Car icons on display in Doha

Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.

This week in Doha, explore automotive masterpieces at the National Museum, dive into the surprising seriousness of meme culture at Media Majlis, or wander through elegant designs at the Rouda Al Malki Exhibition. Sports, shopping and immersive learning experiences round out a week full of inspiration for all ages.

If you want to receive this newsletter or our other new City Pulse editions — including Dubai, Istanbul and Riyadh — sign up here.

Thanks for reading,

Reve

P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.

1. Leading the week: ‘A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum Project’

The 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster, an Art Deco masterpiece by Saoutchik. (Photo by Ali Al Anssari, courtesy of Qatar Museums)

Get ready to rev your engines as Doha hosts an exhibition that puts automotive icons in the spotlight. “A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum Project,” now on view at the National Museum of Qatar’s Mawater Gallery, celebrates the nation’s passion for cars and their cultural impact.

Running until Jan. 2, 2026, the exhibition brings together some of the rarest and most beautiful cars of the 20th century. Highlights include the legendary 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, famed for its aerodynamic design and exclusivity; the futuristic 1939 Pontiac Plexiglass Deluxe Six, or Ghost Car, with its transparent body; and the sculptural 1949 Delahaye 175 S Roadster, a French Art Deco masterpiece by Saoutchik.

More than a display of engineering excellence, the show reveals how automobiles embody creativity, innovation and cultural identity. Many of the featured models come from Qatar’s own car community, reflecting a strong local tradition of collecting and preserving automotive history.

Date: Through Jan. 2

Location: National Museum of Qatar, Mawater Gallery

Find more details here.

2. Word on the street: ‘Memememememe’ exhibition

A vibrant collage of iconic internet memes asks, “What makes a meme go viral?” at the Media Majlis Museum. (Photo courtesy of Media Majlis Museum via Instagram)

This fall, the Media Majlis Museum is diving into one of the most powerful and playful forces shaping global communication today: the meme. “Memememememe” unpacks how memes, once dismissed as internet jokes, have become cultural markers capable of influencing politics, reframing history and sparking social movements.

The exhibition is organized around four key themes — mass, length, time and volume — and explores the reach, endurance and impact of memes. Visitors will discover how some memes effortlessly cross languages and cultures, while others lose their punch in translation. The show also examines time-sensitive viral content alongside legacy memes that continue to resonate, asking what makes certain images or phrases endure in collective memory.

Blending innovative scenography, interactive design and commissioned artworks, “Memememememe” invites audiences to reflect on the surprising seriousness of meme culture. It’s an exhibition that entertains but also disrupts assumptions, challenging us to consider not only what we laugh at, but why.

Date: Sept. 1-Dec. 4

Location: Main exhibition space, Media Majlis Museum

Find more information here.

3. Doha diary

A glimpse into the Rouda Al Malki Exhibition. (Photo courtesy of Unique Touch Events via Instagram)

• ‘Rouda Al Malki Exhibition’

Embark on a journey at the “Rouda Al Malki Exhibition,” where tradition meets contemporary design. The showcase features a curated collection of elegant women's accessories, from intricate jewelry to luxurious fashion pieces, celebrating craftsmanship and style. Discover statement pieces and timeless designs in this exclusive exhibition.

Date: Aug. 29-Sept. 3

Location: QNCC, Exhibition Hall 3

Find more information here.

• Qatar vs. Bahrain: Al Annabi friendly match

As part of preparations for the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Qatar’s national football team faces Bahrain in a friendly match at Al Thumama Stadium. This key fixture gives coach Julen Lopetegui the chance to assess players and fine-tune the squad ahead of October’s decisive qualifiers.

Date: Sept. 3, 2025

Location: Al Thumama Stadium

Find more information here.

• Doha Shopping Trade Fair 

The 2025 Doha Shopping Trade Fair returns to Katara Cultural Village, bringing together local and international retailers for two weeks of shopping, entertainment and family fun. Visitors can explore a wide range of products and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront.

Date: Aug. 28-Sept. 13

Location: Katara Cultural Village

Find more information here.

• Learn Arabic: beginner intensive course

The Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center is offering an intensive Arabic course designed for beginners. With flexible morning and evening sessions, the program provides a strong foundation in spoken Arabic and grammar while immersing learners in Qatari culture.

Date: Aug. 31-Oct. 2

Location: Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center

Find more information here.