Doha, Qatar (17 September 2008) - The creation of one of the region's most innovative cultural projects - a garden that blends the teachings of the Qur'an with modern day horticultural understanding - was inaugurated today by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.

The Garden is set to become a major attraction in Qatar and the region and will be located at Education City opposite the site of Sidra Medical and Research Center which is currently under construction. The concept for the project comes from a region-wide UNESCO initiative and enjoys the sponsorship of Danish shipping and oil giant Maersk.

Doha's Qur'anic Garden is the first of its kind and will be comprised of plants mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah, the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH), including fig, apple and olive trees, pomegranates, grape vines and palms. Many of the plants have medicinal value and were used for healing purposes in earlier times.

"We are very proud to launch the Qur'anic Garden in partnership with UNESCO and with the support of Maersk," stated Dr. Saif Al Hajari, Vice Chairman of Qatar Foundation. "We expect it to play a central role not only in promoting an enlightened understanding of Islam but also to underline our commitment at Qatar Foundation to environmental issues and the importance of the preservation of natural habitats."

In addition to becoming a major recreational facility for the city, the Garden is intended to give visitors insight into the teachings of the Holy Qur'an as it pertains to the modern day concerns of water and environmental conservation.

As an educational tool, the Garden will put the spotlight on the often overlooked aspects of Islam, not least its long tradition of ecology and concern for what is today termed 'bio-diversity.'

For further media information please contact Omar Chaikhouni at Qatar Foundation, 4540967.

About Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation is a private, non-profit organization committed to the principle that a nation's greatest natural resource is its people.

The headquarters of Qatar Foundation are located within its flagship project, Education City, a fourteen million square-meter campus which hosts numerous progressive learning institutions and centers of research, including branch campuses of six of the world's leading universities, plus a cutting-edge research and development center. Qatar Foundation also works to enhance the quality of life in Qatar by investing in community health and development.

For more information please visit: http://www.qf.org.qa/