The grand white building of Qatar's national parliament marks the official workplace of the Emir of the State of Qatar, and is recognisable by the Qatari flag rising from its centre. It makes a good point of reference for travellers exploring Doha's Corniche, but don't try to approach the building as there's heavy security around its perimeter.
![Qatar's foreign ministry (left) and Emiri Diwan ruler's administrative palace (centre with flag) seen across Doha Bay, with fishing dhows moored in front of the government buildings.; Shutterstock ID 49093879; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination page image update](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2019-06/106fc051fe0e53ed67c08aa7311e13df-diwan.jpg?w=1920&h=640&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cedges&auto=format&q=75)
Shutterstock / Paul Cowan
Diwan
Doha
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
0.4 MILES
This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…
0.82 MILES
With the largest collection of Islamic art in the world, drawn from three continents, this fabulous museum is so rich in treasure that it rewards short,…
0.31 MILES
For a glimpse of Qatari heritage, don't miss the Falcon Souq. You only have to see the scale of the market, afforded its own traditional arcaded building…
7.16 MILES
With its opaque waters and 800m golden-sand beach, the crescent-shaped Banana Island is one of the best excursions in Qatar, even if you're not staying at…
1.41 MILES
The much-anticipated opening of the National Museum of Qatar took place in March 2019. French architect Jean Nouvel's sprawling desert-rose-inspired…
5.66 MILES
One of the best libraries in the world, this incredible, spaceship-like structure contains a literary wonderland of two million books, including ancient…
1.09 MILES
One of the best and most beautiful green spaces along the Doha waterfront, Museum of Islamic Art Park is home to Richard Serra's vertical steel sculpture,…
6.26 MILES
One of Doha's best hangout spots, TaliaMare is set on a pretty beach, among pastel-coloured houses, and has a chilled-out vibe and music reminiscent of…
Nearby Doha attractions
0.26 MILES
Visitors can see well-groomed Arabian horses up close at these stables not far from the Falcon Souq. You can walk around the indoor stables during the…
0.29 MILES
Pop over here from the Corniche for a photo op with a grazing camel. The animals are in their pen here most of the day and into the early evening.
0.31 MILES
For a glimpse of Qatari heritage, don't miss the Falcon Souq. You only have to see the scale of the market, afforded its own traditional arcaded building…
0.4 MILES
Previously used as both a prison and as an ethnographic museum, this fort was built during the 19th-century Turkish occupation but lost many of its…
0.4 MILES
This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…
0.41 MILES
The famous pearl monument and fountain, a popular spot for photos, marks the entrance to the dhow harbour at the northern end of the Corniche. Before…
0.55 MILES
This modern mall a stone's throw away from Souq Waqif has one of the largest clusters of gold-jewellery vendors around. The glorious designs and…
0.8 MILES
One of the best green spaces in the city, with lots of walkways and cycle lanes, plus manicured lawns, a children's play area and views of the Diwan, Doha…