We have seen how deep roots and an ambitious plan to regenerate Doha’s old downtown into a modern city district that respects the culture of the past have resulted in one of the world’s smartest and most sustainable urban enclaves. Where, under the stewardship of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Msheireb Properties, preserving history and the spirit of the original neighbourhood were foremost concerns of the blueprint.

The spectacular fruits of years of research is a city brimming with hidden technology that is designed to raise the quality of life of its residents and visitors. Employing old architectural practices in new and inventive ways, the planners have managed that rarest of things: building something new and innovative with soul.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is a centre for innovation with both the Doha Design District, a dynamic hub of galleries, showrooms and creative services, and M7, an epicenter of design and entrepreneurship dedicated to empowering designers to grow into successful entrepreneurs. Culturally, the four Heritage Houses of Msheireb Museums provide residents and visitors with the “untold stories” of Qatar’s past. Msheireb Galleria, a boutique mall, has recently opened and three five-star hotels – the Park Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and Alwadi Hotel MGallery – attract international visitors to a safe and secure environment in which to work and play.

See part one of this series here