MIA in Doha was opened in 2008 to introduce the characteristics, tolerance, arts and sciences of Islam. Occupying an area of 35,000 m2, it was designed by the architect, I. M. Pei, whose design was inspired by ancient Islamic architecture.

It houses thousands of artifacts from Europe, Asia and Africa and dating from the 7th to the 19th century AD. Its collection includes books, manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, glass, precious stones, and coins dating back to pre-Islamic times.