Qatar's first planetarium is scheduled to open its doors in December as part of a larger expansion of the country's Katara Cultural Village.

Featuring a 22m (72.2ft) screen fully equipped with digital projectors, a terrace overlooking the sea and seating for 200 people, the Al Thuraya Planetarium will open its doors in December, according to the village’s general manager Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti.

Also known as the Planetarium of the Astronomical Chandelier, the attraction will cover 2,240sq m (24,000sq ft) and is part of a wider development push in the region, which is hoped to increase visitor and tourist numbers.

Also slated for December is Katara Hills, a tourist destination project featuring gardens, occupying an area of 361,500sq m (3.9m sq ft), and green meadows. Meanwhile, Katara Plaza, a luxury shopping centre, is currently being built in partnership with Ali Bin Ali Group.

Speaking earlier this year about the ambitious project, Al Sulaiti said: “Katara’s strategy focuses on supporting art, culture, humanity, and consolidating national identity and heritage.

“It also aims to utilise the facilities and buildings to create a suitable environment to nurture art and creativity to make Katara an Arab and global cultural icon.”