Katara Cultural Village is a popular cultural center located in Doha, Qatar. It was opened in 2010 and covers an area of 1,000,000 square meters. The cultural village is designed to celebrate Qatar’s rich heritage and promote cultural exchange between Qatar and other countries around the world.
The village features a wide range of facilities, including an amphitheater that can seat up to 5,000 people, an opera house, exhibition halls, and numerous galleries. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes, as well as a beach, a mosque, and a park.
Katara Cultural Village regularly hosts cultural events and festivals, such as the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition, the Katara European Jazz Festival, and the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. These events showcase Qatar’s unique cultural traditions and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the country’s heritage.
The Katara complex is constructed by combining the oriental architectural and retro-romantic style and is quite different from other charming new cultural buildings of the city. A dream of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, the facilities and buildings at Katara were intentionally built randomly for the purpose of achieving the feel and look of a customary Qatari Al Fereej.
Apart from being a forum for scholars and artists, the main aim of Katara is to acknowledge and promote cultural awareness in Qatar as well as to increase the artistic energies through the administration of its various organizations, societies, and facilities.
It is primarily built to represent the Qatari traditional architecture. Due to its extraordinary design, this place serves as a proper environment for cultural, creative intellectuals, and artistic activities for carnivals, social events, symposiums, exhibitions, concerts, and all types of artistic expressions.
How to visit the Katara Cultural Village?
This place is located at the north of Doha in the West Bay area, to the north of Doha. There are two entrances to enter this place—
- An entrance gate, opposite to the Doha Exhibition Center. This is free access.
- The other one is through Lusail Street which is about 400m before the next turn after the Exhibition Center.The latter has a big underground car parking area.
What the Katara Cultural Village is all about
Katara Cultural Village is an expansive project divided into several regions that visitors can explore at their leisure. One of the main areas of Katara is built in the traditional Qatari alleyways style, known as Al Fareej. This section comprises 37 buildings that house various organizations and societies, such as the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatari Society for Engineers, Visual Art Centre, Childhood Cultural Centre, Qatar Photographic Society, Qatar Music Academy, and Theatre Society.
In addition to these buildings, the main area of Katara also includes a handicraft souk, a book market, a media center, several academic facilities, coffee shops, green spaces, information centers, and access to a private beach (which requires a fee). With so many options, visitors are sure to find something that piques their interest and makes their trip to Katara Cultural Village unforgettable.
The next area after the main Katara area is the Amphitheater, which is an impressive venue for various cultural events, such as music concerts, operas, and theater performances. The Amphitheater can accommodate up to 5,000 people and has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for sound and lighting.
The area after the Amphitheater is the Valley of Cultures, which is a spacious outdoor area that features various art installations, sculptures, and exhibitions. The Valley of Cultures is designed to showcase different cultures and traditions from around the world and provides an interactive and educational experience for visitors.
The other areas of Katara include a private beach, which requires a certain fee, as well as restaurants, cafes, shops, and businesses. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Indian, Turkish, Egyptian, and Armenian, among others. The shops and businesses offer a range of products and services, such as handicrafts, souvenirs, fashion, beauty, and wellness.
The Arts and Exhibitions of Katara Culture Village
There are greater things to see at the Katara Culture village, them being –
The Amphitheatre
The Katara Amphitheatre is a stunning architectural marvel that combines Islamic design elements with the principles of Greek theatre. Spanning an area of 3275 square meters, it has played host to some of the most memorable events in Doha since its inauguration in 2008.
The Opera House
The Opera House in Katara is home to the Qatar National Opera, not the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a world-class performing arts venue that hosts a range of events including operas, ballets, concerts, and theatrical performances. The Opera House boasts a stunning design that blends traditional Islamic and contemporary styles, with a seating capacity of up to 550 people.
Drama Theatre
The open-air drama theatre not only offers a unique cultural experience but also showcases the magnificent Islamic architecture of Doha. It has been designed specifically for hosting film screenings and a diverse range of events. With a seating capacity of 430 people, it is also an ideal venue for hosting receptions and functions for top performers.
Restaurants
Chac’late
Chac’late is a Parisian-style cafe located in Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. It is known for its artisanal chocolates, pastries, and baked goods, as well as its gourmet coffee and tea selections. The cafe features a cozy and elegant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options, and its menu offers a range of sweet and savory options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to its food and drink offerings, Chac’late also offers chocolate-making workshops and classes for those interested in learning about the art of chocolate-making.
- Enjoyable Parisian cuisine
- Breakfasts start from 8am to 11am daily.
- For inquiries call: +974 4408 0733
- Address: Building 15, Katara Cultural Village, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Cigar lounge
- Jazz music – from 7pm onwards
- For inquiries call: +974 4408 0750
- Address: Building 32 (Amphitheater) , Katara Cultural Village, West Bay, Doha, Qatar.
Le Vesuvio
Named after the legendary volcano in Naples, le Vesuvio offers the taste of Italy with a French twist.
- Timings: Lunch -12pm-3pm, Coffee Break -3:30pm-6:30pm, Dinner-7pm-11 pm, Mon-Sat —closed Sun.
- Tel: +974 4408 1501 – Fax: +974 4408 1501
- Address: Building 20, Katara Cultural Village, West Bay, Doha, Qatar.
Khan Farouk Tarab Café – Egyptian
Khan Farouk Tarab Café is an Egyptian-themed café located in the Katara Cultural Village of Doha, Qatar. The café is named after King Farouk of Egypt, who was known for his love of music and was also a patron of the arts. The café offers a unique experience of Egyptian culture and music, with live performances of traditional Egyptian music and an ambiance that transports visitors to the streets of Cairo. The café offers a variety of Egyptian dishes, desserts, and beverages, including the popular hibiscus tea. It also features an outdoor seating area where visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Katara Cultural Village.
- Opening Hours: 12:00 -00:00
- Tel: +974 4408 0840 – 44
- Fax: +974 4408 0845
- Email: khanfarouk@alayangroupqatar.com
Saffron Lounge
Saffron Lounge is an Indian restaurant located in Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. It offers a unique dining experience with an extensive menu of authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is designed with a blend of modern and traditional Indian décor, giving it a cozy and elegant ambiance. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including popular dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and tandoori. The restaurant also has an outdoor seating area with a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf. Saffron Lounge is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who are looking to indulge in the flavors of India in a beautiful setting.
- Tel: +974 4408 0808 / +974 4408 1234
- Fax: +974 4408 2010
- Website: www.saffronlounge.net
- Email: reservations@saffronlounge.net
Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge
Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge is a restaurant located in Katara Cultural Village, Doha. As the name suggests, it serves Ottoman cuisine, which is a blend of Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by Ottoman architecture and features luxurious furnishings, chandeliers, and a warm ambiance.
The menu includes a variety of dishes such as meze platters, grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. Some of the must-try dishes include the lamb chops, grilled prawns, and stuffed grape leaves. The restaurant also offers a selection of traditional desserts such as baklava and kunafa.
Sukar Pasha Ottoman Lounge is known for its attentive service and live music performances, which add to the overall dining experience. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating areas and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, making it a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
- Tel: +974 4408 2000
- Fax: +974 4408 2000
- Website: www.sukarpasha.qa
- Email: info@sukarpasha.qa
- Opening Hours: 12:30 – midnight (midnight for drinks, sweets and shisha)
- 06:30 – midnight (For food)
L’wzaar – Sea Food
L’wzaar is a seafood restaurant located in Katara Cultural Village, Doha. The restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, including fish, crabs, lobsters, and shrimps, prepared in various styles such as grilled, fried, or steamed. The restaurant’s interior is designed to resemble a traditional Qatari fisherman’s boat, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant also has a market section where customers can select their seafood and have it cooked to their liking. L’wzaar is known for its high-quality seafood and excellent service.
- Opening Hours: Sun – Wed 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 – 23:00
- Thurs – Sat 12:00 – 16:00, 19:00 – 00:00
- Tel: +974 4408 0710 / +974 4408 0711
- Fax: +974 4408 0722
- Website: www.lwzaar.com
- Email: info@lwzaar.com
Mamig-Armenian
Mamig is an Armenian restaurant located in Katara Cultural Village, Doha. The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Armenian dishes and desserts that are made with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Some of the popular dishes at Mamig include Armenian barbecue, kebabs, dolma, and pilaf. The restaurant also has a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes it a great spot for family gatherings, intimate dinners, or casual outings with friends. Mamig is known for its excellent food quality, friendly service, and reasonable prices, making it a must-visit restaurant for those who want to experience the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine in Qatar.
- Address: Bldg.:02, Tel: +974 4408 0800
- Opening hours: 01:00 pm to 12:00 am
Katara Beach
Katara Beach is a private beach located in the Katara Cultural Village in Doha, Qatar. The beach spans across 1.5 km and is open to the public for a certain fee. It offers a range of facilities including beach loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, and towels. There are also various water sports activities available for visitors such as kayaking, paddle boating, and jet skiing. The beach is well-maintained and offers a clean and serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Arabian Gulf.
Operation timing: 09:30 AM till 5:00 PM.
Water sports ride ticket issuance will be closed at 4:00 PM.
Free entrance for kids below 6 years old
Entrance for adults 100 QR
Between 6 and 16 years old 50 QR
For membership information contact;
+974 4408 1017 or +974 7710 0151
Read More : Check Out things at Katara Beach
Contact details
For general inquiries:
Phone: +974 4408 0000 Fax: +974 4408 1000
Email:info@katara.net
Website: http://www.katara.net
To host your events at Katara:
Phone: +974 4408 0050/0978
Fax: +974 4408 1000
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