The 12th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World, organised by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and hosted by the State of Qatar through the Ministry of Culture, officially designated Lusail City as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for the year 2030.

The decision was made during the ministerial meeting, where they discussed and adopted the mechanisms of the ISESCO programme for Islamic world capitals.

The selection of Lusail as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World is a recognition of the exceptional efforts and success of the Ministry of Culture in Qatar during its tenure as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic world.

The current approach to selecting cultural capitals in the Islamic world is based on the principles outlined in the ISESCO document.

It emphasises the need to celebrate cities with prominent cultural histories, revive their cultural and civilisational achievements, promote cultural and civilizational dialogue, and strengthen values of coexistence and understanding among peoples.

In addition, these cities are expected to distinguish themselves through modern urban structures and possess cultural, artistic and creative facilities that attract intellectuals, artists and creators, as well as a wide audience from both residents and visitors. They should also contribute significantly to the creative industries that play a pivotal role in achieving economic development.

A new approach by ISESCO

The document underscores that the new approach presented by ISESCO in the selection of cultural capitals in the Islamic world for the coming years is aligned with the guiding principles on culture and the city, which were adopted by the Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World during its 10th session in Khartoum in November 2017.

These principles call for the preservation and revitalisation of historic centres in member states rich in diverse cultural heritage, turning them into hubs of sustainable cultural revitalisation. This involves organising new cultural events around cultural heritage sites, revitalising them with modern cultural facilities, and making them vibrant centres for various cultural and artistic activities.

This approach has been incorporated into urban planning for these cities and encompasses concepts such as creative districts, integrated cultural complexes, or creative cultural cities. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the urban development of these cities and enhanced their image on a global scale.

Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World (2024 – 2030)

ISESCO announced that the new format of the Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World programme includes additional cities that previously served as cultural centres and hubs with the Islamic world, despite them not currently members of the ISESCO. This expansion is carried out in cooperation with regional and international partners, serving the interests of the Islamic world and enhancing its international presence.

ISESCO has selected six cities to hold the title of Capital of Culture in the Islamic world in the coming years:

  • Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan (2024)
  • Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan (2025)
  • Hebron, Palestine (2026)
  • Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (2026)
  • Siwa, Arab Republic of Egypt (2027)
  • Lusail, State of Qatar (2030)

Cultural and historical beacon, sustainable

The city of Lusail is considered a historical cultural beacon, its name associated with one of the rarest flowers in Qatar, symbolising the uniqueness of the city and the seamless blend of Doha’s heritage and modernity.

The city covers an area of 38 square kilometres and includes four exclusive islands, 19 multi-purpose residential areas, as well as recreational and commercial uses. This vibrant city boasts 22 world-class hotels, making it a ‘gift’ for hospitality, tourism and investments in Qatar.

The city stands out with its array of upscale shops, fine dining restaurants, residential spaces, offices, hotels, parks, water gardens, theatres, fitness centres, and multi-screen cinemas. There are plans to open the new Lusail Museum in the coming years.

The iconic Lusail Stadium, which hosted several matches for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, including the tournament’s closing ceremony and the final match and can accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, is also located in Lusail City.

Lusail City is also a sustainable city for several reasons, classified and rated by the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). All residential and office buildings in Lusail are rated at least two stars, with some achieving three, four, and five-star ratings.

The city relies on modern non-traditional transportation networks, such as the Metro, light rail, and tram. The comprehensive urban plan aims to reduce distances, thereby decreasing the reliance on car usage.

The city also features green spaces and parks covering an area of 3.5 million square metres and uses treated water for irrigation. It also preserves a 27-kilometre coastline and has created artificial coral reefs along the waterfront.

Check out Marhaba’s FREE e-Guides for everything you need to know about Qatar.