Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

The Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, often called Fanar, is an Islamic cultural and educational centre in central Doha noted for its spiral tower and public viewpoint.

The centre offers exhibitions on Islam and Qatari heritage, Arabic-language courses, guided cultural tours for visitors and a prayer hall for community use.

It was established to provide cultural orientation and promote understanding of Islamic traditions through exhibitions, classes and visitor programmes.

The centre is located adjacent to Souq Waqif in central Doha, within walking distance of other central Doha landmarks.

• Familiar name and prominent tower: Commonly known as “Fanar,” the centre sits next to Souq Waqif and features a distinctive spiral minaret-like tower with a public viewpoint over the market.

What to See#

• Spiral tower and viewpoint: A multi-storey exhibition and education space formed around the building’s distinctive spiral tower, often referred to locally as the Fanar tower; the upper levels include a viewpoint over the adjacent market area.
• Exhibition and education spaces: Ground-floor exhibition halls and classrooms used for displays on Islamic culture, language courses and guided cultural orientation sessions for visitors.
• Prayer hall: A prayer hall integrated into the centre’s facilities for worship and community religious activities.

• Book one of the centre's guided tours in advance and opt for a morning slot when galleries are quieter and staff can give fuller explanations of exhibits and Islamic practices.
• Enter via the main courtyard and allow time to climb the spiral tower for one of the better elevated views of old Doha; the upper levels are often less busy than the ground-floor displays.
• Respect the centre's dress code and avoid Friday prayer times if you want the calmest visit-weekday mornings are generally the least crowded.