
Qatar National Convention Centre
Doha Qatar
Qatar National Convention Centre
A striking architectural landmark, the Qatar National Convention Centre features sweeping tree-like columns that support its vast overhanging roof. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the building draws deep inspiration from Qatari heritage — most notably, the Sidra tree.
Spanning 250 meters in width and rising five stories tall, the Sidra-inspired structure stands as a bold symbol of strength, culture, and vision.
The Sidra Tree: A Symbol of Heritage
In Qatari culture, the Sidra tree is a powerful emblem of resilience and wisdom. For generations, it has grown in Qatar’s desert landscape — its deep roots anchoring it firmly in the earth, its leaves and fruit offering healing, nourishment, and shelter.
In the past, the Sidra provided refuge to travellers and scholars. Beneath its shade, people would gather to rest, reflect, and exchange knowledge — making it not just a source of comfort, but a quiet witness to learning and growth.
Over time, the Sidra tree has come to represent the spirit of Qatar itself: perseverance, strength, unity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Its legacy lives on in the heart of the nation — and in the design of the Convention Centre, where tradition meets ambition.