Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Al Shahaniya

Overview

The FBQ Museum is the private collection of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, a Qatari businessman who has collected objects for more than half a century. It sits on the Al Samriya estate off Dukhan Road, just beyond Mall of Qatar. The fort-style complex holds tens of thousands of items, from classic cars and hand-woven carpets to fossils, coins and a rebuilt house from Damascus.

The museum is quirky and very large, so it rewards curiosity more than a tight schedule. Allow at least two to three hours. It is only practical to reach by car or taxi. Adult tickets cost QR50, with discounts for students and seniors and free entry for children under 12. The estate also has an oryx reserve and a riding school, and Al Shahaniya camel racing is nearby in season.

History and background

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani began collecting objects as a young man and opened his museum to the public in 1998. It is one of the largest private museums in the world. The complex stands on a large estate in Al Samriya, in Al Shahaniya municipality, and is built in the style of a traditional Qatari fort.

The collection grew far beyond its original halls. For the 2022 FIFA World Cup the estate added a separate car museum with around 300 classic and vintage vehicles, as well as a children's museum and a theatre. A leaning mosque and minaret, designed by Sheikh Faisal himself, opened in spring 2023.

The museum is not part of Qatar Museums. It is run by the Al Samriya estate, which also operates a carpet museum, an oryx reserve and a riding school.

What to see at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

1. Vintage car collection

   The car museum shows hundreds of classic vehicles, some dating back to the early years of motoring, along with motorcycles and bicycles. Many are kept in working order.

2. Carpet Museum

   Visit Qatar counts more than 700 hand-woven carpets from around the world, shown in a dedicated museum on the estate. Look closely at the regional patterns, knots and natural dyes.

3. Islamic art halls

   Several halls cover Islamic art, including textiles, manuscripts, paintings and Qur'anic calligraphy. A notable Qur'an collection sits among them, so give these rooms time even if you came for the cars.

4. The Damascus house

   A traditional Syrian home from Damascus has been rebuilt inside the museum, with carved wood and decorated rooms. It is one of the most photographed spaces.

5. Qatari heritage

   Displays of pearling tools, dhows and Bedouin crafts show daily life in Qatar before oil. They give useful context for the rest of your trip.

6. Coins, weapons and more

   Collections of coins and banknotes from ancient to modern times, rare weapons, jewellery, fossils and archaeological finds show the sheer breadth of one collector's interests over five decades.

7. The Leaning Mosque

   A mosque and minaret built at a deliberate tilt opened in 2023. It was designed by Sheikh Faisal and is fitted with sensors to monitor safety.

How to get to Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Tips for your visit

• The museum is closed on Sundays. Check hours before you drive out, as published times vary.
• Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
• Allow at least two to three hours; the collection is very large.
• Photos without flash are allowed, but selfie sticks are not.
• Book a guided tour (extra QR25) if you want the stories behind the objects.
• In winter, pair the trip with camel racing at Al Shahaniya.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions