Global Venues takes us to the city of Doha. From a Pearl Village to a modern marvel, Doha, the vibrant capital of Qatar, boasts an impressive skyline, and scenic beaches surrounded by captivating sand dunes.

Middle Eastern Metamorphosis

Originally a humble pearling village on the Persian Gulf, Doha has grown and transformed. From a flourishing pearl trade in the 20th century to the rise of oil and gas industries in the 1950s, the city’s population has grown from 14,000 to 650,000 in a century.

Doha: A Cultural Oasis

Qatar, an independent nation since 1971, revolves around its capital, Doha, housing most of its inhabitants. A nation the size of Yorkshire with a population surpassing Merseyside, Qatar holds significant sway. Doha’s multicultural fabric shines, with over 22,000 British expats and an 88% population from South Asia.

As the hub of the nation, Doha beckons with its futuristic skyline, renown Islamic museums, luxurious hotels, inviting beachfronts and most recently FIFA World Cup hosting abilities. Beyond the spectacular urban scene, a short drive leads to a traditional Bedouin life and multiple desert adventures. Ideal for perhaps some extra curriculum activities?

Near the popular waterside location called La Corniche, lies bustling ancient Bedouin market – Souq Waqif. Adjacent is Falcon Souq, that encapsulates the deep and passionate element of Qatari falcon heritage.

Throughout this blog, we’ll briefly navigate the positives of Doha’s offerings and provide an insightful starting point to help launch your event planning journey.

Safety and security assurances

For the safety and security of all events, the Ministry of Culture now requires Civil Defence and Security Systems licenses as prerequisites. This includes event venues submitting certificates to validate their eligibility for hosting events. However, while conventional event spaces typically have this in place, if you’re transforming any other space into an event venue, these measures ensure the presence of adequate security and safety standards.

It’s always advisable to ensure this license is in place for all cases. Additionally, it’s worth noting that places like restaurants and shopping malls must also secure a license from Qatar Tourism. The Ministry provides guidelines on these matters.

The primary objective behind these mandatory measures is to safeguard your guests. The ministry underscores the importance of cultivating a safe environment for all venues.

From January to June 2023, the Ministry of Culture issued around 3,000 licenses for a diverse range of cultural, artistic, and social events. This proactive approach underscores the commitment to maintaining safety standards and facilitating captivating events in their country.

Sustainability effort

Qatar is stepping up in the battle against climate change while inspiring the next generation to make a difference. Sustainability is now the driving force behind its economic growth strategy. The nation is acting by investing in solar power, ensuring a steady supply of sustainable food and water, and orchestrating clean-up campaigns that safeguard its heritage and elevate environmental consciousness.

The Ned

In 2022, five years after the successful launch of Brit-born members club, The Ned, London; The Ned, Doha opened its doors.

Located in the former Ministry of Interior building, the 39,976 SQM iconic modernist building was remodelled by the 2023 Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield.  Chipperfield’s team worked in collaboration with Soho House Design. It took just two years to complete.

The Ned Doha includes Ned’s Club, a members’ club that gives access to boutique spaces including a rooftop terrace, 90 bedrooms, a health club with spa, gym and 30m outdoor pool. The stunning event space, with a punch of Seventies décor, called Corniche Hall, is one of AP LIVE’s favourites. It has a standing capacity of 48 to 600 guests, with in-house catering, beverage, and A/V services. Additional spaces in their three stunning restaurants are also available for events.

Located on the Corniche with impressive city views and near Al Bidda Park, the Grand Mosque, and the Diwan (the Emir’s seat of government).

The Torch (also known as the Aspire)

Among the modern structures, The Torch Doha reigns supreme at 300 meters. Located in the Aspire Zone complex in Doha it embraces breath-taking city views.  Relish entertaining guests at Three Sixty, a revolving restaurant on the 47th floor. The eye-catching landmark boasts 6 meeting options that range from a capacity 32 SQM to 913SQM. All spaces offer a combination of modern and unique designs, with the candelabra-filled ballroom, able to accommodate 500 guests.

Katara Towers

The impressive towers, also known as the Crescent Towers, is located overlooking the Arabian Gulf in the city’s green district Lusail. Shaped to resemble the national emblem of crossed scimitars (single edged swords). The Katara is home to two luxury hotels. The Fairmont Doha and Raffles Hotel.

Traditional touches

For a traditional touch, you may want to consider the Qatar Museum Group venues.  For an open-air location Al Zubarah Fort provides a unique option.

Venues of all sizes

Doha offers an effective and modern infrastructure to facilitate events of all sizes. For large scale expos maybe consider premier venues like Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

There is a wealth of options option to a variety of event sizes. Whatever your requirement, if you can navigate the complexity of planning an event here, Doha delivers.