Doha, Qatar – 4 November 2026: QatarDebate Center, founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), hosted the fifth panel discussion in its "Qatar Connects" series under the theme: "The Hidden Architecture of the Qatari House". Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and in cooperation with the Qatar Society of Engineers, the event was held at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Doha.
The session examined the Qatari house as the product of multiple, interconnected layers of social, architectural, and climatic factors. While Qatari homes do not follow a single unified design, their diverse forms share a cohesive identity that meets the demands of the local environment and culture.
Moderated by Mr. Saoud Al-Dulaimi, Board Member of the Qatar Society of Engineers, the session highlighted the home as a reflection of Qatari family life. The discussion explored design approaches that align with local customs and traditions regarding privacy, hospitality, and providing adequate spaces for generations growing up together. The panel featured a distinguished group of local experts, including Engineer Amna Al-Naama, Chairperson of the Qatar Society of Engineers; Ms. Albandary Al-Harami, Co-founder of Scratch Architecture and Interior Design; and Mr. Salman Al-Sulaiti, renowned architect, innovator, and writer.
Aljohara Al Khulaifi, Strategic Initiatives Lead at QatarDebate Center, said: "QatarDebate believes in providing an open and inclusive platform for dialogue and discussion of issues that matter to the local community. The 'Qatar Connects' series fulfills these aspirations, and the session seeks to understand the diverse dimensions of the Qatari house. In this context, the Qatar Society of Engineers has played an important role in the evolution of Qatari home design over the years, helping shape its features in line with Qatar's authentic traditions and unique architectural heritage."
Ms. Amna Al-Naama, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Society of Engineers, said: "My advice to those planning to build their homes is to start by identifying their family's needs, considering the spaces where they spend most of their time and the areas designated for receiving guests, taking into account the number of visitors they typically host. From there, they can identify flexible spaces that can be adapted and modified to meet the family's changing needs over time."
Ms. Albandary Al-Harami, Co-founder of Scratch Architectural and Interior Design, commented: "No two families are alike. Although we may share similar customs and traditions, every family has its own identity and unique characteristics. That is why I always make it a priority to get to know the family first, from their hobbies and the ages of their children to how long they plan to live in the home. This helps me understand their needs and design a space that reflects their identity and suits their lifestyle."
Mr. Salman Al-Sulaiti, architect, innovator, and writer, said: "My advice to those planning to build a home is to carefully assess their needs and avoid excessive building space or unnecessary costs, as larger spaces can lead to higher maintenance expenses in the future. I also recommend working with a qualified architect to carefully assess the design and help improve quality of life. It is equally important to take the time to thoroughly study the project and select the right professional to ensure the best possible results."
The "Qatar Connects" series forms part of QatarDebate Center's efforts to promote open dialogue by bringing community members together with experts and decision-makers to explore issues relevant to national development through the lens of local experience and expertise. The series also provides a platform for Qataris to share their professional and field experiences, highlight their successes and challenges, and articulate their visions and aspirations for the future.