Museum honoring M.F. Husain opens in Doha

Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.

Qatar's cultural scene reaches new heights this week, as Education City welcomes visitors to discover the artistic legacy of Maqbool Fida Husain at his newly opened museum. Al Bidda Park glows with ancient traditions reimagined through the Lantern Festival. For music fans, Amr Diab takes the stage at Bagatelle Beach Club, while FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 celebrates Arab nations across multiple venues with food, performances and family fun. Whether you’re exploring art, chasing lights, catching a concert or diving into the festive football atmosphere, the week ahead offers something for every mood and moment.

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1. Leading the week: Lawh Wa Qalam M.F. Husain Museum

Museum exterior at Lawh Wa Qalam. (Photo courtesy of Lawh Wa Qalam)

A new cultural landmark has opened in Education City. Lawh Wa Qalam M.F. Husain Museum celebrates the life and work of Maqbool Fida Husain, one of modern art’s most influential pioneers. Born on Sept. 17, 1915, in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, in what was then British India, Husain grew up in a Sulaymani Bohra family and later moved to Bombay (Mumbai), where he began his journey as an artist. 

The museum spans over 3,000 square meters and was born from a sketch by Husain himself, brought to life by architect Martand Khosla. The museum’s galleries showcase Husain’s final works created during his time in Qatar, including the “Arab Civilization” series and his most ambitious masterpiece, “Seeroo fi al ardh.”

Personal objects and diverse works across different genres and media offer visitors insight into the artist’s creative journey and visual language. Walking through the space, visitors encounter multimedia installations, archival materials and immersive displays that go beyond traditional exhibition layouts.

Husain’s artistic career spanned several decades and embraced a distinctively modern style: known for bold, vibrant colors and a modified Cubist approach, he gained fame as a leading figure in post-colonial modern Indian art.

Beginning his career painting Bollywood cinema posters and hoardings, he helped found the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group in 1947, a collective that sought to break with traditional academic art and create a new visual language reflecting a modern, independent India. His works addressed a wide range of themes, from mythology and epics to everyday life and social realities, often blending folk elements with urban modernity.

After living through decades of prolific creation and even venturing into film, Husain went into self-imposed exile amid controversy over some of his religious and mythological depictions. In 2010, he accepted Qatari citizenship and spent his final years outside India. He died in London in 2011.

The museum opened in November, established by the Qatar Foundation to celebrate artistic legacies and foster deeper cultural understanding. For those seeking to explore modern art’s evolution, Lawh Wa Qalam offers an intimate and comprehensive look at one of its most transformative figures.

Location: Education City, Doha

Find more information here.

2. Word on the street: Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival at Albidaa Park. (Photo courtesy of The Peninsula)

For the first time ever, Qatar hosts the Lantern Festival, a breathtaking celebration of light, color and culture that transforms Al Bidda Park into a glowing wonderland. The festival brings an ancient tradition to new audiences while showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that has captivated people across continents for centuries.

The festival is developed in collaboration with Haitian Culture, a Chinese lantern festival operator and one of the world’s foremost creators of traditional lantern art. 

Visitors will encounter breathtaking lantern displays depicting animals, plants and cultural icons arranged across themed zones. The Family Fun Zone keeps younger guests entertained with inflatables, arcade games and interactive experiences, while the International Food Court serves diverse global cuisines. Those seeking a premium experience can retreat to Above the Clouds Lounge, an exclusive dining venue inspired by hot-air ballooning. 

Originating in China’s Western Han Dynasty, the Lantern Festival has evolved over centuries into a global art form celebrating unity, renewal and the shared joy of light.

Date: Until March 28, 2026

Location: Al Bidda Park

Find more details here.

3. Doha diary

Amr Diab performed live at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix on Oct. 6, 2023. (Photo courtesy of  Mahmoud Loutfy/ AmrDiab.net)

• Amr Diab — live in Doha

Legendary Egyptian singer Amr Diab brings his timeless catalog to Bagatelle Beach Club Doha as part of the “Layali Al Arab” concert series. Known for iconic hits spanning decades, Diab’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have made him one of the most celebrated artists in the Arabic music world.

Date: Dec. 5

Location: Bagatelle Beach Club Doha, Al Maha Island, Qatar

Find more information here.

• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 fan zone at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island

The Pearl Island and Gewan Island transform into vibrant fan zones celebrating the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The Amphitheater at Porto Arabia hosts outdoor match screenings with entertainment during breaks, skill challenges and obstacle stations for visitors of all ages. Face painting and food carts add to the festive atmosphere. At Medina Centrale, fans can catch more match screenings near The Pearl International Hospital while roaming performers entertain crowds. 

Date: Dec. 1-18

Location: The Pearl Island and Gewan Island

Find more information here.

• FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 at Lusail Boulevard

Lusail Boulevard becomes a celebration hub for the FIFA Arab Cup Dec. 1-18. The free event runs nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight and features 16 Arab nation pavilions representing each competing country. Live performers deliver daily shows infused with cultural vibes, while fireworks light up the nights. Premium dining and authentic flavors fill dedicated lounges, and family games and workshops ensure entertainment for all ages.

Date: Until Dec. 18

Location: Lusail Boulevard

Find more information here.