DOHA: Central parts of Doha are earmarked for massive development as part of plans to host the coveted FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The area selected for development extends from Ras Abu Aboud to the posh district of West Bay, known as Qatar’s mini-Manhattan.
The area under development will include 25 localities many of which are densely populated.
All development projects earmarked for the area, known as central parts of Doha, are being clubbed under a single umbrella to avoid confusion and complete the projects with utmost care and finesse.
The projects are being launched by the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning with several of its “development partners”.
This will be the key area and development will focus on Qatari heritage, quality and modern infrastructure and amenities. The area will boast some 75 percent of Doha Metro Rail stations.
A supervisory committee has been formed which met yesterday in the presence of the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning, H E Sheikh Abdurahman bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Also present at the meet were Abdullah Al Karani, head of development planning at the municipal ministry, and Noora Al Suwaidi, deputy head of Giant Projects at the ministry. Al Suwaidi made a detailed presentation at the meeting at which the roles of all committee members were discussed in detail.
In his address, the Minister H E Sheikh Abdul Rahman said that the private sector will be actively involved in all the projects related to development of the central parts of the city, as directed by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The minister said that the partnership with the private sector was very important for the projects.
He exhorted all the members of the working team to come up with proposals for the development projects, which he said would be heartily welcome.
“You will be provided full support,” he told the committee members who were from the civic ministry as well as other ministries and government agencies involved with such development projects.
The Minister said that he hoped that at least one or two of the various projects related to the development of the central parts would be launched this very year.
“Let’s give this gift to our fellow citizens and residents of our country,” said the Minister.
He was the first speaker at the supervisory committee meeting and outlined the details of the projects, the timeframe for their completion and their objectives.
“The development project will have a positive impact on our country and will contribute massively to hosting the 2022 World Cup soccer,” said the Minister.
The Peninsula
