Qatar

Qatar is a surprise package when it comes to futuristic architecture and design with a wealth of incredible structures designed by world-renowned architects like Zaha Hadid, I.M. Pei, Jean Nouvel and Norman Foster. Its skyline has been radically reshaped as a result of economic prosperity following the discovery of oil in the middle of the 20^th century and it continues to push boundaries thanks to the building boom ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Inspired by the desert rose and featuring interlocking disks, the Ateliers Jean Nouvel designed National Museum of Qatar aims to celebrate the country’s heritage and future whilst the Qatar National Library’s captivating and angular exterior is home to more than one million books. The Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei fuses modern architecture with traditional Islamic design elements such as domes, geometric patterns, arches and water features.  Sitting on the Arabian Gulf’s coastline, it is home to the largest collection of Islamic art in the world.

The 80,000-seat Lusail stadium, depicting intricately detailed golden bowls designed by Foster+Partners will host the opening and closing games of the FIFA World Cup and the Zaha Hadid designed 40,000-seat Al Wakrah Stadium, inspired by the nation’s dhow boats, will be another key sporting venue.