New Exhibitions & Attractions in Qatar Before Jan 2027

Wondering what new exhibitions and attractions visitors can see in Qatar before January 2027? There is plenty happening — from major contemporary-art and design programmes to fashion exhibitions, immersive family attractions and heritage festivals.

Between November and the end of December 2026, Qatar's cultural calendar is anchored by Rubaiya Qatar and Design Doha 2026, alongside new exhibitions at M7, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar and other cultural venues.

Several events are free, while others require tickets or have different prices for residents and international visitors. Always check the organiser's latest booking page before heading out.

The quick answer: a packed cultural season in Qatar

The final weeks of 2026 bring together two of Qatar's biggest cultural platforms: the inaugural Rubaiya Qatar contemporary-art quadrennial and the second edition of Design Doha.

Around them is a wider calendar of exhibitions spanning fashion, jewellery, photography, archaeology and architecture, plus major family attractions including Bubble Planet and LEGO Shows.

Many exhibitions continue into early 2027, so visitors over the winter break will have plenty of options.

Flagship art events: Rubaiya Qatar and Design Doha

Rubaiya Qatar

Rubaiya Qatar is Qatar's new international contemporary-art quadrennial.

The inaugural edition runs from 21 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 across venues including ALRIWAQ Arts + Architecture, the Museum of Islamic Art, Katara QM Gallery, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and public spaces around Qatar. Entry is listed as free.

Rather than trying to see everything in one day, plan several visits and group nearby venues together.

Design Doha 2026 and Arab Design Now

Design Doha 2026 runs from 5 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, bringing exhibitions, commissions, workshops and public programmes to locations across Doha, with Fereej Al Asmakh as its central location.

Its headline exhibition, Arab Design Now 2026, runs until 31 January 2027 across Fereej Al Asmakh and Msheireb Downtown Doha. It features 81 designers and dozens of newly commissioned works exploring contemporary design across the Arab world.

Another highlight, Beyond the Letters, explores Arabic and Persian typography through installations, textiles, sculpture and contemporary technologies. It runs until 31 December 2026 at Mihad Gallery.

Current Design Doha day passes cost QAR 25 for adult residents and non-residents, while children and students qualify for free day passes under the listed categories.

Must-see exhibitions at M7, Msheireb

M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha currently hosts three major exhibitions, all running from 27 October to 26 December 2026.

ERDEM: About Time, About Her

Celebrating 20 years of the House of ERDEM, this major retrospective brings together more than 150 garments, sketches, personal objects and atelier materials from British-Turkish designer Erdem Moralıoğlu.

Expanded Tradition: Contemporary Craft Practices in Mexico

This exhibition looks at how a new generation of Mexican artisans is reinterpreting inherited craft techniques, materials and traditions for contemporary life.

Around the World in Jewellery

More than 500 jewellery pieces and art objects come together in this exhibition exploring adornment, identity and craftsmanship across different cultures and historical periods.

The three exhibitions follow the same current opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; Friday, 3:30 PM–9:00 PM. Qatar Museums offers a combined M7 exhibitions booking option, so check the current ticket category when reserving.

Msheireb is also one of the easiest cultural districts to reach by public transport. Msheireb Metro Station connects the Red, Green and Gold lines, and M7 is within the walkable downtown district.

Museum shows worth planning around

Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion and Ektashif Uzbekistan

The Museum of Islamic Art hosts two Uzbekistan-focused exhibitions until 28 November 2026.

Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion explores centuries of Uzbek craftsmanship through manuscripts, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and dress, while Ektashif Uzbekistan presents works by Qatari artists responding to Uzbekistan's architecture, museums and cultural traditions.

Qatar Museums currently lists MIA admission as free for adult Qatar residents, QAR 50 for adult non-residents, and free for children aged 16 and under. Admission covers the museum and its exhibitions.

As the Image Unfolds – The Language of Athar

At Bayt Al Wakrah, Tasweer presents As the Image Unfolds – The Language of Athar until 15 December 2026.

The exhibition opened on 26 October and presents photography by Ghada Al Mawlawi, Mohammed Fakhroo and Raja Aderdor, developed during Tasweer's inaugural residency programme.

What Lingers in the Artist's Mind

At Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, What Lingers in the Artist's Mind: The Experiments and Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group runs until 6 February 2027.

The exhibition revisits one of the Arab world's influential modern-art movements through paintings, sculptures and archival material.

Mathaf currently offers free entry to everyone, although a ticket is still required.

Giuseppe Penone: The Inner Flow of Life

At the National Museum of Qatar, Italian artist Giuseppe Penone's The Inner Flow of Life runs until 13 February 2027, with sculptures and installations exploring relationships between people and the natural world.

The National Museum is also hosting Boats Floating Afar: The Maritime Trade of Ancient Chinese Ceramics, currently listed by Qatar Museums until 15 February 2027.

Sports and Architecture

Sports fans can look forward to Sports and Architecture: In Celebration of 50 Years of Khalifa International Stadium at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.

Qatar Museums' fall exhibition guide lists the opening as 16 December 2026, while the current ticketing portal lists 17 December 2026. Both give an end date of 31 March 2027, so check the museum's live calendar before visiting.

Family and immersive attractions

Bubble Planet at QNCC

Bubble Planet opens at the Qatar National Convention Centre on 6 December 2026 and runs until 6 February 2027.

The immersive attraction includes more than 10 themed spaces, bubble-filled environments, optical illusions, interactive installations and virtual-reality experiences.

Current ticket prices start at:

• Ages 11+ — QAR 75
• Ages 3–10 — QAR 40
• Ages 2 and under — free

Booking is available through Visit Qatar and Fever.

LEGO Shows Qatar 2026

LEGO Shows Qatar 2026 runs from 16 to 31 December 2026 at Place Vendôme Mall in Lusail.

Visit Qatar confirms the programme will feature millions of LEGO bricks, themed zones, live builds, a cinema zone and live performances. Tickets are already on sale.

Its location inside Place Vendôme also makes it easy to combine with shopping, dining and other family activities.

Culture and heritage festivals

Katara Traditional Dhow Festival

The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival returns to the southern area of Katara Beach from 3 to 12 December 2026.

The festival celebrates Qatar's maritime heritage through traditional dhows, crafts and cultural activities. Current listings sourced from Katara state that entry is free.

It is an easy option for families looking for an outdoor cultural experience during Doha's cooler December weather.

How to plan your visits

A few practical pointers can make the season easier to navigate:

• Book timed attractions early. Bubble Planet already has bookable sessions, and LEGO Shows tickets are on sale.
• Do not assume every cultural event is free. Rubaiya Qatar and the Katara Dhow Festival are listed as free, while Design Doha requires an adult day pass and museum prices vary by residency and age.
• Use the Metro where possible. Msheireb Station connects the Red, Green and Gold lines and is convenient for M7 and the surrounding design district.
• Check exhibition dates individually. Design Doha as a whole continues until 31 January 2027, but individual exhibitions such as Beyond the Letters end earlier.
• Check live venue calendars before visiting. Opening dates, special-event hours and ticket availability can change.

For more seasonal activities, pop-ups and weekend ideas, check the Qatar Living events listings and Qatar Living's latest things-to-do guides.

FAQs

Which exhibitions and cultural events are free before January 2027?

Rubaiya Qatar is currently listed as free, as is the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. Mathaf also offers free admission to all visitors, although a ticket is still required. Other venues and programmes have their own pricing structures.

What is the biggest art event in Qatar this season?

Two major programmes stand out: Rubaiya Qatar, which runs from 21 November 2026 to 30 April 2027, and Design Doha 2026, which runs from 5 November 2026 to 31 January 2027.

What can families do in Qatar over the winter break?

Bubble Planet at QNCC and LEGO Shows Qatar at Place Vendôme are two of the biggest family attractions scheduled for December. The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival offers a free outdoor alternative.

Where is M7 and how do I get there?

M7 is in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The nearest Metro station is Msheireb, where the Red, Green and Gold lines meet.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Book ahead for timed and ticketed attractions such as Bubble Planet and LEGO Shows. Design Doha also offers advance day-pass booking. For free events and exhibitions, check whether registration or a free reservation is still required.

How long do these exhibitions run?

Dates vary considerably. Some M7 exhibitions finish on 26 December 2026, while Design Doha continues until 31 January 2027 and Rubaiya Qatar until 30 April 2027. Several museum exhibitions also continue well into 2027.

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