Zulal Wellness Resort Recognized as “World’s Best New Wellness Retreat” for 2020 by World Spa Awards

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the new wellness destination in Qatar developed by Msheireb Properties, was awarded as the “World’s Best New Wellness Retreat Award” for 2020, one of the most prominent annual awards by the prestigious World Spa Awards.

Thanks to its exceptional health facilities and unique holistic approach to wellness, Zulal Wellness Resort received the recognition by securing the largest number of votes by both industry professionals and spa health facility enthusiasts.

The soon-to-be-opened resort was up against fierce competition from several top international brands from around the world. In securing this recognition, Zulal adds another accolade to its portfolio and enhances its position as one of the most awaited resorts in the region.

Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, said: “This recognition for the soon-to-open Zulal Resort is a landmark achievement for both Msheireb Properties and Qatar. We thank everyone who voted for us and sincerely appreciate the confidence they showed in our incredible facilities and groundbreaking approach to wellness. The resort will support Qatar’s strategic plans to diversify the economy and attract regional visitors to our country as part of the 2030 National Vision.”

Mr. Krip Rojanastien, Chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som – the operator of Zulal Wellness Resort – said: “We are incredibly proud of this international recognition, as it reiterates our role as a world leading wellness provider. The new resort will provide a unique offering based on traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM) and will be an exceptional landmark catering to the needs of people in Qatar as well as guests from around the world.”

The resort is designed in the spirit of Msheireb Properties’ philosophy for sustainable developments that are rooted in the past but created for the future. Zulal Wellness Resort takes its name from the classic Arabic word “Zulal”, referring to “purified water”. It is inspired by the people’s historic journey across land and the ever-present search for water, the seed of life – a concept that encapsulates the history, culture and heritage of Qatar.

Zulal Wellness Resort is located in Khasooma, a northern coastal village one-hour drive from Doha, featuring 120 elegant guestrooms and suites for families, and 60 adults-only suites and villas, welcoming guests of all ages and needs. A special menu has been created of Arabic and Mediterranean wellness cuisine, as well as beautiful architecture and wellbeing services inspired by local heritage, making the resort a beacon of traditional and modern Qatari culture.

Msheireb Downtown Doha hosts the first edition of Al Sikka ‘Gourmet Street’ and “In Downtown” Exhibition

Msheireb Downtown Doha, the smart and most sustainable city in Qatar, launches the first edition of Al Sikka ‘Gourmet Street’ event and “In Downtown” exhibition during October.

Al Sikka ‘Gourmet Street’ event will be hosted at Msherieb Downtown annually with a different concept every year. This year, the event will feature a unique new ice cream concept presented for the first time in Qatar, where families can enjoy a wide variety of flavours offered by the city’s prestigious retail brands. The event will also host the Music Affairs Center’s to play magical music pieces creating a beautiful ambiance. Al Sikka ‘Gourmet Street’ starts today October 21 and opens from 4 pm to 11 pm.

In addition, Msheireb Downtown Doha launched yesterday the  “In Downtown” exhibition in collaboration with Alhosh Gallery and the support of Seashore Qatar. The exhibition is open to the public for free and features 17 artists from Qatar who display a collection of their portraits and artworks. The exhibition takes place at Sikkat Wadi Msheireb and is open from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Maryam Al Jassem, Communications and PR Manager of Msheireb Properties, said: “We are pleased to organize this community activation in an open-air space to enjoy a new concept of an ice cream presented by our brands at Msheireb Downtown Doha. It is part of our social responsibility to offer our local community a place to enjoy their time in a safe environment.”

“Besides, our new “In Downtown” exhibition will be a unique art exhibition by local artists showcasing their latest collections. We appreciate Alhosh Gallery and Seashore Qatar for their kind collaboration in making this event happen. Msheireb Properties encourages art and creativity and supports the creative community to widespread its creations to the broader audience”.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, reviving the old commercial heart of the city through a new architectural language. The environmentally conscious development blends traditional Qatari heritage and aesthetics with modern technology. From design and planning to the delivery of infrastructure and transportation, through to improving overall lifestyle, the city aims to provide a place where it is enjoyable to live, work, shop, visit, and spend time with family and friends.

Msheireb Properties Officially Launches the “Gulf Sustainable Urbanism” Book in a Special Virtual Event

Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation have officially launched the ‘Gulf Sustainable Urbanism’ Book, researched and written by Harvard University, during a special event held yesterday at Mshiereb Museums at Msheireb Downtown Doha and simultaneous virtual online platform that broadcasted the event live.

The special ceremony was attended by Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation officials, including Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Foundation Cultural Advisor, DR. Hafez Ali Msheireb Museums Director, Eng. Issa Al Mohannadi, the Chairman of Qatar Green Building Council, and Harvard University professors, along with VIP guests and delegates from the region.

The “Gulf Sustainable Urbanism” Book is an in-depth study sponsored and supported by Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation, researched and written by The School of Design at Harvard University. The research is an outcome of a decade of field research to establish a holistic framework documenting, analyzing, and deciphering the principles of urban sustainability of 10 selected case study cities in eight countries in the Gulf region.

In his opening remarks, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, said: “Sustainable buildings are a significant factor in protecting our environment, preserving our natural resources, and reducing water and electricity consumption in the long term. Our region needs such study and analysis as a solid base for the present and the future construction trends. The ‘Gulf Sustainable Urbanism’ Book will be excellent sustainability and urban planning reference for academic institutions, universities, and libraries.  It is a solid foundation to understand the construction and social trends back then and how it impacted the socio-economical aspects. “

“This ground-breaking research knowledge holds the potential to be transformed into useful guidance for making holistic, sustainable decisions for the Gulf region’s future urbanism. Sustainability is a core pillar and value to our company.  It clearly replicates our flagship project Msheireb Downtown Doha, the most sustainable city district in the world”, he added.

In his speaking notes, H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar Foundation Cultural Advisor, reiterated Qatar Foundation’s role in supporting and conducting the research. H.E. stated that the GSU Book meets all the significant needs in documenting a scientific reference in the Gulf region for researchers, experts, and students. He stressed on the Book conclusions’ importance that creates a specific identity and forms for the Gulf architecture.

Eng. Issa Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Green Building Council and former CEO of Msheireb Properties, discussed how the research focused on the Past period of the cities on the Gulf’s coastal line scientifically and professionally. He reiterated that this Book should be continuously updated and completed to include the Present and Future phases to make it legacy for the coming generations.

Through a live video conference call, Prof. Spiro Pollalis from the University of Harvard talked about the excellent collaboration between Msheireb Properties, Qatar Foundation, and Harvard University to issue this critical Book. At the same time, his colleague Prof. Nader Ardalan stressed on the collaboration with Gulf researchers to obtain the required data, analysis, and findings listed in the Book.

The electronic version of the Book was presented by Prof. Angela Kouveli from Harvard University, who explored the GSU Book main components and scope of research, as well as the best way to explore this electronic version of the Book.

The Gulf Sustainable Urbanism book is available in an electronic version and a special print edition of 900 pages, size 11″ x17″ in two volumes with nearly 1,000 illustrations/analytical diagrams in high-quality graphics.

The GSU book results from more than nine years of research; it started in 2011, with the first phase completed in 2020. The study covers three periods: past, present, and the future. Harvard University has completed the first phase, “The Past,” and released the first part of the Book, which covered ten cities in eight countries bordering the Gulf’s coastal zone: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and Iraq. The study framework was based upon three research topics: (1) Environment/Public Health, (2) Social/Cultural/Economic, and (3) Urban Form/Architecture. These research topics are studied at four ‘scales’: region, city, neighborhood, and dwelling unit.

Following the official launch, a special panel discussion was moderated by prof. John Spengler from Harvard University gathered Ibrahim Jaidah, Group CEO & Chief Architect Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB), Dr. Rogaia Abusharaf, Professor of Anthropology at Georgetown University in Qatar, Dr. Andreas Georgoulias, Harvard University, and Reza Pourvaziry, First Global Advocate of UN-Habitat.

The launch event will be followed by online panel discussions on October 14 and 21 (with two sessions each day) to discuss different topics related to ‘the historic environment, culture, and economy of the Gulf region,’ ‘the development of urbanism, and public health of the Gulf region,’ ‘the traditional neighborhoods and architecture of the Gulf region,’ and a special session titled ‘The study of the past inform future sustainable urbanism in the Gulf.’

For more information and registration, visit: www.gsubooklaunch.com

Msheireb Properties to launch the “Gulf Sustainable Urbanism” Book

Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundationare are set to launch the ‘Gulf Sustainable Urbanism’ Book, researched and written by Harvard University, during a simultaneous in-person and virtual event to be held on 7 October.

Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation collaborated with Harvard University to undertake a multi-year research study to establish a holistic framework documenting, analyzing and deciphering the principles of urban sustainability of selected case study cities in the region. The launch of the book will bring together experts and professors from Qatar and the wider region, in addition to professors from Harvard University and guests. A unique blended in-person and virtual event will be hosted by Msheireb Properties and held simultaneaously at Msheireb Museums and on a dedicated on-line virtual platform.

Speakers in the session will be Ibrahim Jaidah, Group CEO & Chief Architect Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB), Dr. Rogaia Abusharaf, Professor of Anthropology at Georgetown University in Qatar, Dr. Andreas Georgoulias, Harvard University, and Reza Pourvaziry, First Global Advocate of UN-Habitat.

The launch event will be followed by on-line panel discussions on October 14 and 21 (with two sessions each day) to discuss different topics related to ‘the historic environment, culture, and economy of the Gulf region’, ‘the development of urbanism, and public health of the Gulf region’, ‘the traditional neighborhoods and architecture of the Gulf region’, and a special session titled ‘The study of the past informs future sustainable urbanism in the Gulf.’

Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, said: “We are proud to launch this important book that provides a comprehensive and in-depth study on sustainable urbanism in the Gulf region and its impact on other aspects of life. Sustainability, which is a core value of Msheireb Properties, \has a huge impact on our present and future. This value is clearly reflected in our flagship development project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, which is an exemplary model of modern sustainable cities. We thank Harvard University for the great effort to conduct this study, which is the main reference for Qatar and the whole Gulf region”.

For watching the live launching event and the following panel discussion, you can register on https://www.gsubooklaunch.com/.

Msheireb Properties and Qatar Foundation sponsorship and funding of the book reflects their effort in supporting sustainable urbanism and preserving the environment through funding field researches, building strong relationships with scientific and research institutions such as Harvard University, and supporting the studies that have a direct benefit on Qatar and the region. The GSU book is a reference for academic institutions, universities, libraries, and researchers in sustainability and urban planning. This ground-breaking body of research knowledge holds the potential to be transformed into useful guidance for making holistic, sustainable decisions for the future urbanism of the Gulf region.

The Gulf Sustainable Urbanism book is available in an electronic version and a special print edition of 900 pages, size 11″ x17″ in two volumes with nearly 1,000 illustrations/analytical diagrams in high-quality graphics.

The GSU book results from more than nine years of research; it started in 2011, with the first phase completed in 2020. The study covers three periods: past, present, and the future. Harvard University has completed the first phase, “The Past,” and released the first part of the book, which covered eight countries and ten cities bordering the coastal zone of the Gulf: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and Iraq.

For more information and registration, visit: https://www.gsubooklaunch.com/