Education City Qatar – A Complete Guide to the Heart of Innovation, Learning, and Green Living
Education City Qatar is more than a university hub — it’s a symbol of Qatar’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy, envisioned under Qatar National Vision 2030. Spread across 12 square kilometers in Al-Rayyan, on the outskirts of Doha, this world-class campus blends education, sustainability, architecture, and leisure into one integrated ecosystem.
Developed by Qatar Foundation (QF) — a non-profit organization founded in 1995 — Education City is home to international university campuses, research centers, cultural institutions, sports facilities, and green public parks such as the Oxygen Park. It’s a futuristic city within a city, designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and community development.
The Vision Behind Education City
Education City is one of Qatar Foundation’s most ambitious projects. It was conceived to bring world-class education to Qatar’s doorstep, giving Qatari and international students access to global learning without leaving home.
The concept was first launched in 1997 and inaugurated officially in 2003. The master plan was developed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, later expanded by Moriyama Teshima Architects, integrating sustainability and accessibility into the entire design.
Today, Education City stands as a living model of the Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on four pillars:
- Human Development: through quality education and skills.
- Social Development: by promoting community engagement.
- Economic Development: through innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Environmental Development: through sustainable design and green spaces.
International Universities in Education City
Education City hosts branch campuses of some of the world’s top universities, making it one of the most unique education clusters in the world. These include:
- Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) – Business administration, computer science, and biological sciences.
- Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) – International affairs and global studies.
- Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) – Journalism, communication, and media.
- Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) – Engineering and research.
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) – Medicine and biomedical sciences.
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) – Art and design.
- HEC Paris in Qatar – Executive MBA and management programs.
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) – A homegrown institution focused on sustainability, law, and Islamic studies.
These universities collaborate under Qatar Foundation’s umbrella, fostering cross-disciplinary research and innovation in science, arts, and technology.
Oxygen Park Qatar – The Green Lung of Education City
One of the most beloved landmarks in Education City is the Oxygen Park — a public park designed as a “green lung” for students, residents, and visitors.
Oxygen Park Overview
- Location: Education City, Ar-Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
- Area: 130,000 m² (13 hectares)
- Designed by: AECOM
- Opened: 2019
- Coordinates: 25.3086°N 51.4409°E
- Contact: +974 4454 0284
- Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM (varies by day)
Park Design & Concept
Oxygen Park was created to symbolize the connection between oxygen, plants, and healthy living. The landscape includes hills, shaded walkways, waterfalls, and jogging trails, making it one of the coolest and most refreshing outdoor experiences in Qatar.
Its air-conditioned tunnels and wind-channel design help regulate temperature, allowing year-round comfort even during hot months.
Features and Highlights
- Waterfalls and illuminated walkways
- Dedicated jogging and cycling tracks (1,600 m)
- Volleyball and football pitches
- Picnic areas and shaded gardens
- Air-cooled underground tunnels
- Women-only zones and family spaces
Sustainable Engineering
The park’s design minimizes heat and glare through buff-colored materials and native desert plants. Over 100 plant species make up the green zones, and the natural topography channels wind for passive cooling.
Oxygen Park by metro: The park is easily accessible via the Education City Metro Station (Green Line) — a few minutes’ walk from Gate 8.
Ticket Price: Free entry.
Architectural Marvels and Cultural Landmarks
Education City Mosque (Minaretein Mosque)
The Education City Mosque, also called Minaretein Mosque, is one of Doha’s most stunning modern Islamic landmarks. Its five inclined pillars represent the five pillars of Islam, while its design blends faith, geometry, and sustainability.
Education City Stadium
Located on the southern edge of the campus, Education City Stadium hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” this architectural masterpiece can seat up to 40,000 spectators and features cutting-edge cooling technology and green energy systems.
After the tournament, it became part of the Qatar Foundation community facilities, supporting local sports and events.
Education City Tram – The Sustainable Transport System
One of the highlights of Education City is its eco-friendly tram system, designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote green mobility within the campus.
- Developed by: Leighton Contracting Qatar, Siemens WLL Doha, Siemens AG
- Cost: USD 412 million
- Length: 11.5 km network with 25 stations
- Features:
- Battery-powered (no overhead wires)
- Air-conditioned trams
- Runs through universities, Oxygen Park, QNL, and stadiums
Visitors can explore all key attractions — including the Qatar National Library, Oxygen Park, QF Headquarters, and Education City Golf Club — simply by hopping on the tram.
Education City Golf Club – Qatar’s Premier Golf Destination
Designed by José María Olazábal, a two-time Masters champion, the Education City Golf Club (ECGC) opened in 2019 as Qatar’s most advanced golfing facility.
Key Facts
- Area: 120 hectares (297 acres)
- Courses:
- 18-hole championship course
- 9-hole par-3 course (floodlit)
- 6-hole championship course (floodlit)
- Grass Type: Platinum TE Paspalum (drought-resistant)
- Host: Commercial Bank Qatar Masters (European Tour)
- Sustainability: Uses Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) water for irrigation.
World-Class Facilities
- Centre of Excellence with high-tech training studios
- Indoor putting lab and gym
- Private women’s tuition area
- TrackMan-equipped driving range
- Pro shop, restaurants, and luxury lounge areas
The club welcomes both professional golfers and beginners, offering lessons, memberships, and open days. Its ECGC Open Day 2025 (November 7) invites visitors to explore the grounds and enjoy community activities.
Qatar National Library (QNL) – The Knowledge Hub
Located in the northern zone of Education City, the Qatar National Library is an architectural and intellectual marvel designed by Rem Koolhaas (OMA).
It houses over one million books, digital archives, and rare manuscripts — including ancient Arabic scientific works. The building’s futuristic interior symbolizes the open access to knowledge that Education City promotes.
Things to Do in Education City
Whether you’re a tourist, student, or resident, Education City offers an incredible mix of recreational, cultural, and educational experiences.
Top Experiences
- Walk or jog through Oxygen Park.
- Ride the Education City Tram and explore the entire campus.
- Visit Qatar National Library for exhibitions and study spaces.
- Explore the Minaretein Mosque’s architecture.
- Play golf or take lessons at the Education City Golf Club.
- Attend cultural events at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
- Watch a football match at Education City Stadium.
- Take family picnics in shaded green areas.
Innovation, Architecture, and Sustainability
The design philosophy behind Education City is rooted in green urbanism and energy efficiency. AECOM, Arup, and MBLD worked together to develop landscape and lighting systems that minimize energy use and heat-island effects.
Buildings like the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and Education City Stadium integrate solar power, recycled materials, and natural ventilation systems.
These principles make Education City not just a university complex but a prototype of sustainable urban living in the Middle East.
Opening Hours and Visitor Information
| Facility | Timings | Entry | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Park | 5 AM – 11 PM | Free | Education City, Gate 8 |
| Education City Golf Club | 6 AM – 10 PM | Paid | Near Education City Tram |
| Qatar National Library | 8 AM – 8 PM | Free | QNL Zone |
| Education City Tram | 6 AM – 12 AM | Free | 25 stations |
| Education City Stadium | As per event | Ticketed | South Zone |
How to Reach Education City Qatar
By Metro:
Take the Green Line to Education City Station — all major attractions are within walking distance or connected via the Tram.
By Car:
Use Education City Gate 8 (Ar-Rayyan) on Google Maps:
📍 8C7V+CJP, Education City – Gate 8, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
By Taxi:
Karwa, Uber, and Careem all operate in the area.
Instagram-Worthy Spots in Education City
- Oxygen Park Waterfall
- Education City Mosque at sunset
- Qatar National Library interiors
- Education City Golf Club greens
- Tram stations and bridges illuminated at night
Pro Tip 💡: Visit around 5 PM to catch golden-hour lighting and cool evening breezes.
The Role of Qatar Foundation
At the heart of Education City lies Qatar Foundation, the visionary organization behind its creation. QF oversees more than 50 entities focused on:
- Education and research
- Health and science
- Social innovation
- Cultural preservation
It is under QF’s leadership that Education City continues to expand — integrating smart transport, digital education, renewable energy, and community engagement.
Related Projects Across Qatar
Education City is part of a larger network of national infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, including:
- Msheireb Downtown Doha
- Aspire Zone
- Qur’anic Botanic Garden
- Lusail City
- Umm Al Seneem Park
- Qatar Public Art Program
Together, these projects showcase Qatar’s commitment to modern urban development while preserving its cultural identity.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re an architecture lover, student, or traveler, Education City Qatar offers something truly unique — a blend of innovation, sustainability, and serenity.
From the eco-friendly Oxygen Park to the world-renowned universities and the Championship Golf Club, this campus is a living showcase of Qatar’s vision for the future — where learning, leisure, and nature coexist beautifully.
So, next time you’re in Doha, don’t just visit the museums and souqs — take a day trip to Education City and experience Qatar’s future, today.
