Al Khor Urban Futures Opens At Design Doha Biennial 2026

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Museums (QM) on Monday unveiled Al Khor Urban Futures, the first public milestone of the Al Khor Heritage Trail, a long-term project to regenerate the coastal town's historic centre. Presented as part of the Design Doha Biennial 2026, the exhibition runs November 5, 2026 to January 31, 2027 across Houses 37, 38 and 39 and Plaza A2 in Al Asmakh, Doha.

At its heart is a pre-concept for the town, some 50 kilometres north of Doha, shaped by two years of conversations with residents, elders, craftspeople, farmers and businesses, as well as ministries and public bodies. Visitors are now invited to question it, test it and add to it.
Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi, CEO of Qatar Museums, said:“Al Khor's heritage is the foundation on which its future will be built. Our ambition is to enrich the town's cultural life and create lasting opportunities for the people who call it home. Al Khor Urban Futures brings the community into this journey from the very beginning, so that local knowledge and aspirations shape every stage of the vision. Together, we hope to show how heritage and design can guide the long-term renewal of a town while preserving the identity that makes it unique.”

Local voices are woven into the project from the outset. The Al Khor Content Committee, formed with the people of Al Khor, advises on and reviews the content, ensuring that local knowledge and perspectives guide its development.

Inside the three traditional houses, visitors journey from Al Khor's heritage to its possible future. Ideas can be shared through a large map of the town, a contribution wall or through QR codes in each room, and every response will inform the next stage of the proposal.

On Plaza A2 stands the Al Khor Canopy, designed by Kéré Architecture and built with Seashore Group. Both a gathering place and a full-scale prototype of the shade proposed along the trail, it draws on Francis Kéré's expertise in lightweight structures and local building traditions.

Francis Kéré, Founder of Kéré Architecture, said:“Al Khor has a vibrant historical past. For the Al Khor Urban Futures project, we aim to bring the heritage trail together with the community, making it visible, accessible, and connected to everyone. By creating canopies that provide shade along the trail and places for people to gather, we create stronger links within the city itself and attract the community and visitors who will charge the place with their energy. This collective energy will inspire future development, while the place itself will have the capacity to absorb and grow.”

The exhibition is curated by the Qatar Museums Heritage Cluster, the National Museum of Qatar, Kéré Architecture, MATERIA and the Al Khor Content Committee. MATERIA leads the regeneration strategy and its delivery alongside Kéré Architecture, while Qatar Blueprint has mapped heritage sites and destinations across northern Qatar in support of the trail.

Stay up to date with the latest news and happenings through The Peninsula's WhatsApp Channel.

Lucio Frigo, Founder of MATERIA, said:“Al Khor Futures marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to reimagine the future of a city, rooted in its heritage and shaped by its people. Building on Kéré Architecture's design vision, MATERIA is working to realise H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa's ambition by bringing urban design, social life and institutional innovation into a shared process of transformation. Our vision is for Al Khor to pioneer a novel process of urban regeneration, setting an example of how cities can evolve with their communities at the centre.”

An accompanying public programme will feature community majlis sessions, planning workshops with residents, stakeholders and partners, guided visits and heritage walks. Programme dates will be announced in due course.

MENAFN10112026000063011010ID1111940112