The Amiri Diwan: The Most Extravagant Government Office in the World
The Amiri Diwan serves as the main seat of governance in the State of Qatar and is the official workplace and administrative office of the Emir. It is an impressive structure that houses several key departments, including the Cabinet Affairs Office, Legal Affairs Office, Protocol Office, and Media Office.
Originally known as the Al Bidda Castle, the Amiri Diwan was once an 18th-century fort that became the office of Qatar’s Rulers after the Ottomans withdrew from the state. Following Qatar’s independence from the United Kingdom, the fort was renamed the Amiri Diwan in 1971.
While the current Amiri Diwan is an elegant structure surrounded by palm trees, a conceptual Amiri Diwan has caught the attention of many. This 18-story crescent-shaped building spread across 118,000 square meters, is a fitting headquarters for the Emir of Qatar.
The $187 million construction is designed with 12 columns, symbolising the national day of Qatar on the 18th of December, and a star-shaped helipad that pays homage to the country’s Islamic identity. The strategically spaced structure offers uninterrupted views of Doha’s skyline and the seaside and includes a conference centre, VIP suites, a marina, a flag yard, and large landscaped areas that befit a king.
