The districts of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) and Souq Waqif not only offer glimpses of the past and the future, but it’s a walkthrough of its vibrant alleyways, modernity, and accessibility.
The proximity of the two distinct places in Doha, which are adjacent, is only seven minutes apart. Either by walking, using the Metro or Tram, you can traverse these locations easily.
When using the Metro, drop off at Musheireb station (Red line) when going to Msheireb Downtown Doha and Souq Waqif station (Gold line) if Souq Waqif is your destination. The Tram is likewise available in Msheireb, where you can see the beauty of the place while journeying through the modern architectural design inspired by Qatari heritage and architecture.
It’s also accessible to either of the places. There is a beautiful elevator tunnel, where an escalator and stairs are available for smooth access. A convenience store and café are likewise stationed in the area if you ever need to eat or drink.
Stroll through the ancient market of Souq Waqif and experience firsthand its vibrant alleyways before you journey towards Msheireb Downtown Doha. Souq Waqif was masterfully redeveloped to maintain its original 19th Century look.
Msheireb Downtown revives Doha’s old commercial district. Explore the Msheireb Museums with its four heritage houses that showcase Qatar’s rich history. A dedicated street on how sustainable design meets commercial objectives to shape the city of the future can also be seen, and discover the vast options of contemporary and traditional food and beverages in this lovely downtown.
Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, revives the old commercial district enveloped with modern architecture inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and architecture. Msheireb is an Arabic word meaning “a place to drink water.” It boasts a grandeur design of simplicity ample with modernity structures.
A resident of Qatar for over five years, Arian Bautista said the two districts are jewels in the heart of Doha.
“Msheireb adheres to the highest standards in green building, while you feel the past in Souq Waqif. The past and future are just a walk away, and it’s amazing how the accessibility of the two are minutes apart.”
For Jillian Canivel, she likened both places to a union. “The smart city Msheireb is what the future looks like, while Souq Waqif offers you the traditional Qatari customs, culture, and architecture. These two encompasses the heart of Doha, the union between the past and future.”
The master plan for Msheireb Downtown is guided by the Qatar National Vision 2030 to transform Qatar into a country capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for generations to come.
It is a pioneering development that revives the old commercial heart of the city. Msheireb has recreated a way of living rooted in Qatari culture, attracting residents back to the city centre and reversing the trend of decentralisation.
A three-year research process was commissioned with leading architects, master planners, engineers, designers, and other experts to understand and implement how the best of the past can be combined with modern, innovative technologies and thinking, to create a distinctly new Qatari architectural language.
Msheireb Downtown Doha aims to set a benchmark with a sustainable downtown development that uses a bespoke architectural language, which is forward-looking yet draws its inspiration from the past.
