John McAslan + Partners is proud to reflect on a remarkable moment for Doha’s cultural landscape, as the city hosted the inaugural Art Basel Qatar – bringing together leading international galleries, artists and cultural figures.

Set within Msheireb Downtown Doha, the event unfolded across key heritage sites including Company House and Bin Jelmood House, alongside the wider cultural district that includes M7 Cultural Forum. John McAslan + Partners has played a significant role in shaping these environments, contributing to the restoration and design of projects that support Doha’s evolving cultural identity.

An immersive dining experience activated these spaces in new ways, transforming Company House’s courtyard into a lively, communal setting. A bespoke installation – centred around shared dishes and a striking spice pyramid inspired by Souq Waqif – created a sensory experience of scent, texture and interaction, inviting guests to connect more openly within a museum setting.

At Bin Jelmood House, a complementary dessert installation drew on the geometry of the desert and Doha’s skyline, featuring sculptural arrangements of dates and an expansive display of baklava, celebrating hospitality and craftsmanship.

Together, these interventions demonstrated how thoughtfully designed spaces can support dynamic cultural programming – fostering inclusivity, creativity and exchange. At a time of wider regional uncertainty, the event stood as a reminder of the power of cultural gathering, and the role architecture plays in bringing people together.

image – top: Guest at Company House, one of two museums at which the dinner was held.
image – below: Laila Goha and her team building the baklava display for the dinner she created for Art Basel Qatar.
image – bottom: Gohar adjusted the spice pyramid she made with Souq Waqif merchants.