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 links the business district of West Bay to the historic Souq Waqif in old Doha. The Corniche serves 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 seen numerous skyscrapers built along the north end of the Corniche.[1]
Celebrations of major sports events such as the 2006 Asian Games often take place on the Corniche.[1]
Many of Doha's most iconic landmarks are found along the Corniche, beginning at the southern end with 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 popular destinations for walkers, runners, skaters, joggers and others engaging in leisure and social activities.[1]
Corniche Street connects Doha's West Bay business district with the south of the city and Doha International Airport.[1] The Government zone, which commands a view of the bay, is home to administrative buildings such as the Amiri Diwan.[6]
Events[edit]
The inaugural Eid Al-Fitr Festival, organized by Qatar Tourism, was launched on 4 May 2022 and lasted for three days. Celebrations were held on the Corniche and featured performances from Qatari and Arab musicians. It is estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 spectators attended the festivities each day.[7]
The main parade of the annual Qatar National Day takes place on the Corniche.[8]
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]
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 is limited to preserve scenic views of the bay. There were about 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.[9]
There are several playground and recreation areas on the Corniche.[5]
Transport[edit]
Of the 37 stations of the Doha Metro, 7 of them provide direct access to the Corniche.[7]
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" (PDF). American Journal of Environmental Engineering. 6 (3): 73–87. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ a b Mohammad Gharipour (2016). Contemporary Urban Landscapes of the Middle East. Routledge. p. 216. ISBN 978-1-317-53407-5.
- ^ a b Gichuki, Catherine W. (4 May 2022). "Eid Festival kicks off in grand style". Qatar Tribune. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Everything you need to know about Qatar National Day 2012". Doha News. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "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.