Doha - An imposing new Museum of Islamic Arts was officially opened Saturday in Qatar by Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, amid an opulent fireworks display in the latest addition to the emirate's cultural scene.

The museum, designed by the Chinese-American star architect I M Pei, is built on an artificial peninsula with design elements recalling Egypt's famous Step Pyramid of Sakar, an artistically- constructed sand castle and a moorish palace.

Featuring Islamic art works from the 7th to 19th centuries, the museum will be opened to the public on December 1.

The museum opening is the latest in a number of cultural events in Qatar, coming three weeks after the first season of the newly- created Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra was opened. (dpa)