We Design Msheireb Brings Community Together Through Craft and Cultural Exchange at Doha Design District
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A design-led activation highlights participatory making and shared creativity through textile and clay workshops
Doha Design District, powered by Mshiereb Properties, successfully hosted ‘We Design Msheireb’, a one-day creative activation that brought together the community through hands-on workshops rooted in craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and collaborative making. Held at the Atrium Space in the District’s main hub, the event welcomed participants to engage directly with design as both a process and a shared human experience.
The activation featured two workshops running simultaneously, offering distinct yet complementary creative journeys. The Textile Workshop, led by Hazati, introduced participants to traditional Palestinian embroidery and cross-stitching techniques, developed in collaboration with Palestinian women. Participants created hand-stitched brooches using a curated selection of motifs and patterns, connecting with narratives of heritage, identity, and craftsmanship.
Alongside it, the Clay Workshop, led by Clay Encounters, provided an intimate and engaging environment for participants to explore clay painting. The session encouraged creative expression through tactile experimentation, reinforcing the value of making as an accessible and inclusive practice.
Attracting a huge number of visitors and craft enthusiasts, the workshops underscored the role of design as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and dialogue. By bringing together diverse audiences in a participatory setting, ‘We Design Msheireb’ reflected a growing interest in experiential, community-driven creative initiatives in Qatar.
The event also reinforced the Doha Design District's role as a platform for lived creativity, showcasing design while actively engaging the public in the creative process.
As part of its broader mission, Doha Design District continues to support emerging and established practitioners and to foster meaningful connections among culture, craft, and community. It remains committed to cultivating a dynamic creative ecosystem that bridges local heritage with contemporary design practices, positioning Doha as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cultural expression.
About Doha Design District (DDD)
Doha Design District (DDD), a strategic initiative of Msheireb Properties, is Qatar’s leading hub for design excellence. Located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, DDD offers an open platform for a growing community of creatives, designers, and innovators, where ideas are reimagined, challenged, and celebrated. Through exhibitions, installations, talks, and pop-ups, DDD supports talent and encourages cross-sector and international collaboration, creating purposeful experiences that reflect Msheireb’s commitment to Qatari heritage and thoughtful, sustainable design.
Through its forward-looking programming and community-building initiatives, DDD plays a pivotal role in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering cultural development, innovation-led growth, and a sustainable, creativity-driven economy.
About Msheireb Properties
Msheireb Properties is Qatar's leading sustainable real estate developer, backed by Qatar Foundation and Qatar Investment Authority. The company has pioneered sustainable urban development in Qatar, supporting the goals of Qatar's 2030 Vision.
Its mission is to change how people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.
The signature Msheireb Downtown Doha development is one of the smartest, most sustainable city districts globally. It employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology to preserve Qatar's environment and cultural identity. All buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified.
Msheireb Downtown Doha is an integrated city that embraces a range of mixed-use and commercial buildings that offer a wide array of retail and business services, modern residential units, educational and cultural facilities. It is also the home to Msheireb Museums, Mandarin Oriental Doha Hotel, Al Wadi Hotel - MGallery, Park Hyatt Hotel, Msheireb Galleria, and Barahat Msheireb - the biggest open-air covered pedestrian square in the region. The city is also home to the Doha Design District (DDD), an engaging space that supports design, innovation, and cultural exchange through organised events and creative initiatives.
The company also developed Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the Middle East's first and largest wellness destination. Located in northern Qatar, the resort offers two distinct experiences: Zulal Serenity, a wellness haven for individuals and couples, and Zulal Discovery, a world-first wellness offering for families. The resort is pioneering in its integration of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with contemporary wellness practices.
