Qatar to Build Waterfront HQ for Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A historic site on Doha’s Corniche gets a modern diplomatic landmark with public access and cultural spaces.

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Qatar is set to transform a key section of Doha’s waterfront with a new headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The 70,000-square-meter complex will combine new construction with the adaptive reuse of the historic 1985 General Post Office, preserving the city’s heritage while showcasing Qatar’s global diplomatic role.

International Design for a Global Mission

The design commission was awarded to Frida Escobedo Studio, based in Mexico City and New York, following an international competition. Escobedo’s vision blends human-scaled, courtyard-centered spaces with striking vertical pillars, balancing transparency, privacy, and shade. The interiors will feature green patios for reflection, gatherings, and cultural programming.

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Heritage Meets Modernity

The project preserves sightlines of the iconic General Post Office and incorporates it into the new complex. Its ground floor will host exhibitions and a covered garden, highlighting MOFA’s mission of cultural diplomacy and offering the public unprecedented access to the Ministry’s work.

Leadership Backing the Vision

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, highlighted the HQ as a “source of pride” reflecting Qatar’s role in global diplomacy. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, emphasized the project’s focus on heritage preservation, sustainability, and architectural excellence.

A Cultural and Urban Statement

Situated along the Corniche, the new headquarters signals Qatar’s ongoing investment in diplomacy, art, and architecture, anchoring Doha as both a cultural hub and a symbolic gateway to the world. The project aligns with Qatar Blueprint, the nation’s framework for urban planning, heritage preservation, and architectural innovation.