Science and nature have proved that when people are brought together in settings that are not only visually appealing, but also mentally stimulating and inspiring, they thrive and grow through a shared exchange of knowledge, and are able to connect in a way that ensures success and prosperity all the way around.
This has been the vision of Qatar National Conventional Centre (QNCC) from the moment it was conceived till the time it opened its doors to Qatar and the world in December 2011 and right up to today when it continues to be the venue of choice when it comes to events that come in all shapes and sizes.
Her Highness (H.H.) Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, the Mother Amir, continues to drive forward this vision to bring together the world’s best minds under one roof to share their knowledge and grow together.
QNCC is one of the most sophisticated convention and exhibition centres in the world and a symbol of Qatar’s development, advancement and progress. It is compliant with state of-the-art architectural and environmental standards, and fully customisable depending on the event being hosted. It has a contemporary interior that’s comfortable and always ready to receive the world to Qatar.
QNCC is part of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and is the perfect venue of choice for regional and international conventions, seminars, exhibitions, trainings, gala events, concerts, theatre productions, events and banquets.
It also ensures its guests are provided with a completely hassle-free experience especially designed to cater to their every need. Our services range from event management to AV support, rigging and exhibition services to IT and telecommunications, food and beverage services to housekeeping, from a dedicated car park and vehicle valet management system to the on-location hotel accommodation, Premier Inn Doha Education City..
QNCC resides in Gharafat al Rayyan, on the Dukhan Highway. It is situated on a 2,500 acre campus. The campus is also home to the Qatar branches of some of the top US universities like Weill Cornell, Georgetown, Virginia Commonwealth, North Western, Texas A&M, along with local Qatari institutes like the Qatar Science & Technology Park, Sidra Medical and Research Center and Jeem TV.
The purpose of the QNCC has never been to gain revenue. The QNCC was established on the return of development; to provide a platform to host top notch events under one roof and provide some of the brightest minds in the world the opportunity to share their knowledge with others and flourish together, united, as one world.
QNCC’s aim is to cooperate and back Qatar on the road it has undertaken from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. This is being done by unlocking human potential.
QNCC believes that inspiration is the key to living bigger experiences!
QNCC was designed by iconic Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and RHWL Architects. The main façade of this grand contemporary building delivers an impressive balance of comfort and luxury; it features glass panels that brighten up the interior so the central foyer is bright with lots of natural light filtering through it, and an organic structure which bears a resemblance to two intertwined trees.
These symbolic native Sidra (Ziziphus Spina-Christi) trees span 250 metres and are the main inspiration behind the overall architecture of this magnificent building that stands proud in the centre of Qatar’s bustling knowledge hotspot, Education City.
The element of the Sidra tree is a much loved and multi-faceted icon of the Qatari culture and rich heritage; it is part of QNCC’s landmark face and also the logo for Qatar Foundation. This native Qatari tree is nurtured in the harsh heat and dry climate of the country’s desert areas, especially towards its north and centre.
The tree signifies a beacon of learning and comfort in the desert; it has, in the past, offered shade for poets and scholars who gathered under the tree to share their knowledge. It’s deep roots which are like an anchor link together contemporary learning and growth with Qatar’s cultural legacy and its traditions.
H.H. Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, the Mother Amir and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, talked about the Sidra tree and its significance during a speech on 13 October 2003. This is what she had to say:
“The Sidra Tree, growing strong and proud in the harshest of environments, has been a symbol of perseverance and nourishment across the borders of the Arab world. What is the significance of this glorious tree? With its roots bound in the soil of this world and its branches reaching upwards toward perfection, it is a symbol of solidarity and determination; it reminds us that the goals of this world are not incompatible with the goals of the spirit.”
QNCC is made of three storeys and comprises a 2,500-seat theatre, a 4,000-seat conference hall, 52 meeting rooms, 10 performance venues and a number of three-tiered auditoria, along with 40,000 square metres of exhibition space that span over nine halls. It is also fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology solutions in the form of media rooms, a business centre, a number of hospitality suites, luxury lounges and pre-function exhibition foyers.
QNCC is Qatar’s very first Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED)-certified building. It was awarded LEED gold certification by the US Green Building Council because its design has helped reduce, to a large extent, the consumption of energy because of the 3,500 square metres of solar panels it has used. These solar panels can generate 12.5% of the energy needed to power QNCC.
QNCC is also equipped with occupancy sensors that have energy-efficient LED lighting and zone-based air control systems to add to the sustainability of the centre’s operations.
This unique centre has gained worldwide respect and recognition by winning global awards that include:
That’s not all! QNCC also has attained accreditation for ISO: 2008 and ISO 22000:2005 in 2015 as part of its commitment towards quality management.
There is a sculpture of a huge spider that is strategically placed in the central foyer of QNCC and engages all kinds of visitors who stop to marvel at this huge stainless steel, marble and bronze structure by Louise Bourgeois.
The spider is an ode to Louise's mother who died when she was 21 and depicts the protectiveness of motherhood by showcasing that fragile moment when a protective mother carries her egg. It’s also the favourite meeting point of many of the people who walk through the QNCC doors.
QNCC has been specially built to cater to people with special needs so no one feels left out. All special needs amenities and facilities are fully compliant with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Guidelines.
Throughout QNCC, you will find extensive signage which is displayed at all strategic key areas especially designed for those with special needs. The entrances, restrooms and lifts, are all been specifically built to ensure and facilitate easy access and also included in the special needs lineup are the designated parking spaces that make it easy to move in and out of the vicinity.
Have you been to the QNCC? Which event did you attend there? What is your favourite part of the venue? Do let us know in our Comments section. Like and share the article - it keeps us going!
Cover Image: QNCC
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