PM inspects Doha Central, Corniche development works

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani on Sunday inspected the Doha Central and Al Corniche Development and Beautification Project and the latest developments therein.During the visit, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior was briefed on the mechanism for implementing the project in a manner that is in line with the region's infrastructure and public transport plans, particularly those pertaining to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. He was also briefed on the Doha Central and Al Corniche Street beautification and decoration works, and the steps taken to transform it into eco-friendly area, the official Qatar News Agency reports.HE Sheikh Khalid inspected the green areas, gardens and works by Qatari artists that have been implemented as part of the project, as well as the restoration of archaeological areas.He was accompanied by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and a number of ministers and senior officials.In a statement, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said the Doha Central and Al Corniche Development and Beautification Project aims to humanise the city by making the area vibrant by "prioritising humans, promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing the reliance on vehicles, developing public places and plazas in the region, in addition to beautifying main streets, residential areas and vital centres, and preserving the environment"."The Doha Central and Corniche Street beautification and humanisation works aim to transition them into pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly areas, instead of relying on vehicular transportation. This step is in line with the infrastructure and public transportation means in the area such as buses and the Metro," said Ashghal president Dr Saad bin Ahmed al-Muhannadi. "One of the most important goals behind this project is to preserve the Qatari identity despite the rapid urban growth, in addition to integrating the internal pedestrian paths to each other while linking them externally with the surrounding areas to create new destinations and restore historical areas."Most of the green areas and parks also include many artworks by Qatari artists, implemented in co-ordination with Qatar Museums.Meanwhile, Infantino said: "I am pleased to have closely seen the infrastructure, and am reassured by how prepared Qatar is to host the biggest sporting event on earth. I am sure that the fans will have a wonderful and unique experience here, extending beyond matches, thanks to everything that Qatar has to offer.” The development works include the maintenance and planting of various trees and green spaces that aim to enhance the quality of life and boost the general image of the area, in addition to reducing the temperature and providing a healthy environment inside residential neighbourhood and vital gathering areas, Ashghal stressed.The project includes the maintenance and plantation of ample green spaces and a large number of trees, including 920 palm trees, and the environmental legacy of the palm trees on Al Corniche Street has been preserved and maintained due to its social and environment importance. Some trees that were incompatible with the infrastructure and upgraded status of Al Corniche were moved and preserved, while 1,360 trees were planted along with more than 17,000sqm of green spaces in the Doha Central area.Th project includes three plazas - Al Dafna, Al Corniche and Al Bidda - and each plaza is connected to an underpass that links Al Corniche with Doha city, making it accessible from different sides. The plazas have been designed as places that foster a community-based environment for people in the area and encourage the adoption of healthier lifestyles outside closed buildings, as these plazas are open spaces along Al Corniche to stroll in and enjoy the landscape.Meanwhile, three pedestrian and cycling paths have been constructed connecting areas such as Al Dafna, Al Corniche and Al Bidda, along with the implementation of the Museum of Islamic Art pedestrian underpass.These underpasses facilitate the movement of pedestrians between Al Corniche and areas connected to them such as Al Bidda Park, Al Masrah Park and Hassad Tower, and also connect the pedestrian and cycling paths between Al Corniche and Doha city.A fifth pedestrian underpass, Khalifa Underpass, will connect the Corniche Metro station with the tennis and squash courts, and also be linked to bus stops.Pedestrian and cycling paths have been provided connecting all vital areas in the region, facilitating travel from Al Corniche and the area connected to underpasses and helping promote sports and the use of alternative transportation means and not personal vehicles. These are in addition to a 7km jogging track.Connected cycling paths with no interruptions have been provided so that cyclists could move between the plazas and underpasses, and between Al Corniche and Doha without having to stop.Also, the project includes the provision of 1km pedestrian and cycling paths in the Doha Central area, designed for people with special needs. It includes wide pedestrian corridors built to international standards, and connected corridors that allow people with special needs to move freely without the assistance of others. Besides, the project provides designated areas for electric vehicle charging in order to encourage the use of environment-friendly cars.Add an aesthetic and distinctive touch to the area, Al Corniche has been decorated with 1,440 palm frond-shaped poles. The design is in line with the palm trees found along Al Corniche, and reflects the Qatari identity, in addition to providing 655 distinctive lighting poles in Doha Central.Four wooden platforms have been built to create spaces for various potential activities on Al Corniche, as well as to connect between the past and future in a modern way that further enhances the appeal of the Al Corniche waterfront facing the towers. The idea has been inspired by the look of traditional boats that are among the most important elements of this regiontarget="_blank"'>