As the weather in Qatar changes and we become more accustomed to the breezy evenings, we couldn’t help but admire a few iconic spots we could view right from the Doha Corniche. 

So, here we are, reminding you of some magnificent little spots that we’ve taken oh for granted! Introducing QL’s favorite little (or not so little) iconic buildings in the country.

The Torch

True to its name, you can see this tower flaming from near and afar! The Torch, also known as the Aspire tower, is a high-rise hotel that goes up to 300 meters and can be seen from numerous locations in town. 

Located in the Aspire Zone complex and right next to Villagio Mall and the Khalifa National stadium, this iconic building was built to house the Asian Games Flame for the 2006 Asian Games, hence the Symbolic Flame! Qatar successfully holds the record of having the highest-positioned and tallest games flame ever since. 

To make this experience even better, wait for sunset to see this tower light up with LED colors, giving you a sight of The Torch that people still rave about 15 years later!

QL Tip: Visit their revolving restaurant, 360, on the 47th floor of the hotel to take in some inescapable views of the city. 

Tornado Tower

One of the gems that add to the beauty of Doha’s mesmerizing skyline is the Tornado tower, which gives an illusion of going in cylindrical, tornado form, which is the 10th tallest building of the city.

Adding up to 35,000 lights to brighten up that beauty we’re raving about (the skyline, guys!), the structure and lighting were particularly designed to bring out the hyperbolic shape of the building by ace German artist Thomas Emde. Complementing the dynamic design of the tower, the lights have been aligned in a way to put up a fabulous show to an ordinary evening. 

Burj Doha

Another icon in the Westbay area, Burj Doha, now more popularly known as Doha Tower, is your next hotspot. Paying a tribute to Islamic Mashrabiya architecture, this building is nothing close to ordinary. Jean Nouvel’s unique design is reinforced internally through diagrid columns, coming together as a criss-cross form that engulfs the cylindrical facade of the building.  

An ode to the local culture of keeping their roots firmly inspired by Islamic designs and bringing it together with a modern flair, the building’s sunscreen takes the traditional Arabian Mashrabiya patterns and creates a larger dynamic. The design is then scaled to make sure that the interior reflects the delicate, linear patterns internally, as light reaches every corner of the tower from within. 

The cherry on top, wait for the entire skyline to light up for you in the evening as you catch this beauty at its ultimate best, glowing in orange light!

Qatar National Convention Center

Shifting our focus from Downtown Doha to the Dukhan highway as we make our way to the understated Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC). Now, you might have visited this place several times or may plan to visit soon but did you ever really notice the facade? 

Simplicity at its best, you’ll find yourself looking at Sidra, the desert tree that is known to be the iconic symbol of Qatar’s heritage, reflecting perseverance, solidarity, and determination. Ever noticed how the branches of the tree support the roof of QNCC? That’s called attention to detail by the magnificent Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. 

The center acts as host to most of the openings for local and international events so next time you’re headed for a Disney Live, make sure you notice the minute details that made us fall in love with the landmark!

Museum of Islamic Art

What we can only describe as a floating, serene monument on the light waves of the sea, the Museum of Islamic Art sits atop the throne, claiming its seat as the ultimate, most iconic building in the entire country. Taking inspiration from Islamic, traditional architecture, the museum is made from limestone, that changes its colors as per the hour, casting different shades during the day. 

The traditional geometric patterns inside the museum add to the grandeur of this building, with world-renowned architect I.M. Pei’s vision coming to life in form of materials and textures like stones and woods adding to the museum’s space. Pei’s dramatic use of elements inspired by Islamic architecture brings the experience of visiting the museum to life

Zig Zag Towers

We write because we’ve been questioned. To start, no you do not slide inside, no your furniture isn’t tilted and no, it is not literally zigzag from the inside. This is not the Museum of Illusions, folks! 

Let's take a second to appreciate the sheer genius behind the ZigZag towers in West Bay Lagoon. The two identical towers have manipulated everyone’s sight and are just not talked about enough. The dancing towers of Doha, these two beauties stand beside the Lagoona Mall, near The Pearl. These visual treats produced in a highly unconventional way often get overlooked due to the simplicity of the facade and yet, are always the point of curiosity even for the expats here!

Paired with the Lagoona Mall, the residential buildings are quite popular due to the wholesome experience they add. 

QL Tip: Enjoy a little evening Karak in the courtyard and you’ll thank us for the rest of your life – the sunset here is something you’ll remember forever!

Even though we wrap up with a few favorites for this time, Qatar is home to so many iconic landmarks and buildings that there’s never enough said! Tell us which of these iconic buildings you’ve visited and we might just give you a few more to visit soon!

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Cover Image Credit: Arabian Business
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