Work is shortly to begin on the new Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.

The new building has been designed by architect IM Pei with interior designs by Willmott France.

Mivan Depa, a joint venture between Northern-Ireland based Mivan and Middle East-based hotel interior contractor DEPA has been contracted to manage the fit-out.

The museum, which will be one of the Middle East’s largest cultural venues, is scheduled for completion in December 2006, in time for the Asian Games.

The five-storey building will house collections of paintings, weaponry, glassware, coins, books and manuscripts.