The Education Line
The Doha Metro green line is known as the Education line due to its links with Education City. The line consists of 11 stations. It starts in Al Mansoura and terminates at Al Riffa – home to Mall of Qatar and the refurbished Al Rayyan football stadium (one of the World Cup 2020 stadiums)
Several stations on the green line have little interest to visitors because they are in residential areas. However if you feel like exploring then who knows, you may find something for you. Consequently, only the most interesting stations are detailed below. Lets take a look!
Go to Al Bidda Park – a great place to exercise!
As well as exercising, Al Bidda park has many attractions, activities and events, read more in Brians article:
https://qatarquick.com/visitors-guide-to-qatar-metro-stations
Lets hope you don`t need medical assistance during your visit. But if you do, the White Palace and Hamad Hospital stations connect you to the superb Hamad Medical Corporation and its various hospitals and facilities. https://www.hamad.qa/EN/Pages/default.aspx
The final three stations are where the BLOCKBUSTER sights are! So continue reading if you want to see or experience something out of the ordinary!
Qatar National Library Station
So, to access the library simply exit the station using the escalator on the right and cross the road. The other exit leads to Qatar National Convention Centre which you will read about later!
Qatar National Library is Qatar`s public library which contrasts state of the art technology with ancient artifacts and manuscripts.
There is so much to see and do – visit the outstanding Heritage Library in the basement which showcases ancient manuscripts, books, maps and texts.
Furthermore enjoy their temporary exhibitions, attend a public lecture, workshop, guided tour or music performances.
The library also boasts two cafés as well as a vast array of seating – perfect for reading or studying.
See their website for further information and schedules. https://www.qnl.qa/en
Oxygen Park
To find the park, firstly exit the library, turn left and follow the pathway. Opposite the huge white Education City Mosque you will see an entrance to Oxygen park on your right. Some of this area is partly under construction to extend the Education City tram – more of which later…
The park features historic buildings in the centre and boasts 130,000 square metres of gorgeous green space perfect for exercise, chilling out or picnics.
Take a stroll through the Qur`anic Botanic Garden……
…….or see the small but cute Botanical Museum
Various seasonal events are held in the park and include food festivals and sports for instance. On the other hand you could just relax under the shade of the “balloon lights” and enjoy your surroundings.
https://www.architonic.com/en/project/aecom-oxygen-park/5105220
Education City Mosque
It is impossible to miss the Education City Mosque due to its sheer size and outrageous design. Some see resemblance to an aircraft tail while others don’t realise it’s a mosque at all!
Enter the building using the door at the bottom of the staircase and experience the mind blowing architecture inside.
After registering turn right and go to the 1st floor, as a result you will find the public facilities. There are several “I am here” maps for reference.
Consequently, the mosque prayer hall is easy to find. Please, please remember this is a place for worship so respect the rules posted at the entrance. Above all DO NOT forget to remove your shoes!!
Exit the building into the exquisitely beautiful mosque courtyard. Most noteworthy is the Arabic calligraphy and quiet garden area – perfect for contemplating.
Finally, enter into the building opposite where there is a small coffee shop. Close by is the auditorium and a library.
Why not read some books in the library?
The library stocks books, magazines and newspapers in Arabic and English. There is also a section of French books.
Because the selection of books is huge, you can read about womens roles in Islam, Arabic history, Islamic finance, art and architecture and religion. Likewise, choose from politics and political Islam, human rights and policy making and loads more.
There are a number of work stations to sit and study or read. While upstairs, you will find a more relaxed area with big, comfy seats.
See Education City Mosque twitter account for recent news and events
Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)
Meanwhile, to access QNCC use the Qatar National Library station exit signposted Khalifa Boulevard (North)
(Also exit this way to see an incredible art installation – Damien Hirst`s “The Miraculous Journey” – more later!)
After exiting the station follow the path towards the huge building with a Sidra tree supporting it.
In Qatari culture, the Sidra tree is the iconic symbol of the country’s heritage. The tree has grown in Qatar`s desert for generations with roots that reach deep into the earth. Likewise, the tree was a beacon of comfort in the harsh desert environment and provided shade to travelers and scholars. Above all, they could escape the desert heat, gather together and share knowledge.
As a result, these principles are the modern base of Qatar Foundation and the Sidra tree is their official logo.
Check their website for details of the many exhibitions and trade shows hosted throughout the year. https://www.qncc.qa/
Catch a Concert or Performance
QNCC is also home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra which offers a diverse range of concerts and shows. They also perform at The Opera House at Katara Cultural Village, Qatar National Library and the Museum of Islamic Art. http://qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org/
Enjoy a coffee or snack
If shows, exhibitions or concerts are not for you then QNCC is still worth a visit just for coffee at the “Spider Cafe”
The entrance area is ‘guarded’ by ‘Maman’ – a famous spider sculpture created by Louise Bourgeois and gifted by the Qatar Museums Authority.
Do NOT miss “The Miraculous Journey” by Renowned Artist Damien Hirst
If you exit the station and turn left (the opposite direction than for QNCC) the huge white building you see is Sidra Hospital. This is another public hospital exclusively for women and children.
Follow the footpath towards the hospital and you will see 14 huge bronze sculptures which chronicle conception to birth. Therefore the final sculpture is a statue of a 46 foot tall anatomically correct baby boy.
There are loads of landscaped areas around so take some time to sit, relax and enjoy “The Miraculous Journey”
Education City Station
This station provides an alternative way to access MATHAF – Qatars modern art museum due to its link with the Education City tram. Ask the helpful staff where to exit the metro station and then look for the Tram stop. Tip – its impossible to miss as its directly in front of you!
The photo above shows the current stations. Hop on the tram and in minutes you will be at MATHAF. Finally make sure you press the green button to open the doors – they DO NOT open automatically!! http://mathaf.org.qa/en/
This tram in the future will also provide access to the under construction Education City Stadium, one of the 2022 World Cup stadiums.
Several of the individual Universities also have their own museums. Check out the links below if interested (list not extensive)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) https://www.qatar.vcu.edu/events/into-the-light and Northwestern University Qatar (NUQ) https://mediamajlis.northwestern.edu/en
Go to Al Riffa Station and enjoy the Mall of Qatar
Al Riffa Station is the final station on the green line and as a result takes you to the largest mall in Qatar! https://www.mallofqatar.com.qa/
The Mall of Qatar is connected directly to the Al Riffa metro station due to an elevated walkway.
Other than shopping, the mall has something for everyone.
In the Oasis arena, there are regular performances, concerts and screenings which are all free.
Furthermore, try 8 pin bowling, visit the 19-screen cinema – home to MENA`s largest IMAX laser screen or take the kids to Kidsmonzo childrens world.
Feeling hungry? Don’t worry – choose from the food court or signature restaurants and cafes which overlook the Oasis concert area. The Oasis also features Singapore style indoor steel trees.
Attached to the mall is the Curio Collection by Hilton hotel should you wish to stay longer. Even more great dining options are available here.
Mall of Qatar Masterpieces
A little known, but fascinating, attraction of the mall is the seven MOQ Masterpieces. See if you can find them all – they have names such as the acrobats, the shoe and the bow tie.
For example, the shoe……best viewed from directly below…….
and certainly my favourite – The wall of egrets.
To sum up, I hope this article has inspired you? Above all, I guarantee you will not be disappointed by any of these attractions! Happy exploring!
FYI on your listing of Northwestern University in Qatar, accessible from the QNL green line stop—your link is to the university’s museum in the United States (the Block Museum of Art) not the museum here which is The Media Majlis. The link for this museum, open to the public 6 days a week, is: https://mediamajlis.northwestern.edu/en
Hi Pamela, Thanks for the correction. Updated now.