Qatar Breaks Ground on Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs officially launched the construction of the Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library with a groundbreaking ceremony held in Doha on Sunday.

The event was attended by HE Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem Al Ghanem, along with senior government officials and individuals involved in cultural and endowment affairs.

Library Project to Strengthen Knowledge and Waqf Development

The new library is one of the ministry’s major projects aimed at expanding the role of Waqf in promoting education, culture, and community development. It reflects the ministry’s efforts to use endowment resources to support scientific and cultural initiatives while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

The project is part of the Ministry of Endowments' Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in developing human capital and building a knowledge-based society.

Modern Multi-Purpose Complex in Umm Ghuwailina

The Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library will be built in the strategic Umm Ghuwailina area on a site covering 4,015 square metres.

Designed to meet modern public library standards, the project combines cultural, administrative, and investment facilities. Its architectural design focuses on delivering efficient public services while generating sustainable Waqf income to support future operations.

Three Basement Levels with Parking Facilities

The building will feature a tiered structural design that integrates functional and educational spaces.

It includes three underground basement levels with a total area of 6,213 square metres. These levels will provide essential infrastructure, including parking space for 156 vehicles, designed to allow smooth traffic flow and convenient access throughout the complex.

Library Features Reading Halls, Children's Section and Research Areas

The library itself will occupy the ground floor through the second floor, covering a total built-up area of 5,534 square metres.

The facility will include a spacious main hall, several reading rooms, dedicated research and study halls, a multi-purpose hall, cafeteria, VIP area, and supporting visitor services.

The mezzanine floor will house additional reading areas and a dedicated children's library. The first floor will feature an open courtyard for researchers, more reading spaces, and classrooms equipped with modern educational technology.

The second floor will be used for library administration while continuing to provide reading areas and support facilities.

Administrative Tower Designed for Sustainable Waqf Income

An upper administrative and investment tower will form part of the project. Floors three through seven will cover a combined area of 7,870 square metres.

The tower will contain 35 flexible office units ranging in size from 98 to 226 square metres. These offices are intended to meet changing market needs while generating sustainable endowment revenue that will help fund the library’s educational and cultural activities over the long term.

Official Highlights Importance of Sustainable Cultural Endowment

Speaking during the ceremony, Director-General of the General Directorate of Endowments, Eng. Hassan Abdullah Al Marzouqi, described the project as a leading example of sustainable cultural endowment that combines knowledge development with long-term financial sustainability through effective use of Waqf resources.

He said the library honours the legacy of Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani, who believed that education is essential for nation-building and that endowment is an effective way to preserve and continue this mission across generations.

Al Marzouqi added that the project represents a balanced endowment model that serves present needs while supporting future development. He noted that the new cultural landmark will strengthen academic research and provide an advanced learning environment for students and researchers.

He further said the General Directorate of Endowments will continue expanding educational and cultural endowment projects through innovative models that improve operational efficiency, maintain economic sustainability, fulfil donor conditions, preserve donor intentions, and support Qatar’s efforts to build a knowledge-based society.

Funded by Waqf Bank for Scientific and Cultural Development

The project is fully funded by the Waqf Bank for Scientific and Cultural Development. According to Al Marzouqi, the funding reflects the growing role of Waqf as a development tool that supports education, builds informed future generations, and preserves long-standing values.

Library Continues Legacy Established in 1982

The Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al-Thani Waqf Library was originally established in 1982 in Umm Ghuwailina in accordance with the founder's endowment.

Today, it remains one of Qatar’s leading Waqf libraries, operating as a comprehensive knowledge centre with multiple reading halls, a periodicals section, a children's library, and specialized services including cataloguing, classification, lending, and acquisitions.