Education City Mosque (Minaretein), Doha

Overview

The Education City Mosque stands in the Minaretein building, home to the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. It is one of the most striking modern mosques in the Gulf. Five large columns carry the prayer hall, and two minarets, about 90 metres tall, rise beside it. The mosque holds 1,800 worshippers inside and another 1,000 in the courtyard.

Visitors of all backgrounds are welcome. The mosque opens daily from the dawn prayer until 10pm, and general visits are free with no booking. Free guided Marhabtein tours explain the design and meaning of the building; these need registration. Plan around prayer times, when the main hall may be closed to visitors. Dress modestly, and allow time to walk the gardens and water channels outside.

History and background

The mosque was designed by Mangera Yvars Architects, led by Ali Mangera and Ada Yvars Bravo, for Qatar Foundation. It opened around 2015 as part of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, now the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

The design links faith and learning. The building sits on five columns that stand for the five pillars of Islam, each carrying a verse from the Qur'an. Iraqi architect and calligrapher Taha Al Hiti designed the vertical calligraphy that climbs the two minarets. Beneath the prayer hall, water features help cool the space and represent the four rivers of Paradise described in the Qur'an.

In 2015 the building won Best Religious Building at the World Architecture Festival in Singapore. It was also nominated for the first RIBA International Prize in 2016. Today it is run as the Minaretein Center, which hosts lectures, Arabic classes and community events.

What to see at Education City Mosque (Minaretein)

1. The twin minarets

   The two minarets reach about 90 metres and are covered in flowing Arabic calligraphy by Taha Al Hiti. They are visible from much of Education City and make the best photo from the courtyard.

2. Five pillars

   The prayer hall rests on five large columns, each marking one of the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. Each column is inscribed with a verse from the Qur'an.

3. Water and the four rivers

   Streams and channels around and beneath the building represent the four rivers promised in Paradise. They also help keep the spaces cool.

4. The prayer hall

   The main hall holds 1,800 worshippers, with room for 1,000 more in the courtyard. Its geometric detail and calligraphy are best seen outside prayer times, when visitors can move around more freely.

5. Qur'anic Botanic Garden

   Visit Qatar notes a Qur'anic Botanic Garden with plants mentioned in Islamic texts. It adds a quiet green space to a walk around the mosque and the wider Education City campus.

6. Marhabtein guided tours

   Free guided tours explain the architecture, symbolism and history of the building in more depth. Register through the Minaretein Center events page before you go; private groups can email ecmosque@qf.org.qa to arrange a visit.

How to get to Education City Mosque (Minaretein)

Tips for your visit

• Arrive about 30 minutes before, or 40 minutes after, a prayer starts to see the main hall.
• Wear loose clothes that cover arms and legs; women should bring a headscarf.
• Remove your shoes before entering the prayer areas.
• Women have a separate prayer area on the second floor.
• Book a free Marhabtein tour to understand the symbolism in the design.
• Combine with Mathaf and Qatar National Library, both on the same campus.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions