Qatar National Library, Doha

Overview

Qatar National Library (QNL) is the country's national library and one of Doha's most striking modern buildings. It sits in Education City, the campus area west of central Doha, next to its own metro station. Inside, a single huge room holds more than a million books on terraces that rise like an amphitheatre. The library is open to the public, including tourists, and entry is free.

Visit for the architecture, then stay to read, work or look at the Heritage Library, which holds rare Arabic manuscripts, early printed books, maps and historic globes. There is a large children's library, a café and regular free events. Tourists can explore the collections and exhibitions but cannot sign up for membership. The library briefly closed in spring 2026 and has since reopened with normal hours.

History and background

Qatar National Library was set up by Qatar Foundation as a national library, a university research library and a public library in one. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA designed the building. From outside it looks like a sheet of paper folded up at the corners. Inside, the book stacks rise from the floor in white terraces, so the whole collection is visible at once. The Heritage Library sits in a sunken, marble-lined area in the middle.

The library had a soft opening in November 2017. It was officially opened on 16 April 2018, when the Emir placed the millionth book on its shelves. In 2015 UNESCO had named QNL a regional centre for preservation and conservation in the Middle East and North Africa.

The Heritage Library holds thousands of manuscripts, more than 1,200 maps and atlases, historic globes, travel instruments and early photographs of the Arab world. In December 2024 QNL also became host of a regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA).

What to see at Qatar National Library

1. The main hall

   Stand at the entrance and take in the whole room: stepped white shelves, reading desks built into the terraces and daylight through the glass walls. It is one of the most photographed interiors in Qatar.

2. Heritage Library

   The sunken, marble-clad centre holds rare Arabic manuscripts, early European printed books, maps, atlases, globes and old scientific instruments. Exhibitions from the collection are often on show around it.

3. Children's Library

   A large, colourful space with well over 100,000 titles, story times and activities. Entry is managed on a first-come basis at busy times, and it closes earlier than the main library.

4. Free events

   QNL runs dozens of free events each month, from talks and workshops to concerts, including performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Check the events calendar before you go.

5. Study and work spaces

   Open tables, quiet reading areas and bookable individual study rooms make QNL a popular place to work or revise. Wi-Fi and power points are available throughout the building.

6. Guided tours

   Free guided tours explain the building's design and introduce the heritage collections. Places are limited and advance registration is required, so book through the library website before you visit.

How to get to Qatar National Library

Tips for your visit

• Friday opening is only from 4pm to 8pm.
• Book a free guided tour in advance if you want the full story of the building.
• Visitors can explore freely, but only citizens and residents can register as members and borrow.
• Keep voices low in reading areas; it is a working library.
• The free Education City tram links the library with other campus sights.
• Combine your visit with the Education City Mosque and Oxygen Park nearby.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions