Greetings from Doha
The National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar was designed by the architect Jean Nouvel. He took his inspiration from the naturally occurring crystal formations known as the desert rose. The sprawling structure’s interlocking disks suggest a cluster of such formations.
At its heart is a large courtyard. Dominating this is a 20 metre tall flag pole flying the Qatari flag. The pole rises from hands sculpted in bronze. This is ‘Flag of Glory’, the work of Ahmed Al Bahrani, and symbolises the nation’s strength and unity.
26 Comments
wetanddustyroads
Desert rose? It makes me think of a desert rose rock that my dad picked up in Namibia years ago and brought home. It was one of the most beautiful rocks I’ve ever seen, and almost 50 years later, I still have it!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, that’s it exactly – it was those rocks that inspired the architect!
travelling_han
We absolutely love a layover in Doha, and think this Museum is really impressive.
Sarah Wilkie
We really enjoyed our few days there and would definitely consider another visit in the future. Thanks for visiting and commenting 🙂
Annie Berger
Looking forward to reading more about your stop in Doha!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Annie 😀 I already have some ideas for posts when I get home!
grandmisadventures
What a beautiful picture- perfect balance of light, shape, and detail
Sarah Wilkie
Well, that describes the building perfectly Meg 😃
Lesley Russell
Great photo of a fascinating building. I’m very envious of your visit. Ages since we transitted through Doha and whilst we saw several stages of it’s being built, we’ve still to see it completed and filled.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Lesley 😀 We didn’t find the time to go inside on this visit but we reckon we’ll be transiting through Doha again for sure! I’ve deleted a very similar anonymous comment which I assume was also from you?
Tina Schell
Love that Sarah – you made the most of your stopover!!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, we managed to see several of Doha’s sights but there are plenty left for if we come this way again.
Sue
most interesting – looking forward to the next few posts!
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Sue 😊 I aim to post at least a couple more times on this trip, wifi permitting!
Sue
Here’s hoping
Rose
What an enticing postcard. Looking forward to your future posts.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose 😀 We’re now in Sri Lanka and I’ll try to ‘send’ a few postcards from here.
the eternal traveller
We changed connections in Doha on our flights to Athens and back from Rome on our last trip in 2025. We didn’t have a stopover this time but next time I would definitely like to stay a few days.
Sarah Wilkie
We connected here when we went to Nepal but didn’t stop. We’re pleased we did so this time as there’s plenty to see. There’s enough left for a future layer too!
Teresa
Wow Doha! So where are you off to again young lady? Is this the final destination or just a layover?
Sarah Wilkie
Just a layover but we’ve had a couple of days to explore. Off to Sri Lanka today 😃
Teresa
Nice. Enjoy and can’t wait for your coming posts. Stay safe too.
Yvonne Dumsday
Stunning start to your posts. 😊
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Yvonne 😀 Yes, just a start, there will be more soon I hope!
EgÃdio
Amazing design and photos.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Egidio 😀 It is an amazing building! I have more photos to share when I get home – I think they may look good in monochrome too.