QBG, Doha Design District unveil three living gardens in Msheireb Downtown Doha

The Quranic Botanic Garden (QBG), a branch of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Doha Design District, led by Msheireb Properties, have joined forces to open three gardens in Msheireb Downtown Doha, a city district dedicated to design and culture. These living gardens, situated in the heart of the city, will display plants and trees mentioned in the Quran and Hadith, fostering connections between nature, faith, and cultural heritage for visitors.

The collaboration was highlighted during an event attended by representatives from Msheireb Properties, Doha Design District, and QBG. They planted Sidr, Arak, Fig, Olive, and Pomegranate trees near Alwadi Mosque on Al-Gaffat Street in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The gardens feature 14 plant species from QBG’s collection, focusing on their botanical, cultural, and spiritual significance within Islamic heritage.

Each plant comes with details about its scientific name, natural habitat, and references in the Quran and Hadith, allowing for insights into its ecological importance and cultural associations.

Msheireb Properties' Ali Khalifa al-Hetmi emphasized that public spaces should connect people to ideas, stories, and each other. He praised the collaboration as a new dimension to Msheireb Downtown Doha, integrating botanical heritage into the city's urban landscape. Fatima al-Khulaifi, the director of QBG, noted that the selected plants carry cultural and ethical messages.

The partnership aims to conserve plant diversity, share Islamic principles in conservation, and invite visitors to learn about these plants and their references in the Quran and Hadith.

The initiative aligns with Qatar Sustainability Week, promoting environmental awareness in everyday urban life. It builds on Msheireb Properties' commitment to sustainability and the district's people-centered approach. The gardens demonstrate how green spaces can enhance public learning about the relationships between people, plants, and the environments they share.

By introducing QBG's collection to Doha Design District's public spaces, new opportunities for learning and engagement are opened for residents, families, students, and visitors.

The three gardens showcase a selection of 14 species referenced in the Quran and Hadith, such as the Date Palm, Olive Tree, Fig, Pomegranate, Sidr, and Tamarisk. These plants, adapted to the region's climate, highlight the importance of plant diversity and climate-appropriate landscaping for sustainable urban environments. Traditional uses and distinctive qualities of the plants, like the Toothbrush Tree for oral care and Henna for hair coloring, are also showcased.

The collections represent the many ways plants feature in Islamic teachings, regional history, and traditional practices, emphasizing the need to conserve botanical heritage for future generations.