The Origins of Doha is a Qatar National Research Fund funded research project which aims to explore the foundation and historic growth of Doha, its transformation to a modern city, and the lives and experiences of its people, through a combination of archaeological investigation, historical research and oral testimony. The project will apply detailed analytical techniques to the archaeological record of Doha and Bida’, according to current best practice in archaeological research.

Specific aims include tracing of the changing physical extent and urban configuration of Biddaʿ and Doha through time, using historic maps, aerial photographs and the excavation of archaeological deposits. This will be complimented by a compiling a comprehensive historical record of Biddaʿ and Doha from both European and Arabic sources, as well as oral testimony.