Doha Corniche
The Doha Corniche (Arabic: كورنيش الدوحة) is a waterfront promenade extending for seven kilometres (4.3 mi) along the crescent-shaped Doha Bay in Qatar's capital city, Doha.[1] Annual celebrations of national holidays such as Qatar National Day and National Sports Day are centered on the Doha Corniche.[2][3] It is a popular tourist and leisure attraction within Qatar.[4]
A linear public space, the Corniche serves as a vital connector, linking the emerging business district of West Bay with the historic Souq Waqif in old Doha. Conceptually, the Corniche serves multiple functions: as a route for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, a continuous strip of open space, and a public realm accessible to all residents of Qatar. Its role as a gathering place, often referred to as the 'urban majlis', is integral to Doha's identity and social fabric.[5]
History[edit]
Construction of the Corniche was the result of extensive dredging work in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reshaping Doha's coastline and paving the way for a new central business district.[5] At its inception, the Corniche was an empty stretch of walkway in which the only visible edifice was the Sheraton Hotel, but since the 21st century, a massive construction rush has witnessed numerous skyscrapers being built towards the north of the Corniche.[1]
The area's development is part of the economic boom the country has been experiencing and serves as an integral strategy in promoting tourism to Qatar, which is boosted by hosting of major sports events such as the 2006 Asian Games, as celebrations often take place on the Corniche.[1]
Many of Doha's most iconic landmarks are found along the Corniche, beginning from around the Museum of Islamic Art and ending at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel.[1]
Location[edit]
Situated along Doha Bay, the Corniche comprises a seafront promenade extending for seven kilometers from the Sheraton Hotel in the north to the Marriott Hotel in the south, passing Doha Port and its facilities.[5] There are three main areas of the Corniche: the Corniche Park and Promenade, Corniche Street, and the Government zone.[6]
The Corniche Promenade and Park are very popular destinations for walkers, runners, skaters, joggers and others engaging in leisure and social activities.[1]
Corniche Street is a paramount route which connects Doha's emerging West Bay business district with the south of the city and Doha International Airport. It was formed following extensive dredging work carried out during the late 1970s and early 1980s which reshaped Doha's coastline.[1]
As for the Government zone, which commands a view of the bay, administrative buildings such as the Amiri Diwan are found here.[6]
Landscaping[edit]
Landscaping at the Corniche prioritizes the use of native plant species adapted to Qatar's arid climate. Palm trees, desert shrubs, and drought-resistant grasses are commonly planted to minimize water consumption and maintain greenery throughout the year. Strategically placed trees, primarily date palms, provide much-needed shade along pedestrian pathways and seating areas, helping to mitigate the effects of direct sunlight.[5]
Water features, namely fountains, are incorporated into the landscape design to enhance the sense of tranquility in the public space. Soft landscaping elements, including grassy areas and flower beds are very common at the Corniche. Efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and smart irrigation technology, are employed to minimize water waste.[5]
Facilities[edit]
Parking facilities at the Corniche face challenges due to limited space along the waterfront and the desire to preserve scenic views of the bay. There were approximately 750 parking spaces along the Corniche in 2016.[5] Peripheral parking areas located near the Corniche allow visitors to park their vehicles and access the waterfront via shuttle services or pedestrian pathways, such as the Corniche's many underpasses.[7]
There are several playground and recreation areas on the Corniche.[5]
Nearby landmarks[edit]
Gallery[edit]
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The Pearl Monument, formerly the Oyster Fountain. representing the historical pearl trade and pearl diving of the Doha Bay -
The view of the West Bay skyline from the Doha Corniche -
View of West Bay from the Doha Corniche on a cloudy night -
General view of the length of the Corniche Promenade -
Entrance to the iconic Sheraton Hotel -
Jogging path along the Doha Corniche seafront
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References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f "Doha Corniche". Online Qatar. Retrieved 14 November 2017.
- ^ a b Peter Alagos (9 March 2018). "Steady flow of visitors – Al Bidda Park makes a grand return". Gulf Times. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ Joseph Varghese (17 September 2017). "Qatar all set for National Day; Doha Corniche all decked up". Gulf Times. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Doha's Waterfront Promenade". Qatar Tourism Authority. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g Furlan, Raffaello (2016). "Urban Design and Social Livability: The Revitalization of the Corniche in Doha". American Journal of Environmental Engineering. 6 (3): 73–87. doi:10.5923/j.ajee.20160603.01. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ a b Mohammad Gharipour (2016). "Contemporary Urban Landscapes of the Middle East". Routledge. p. 216.
- ^ "Four new underpass to improve connectivity along Corniche waterfront". The Peninsula Qatar. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "Part of Corniche Street to be closed for two days". Gulf Times. 22 August 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2018.