Msheireb Downtown Doha has emerged as a major creative and media hub this year. Can you tell us about some of the significant organizations that have chosen to make MDD their home in 2024?
Msheireb Downtown Doha for this year alone has yet again established itself as a dynamic creative, media, and business hub through several strategic developments. These key moves have shaped the area into an environment that supports innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
In September, Media City Qatar relocated its headquarters to Msheireb Downtown Doha, marking an important development in the area’s growth as a centre for creative industries and technological advancement. This move confirmed the downtown’s position as a vibrant ecosystem that attracts major players in media, content creation, and digital innovation.
In October, the Government Communications Office (GCO) also moved to the downtown, further positioning the development as a central hub for media and communications in Qatar. The GCO’s relocation highlighted its role in supporting the country’s strategic communications efforts and in conveying Qatar’s achievements and initiatives to the public.
Also in October, Msheireb welcomed the first regional TikTok studio and a Snap Inc. office (developer of Snapchat platform), marking another milestone in its evolution into a global digital hub. The presence of these social media giants brought cutting-edge content creation and influencer activity to Qatar’s growing digital landscape, further enhancing the downtown’s reputation in the media space.
In December, the International Media Office (IMO) became the first governmental media-related entity to open in Msheireb. This step solidified the downtown’s position as Qatar’s key global hub for media and communications. The IMO’s presence ensures improved communication between regional and international media, non-government organisations (NGOs), and think tanks, while also supporting government entities in sharing Qatar’s policies and vision with the world.
Through these strategic moves and partnerships, Msheireb Downtown Doha has attracted major international institutions and digital innovators, confirming its status as a leading destination for media, creativity, and business in Qatar.
The announcement of Qatar Airways moving its global headquarters to Msheireb in 2025 made headlines. How do you see this and other major institutions’ choices to relocate here reflecting on MDD’s growing status as a business hub?
Msheireb Downtown Doha has quickly become a sought-after destination for major institutions, demonstrating its growing appeal to large companies and organisations. Aside from being a global media hub, the recent announcement by Qatar Airways to relocate its global headquarters to Msheireb in 2025 highlights its status as a key business district. Qatar Airways’ move further establishes the downtown as a central business hub in Qatar, attracting both local and international attention for its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location.
This trend highlights the development’s growing importance as a hub for various sectors, from media and communications to finance and technology. As the district continues to expand, it is poised to become a centre for financial services in Qatar, with plans already underway for major financial institutions to establish a presence in the area soon. This shift positions Msheireb Downtown Doha to potentially become a key financial city in the region.
Looking ahead, Msheireb’s appeal continues to attract significant players from a variety of sectors. The announcement of a workspace network moving to the downtown further strengthens its reputation as a multi-faceted business ecosystem. Companies are increasingly seeking flexible, collaborative spaces, and Msheireb offers the ideal environment to meet those needs.
As more international corporations set up operations in the area, Msheireb Downtown Doha is well on its way to becoming the leading destination for both businesses and innovation in Qatar, and underscores the downtown’s potential to become one of the most desirable and forward-thinking destinations in the region for businesses seeking a strategic base in the heart of Doha.
Looking ahead to 2025, what are your plans for further developing Msheireb Downtown Doha’s role in Qatar’s tourism, culture, and financial sectors?
Looking ahead to 2025, Msheireb Downtown Doha is set to make a strong influence on Qatar’s tourism and culture sectors. The district’s emphasis on partnerships with government entities and cultural institutions positions it as an ideal venue for conferences, seminars, talks, and other events. By hosting a wide range of cultural and business gatherings, the downtown will continue to contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a leading global cultural destination, offering both locals and international visitors opportunities to engage with the country’s heritage, innovation, and development.
Msheireb Downtown Doha proudly features an entire city district where all buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development. This commitment to green building standards demonstrates downtown’s dedication to creating an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient community, supporting Qatar’s broader sustainability goals while providing businesses and residents with an innovative and eco-friendly environment.
On the business front, the arrival of international financial institutions in the first month of 2025 will further strengthen the downtown’s status as a premier business district. The presence of these global institutions will contribute to the area’s growth, reinforcing Msheireb as a destination for investment and innovation in the financial sector. These additions will complement the district’s existing business ecosystem, positioning it as a central hub for corporate and financial services.
Moreover, events such as the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, set for January 2025, will emphasise how Msheireb has been a platform for international collaboration since its inception. This conference, bringing together industry leaders from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will explore the future of innovation and investment, showcasing the region’s growing importance as an economic centre.
Msheireb Properties has received several prestigious awards this year. Could you share some of these achievements, and tell us about the current occupancy rates at MDD?
In 2024, Msheireb Downtown Doha achieved significant milestones, reaffirming its position as a leader in sustainable development and urban regeneration in Qatar. One of the standout moments was winning the Big 5 Global Impact Awards, where Msheireb received the Liveable City Initiative of the Year award. This recognition emphasises the district’s commitment to creating a thriving, sustainable urban environment that prioritises quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Another major achievement came in June, when Msheireb Properties set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Underground Car Park, further showcasing the downtown’s innovative design and commitment to sustainability. The district also garnered additional praise for its environmental and cultural efforts, winning the Green Apple Award for Beautiful Buildings for the eco-conscious renovation of Doha’s heritage houses into Msheireb Museums.
Beyond these accolades, Msheireb Downtown Doha continued to make progress in Qatar’s tourism and heritage sectors. At the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024, both the downtown and Msheireb Museums were recognised for their contributions to sustainable tourism and heritage preservation. Msheireb Downtown Doha also took home honours at the Big 5 Global Impact Awards, securing the Conservation and Heritage Initiative of the Year award. In November, the downtown earned the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA) Middle East Award for Urban Design and Planning Excellence, underscoring the district’s influence on urban development in the region.
As of now, Msheireb Downtown Doha is seeing strong demand across both its commercial and residential spaces. Commercial occupancy is currently over 94%, reflecting the district’s appeal to multinational businesses and institutions. Residential spaces also show strong performance, with occupancy rates exceeding 80%, making the downtown a highly sought-after address for both business and residential living in Doha. These successes are complemented by major announcements, such as Qatar Airways relocating its global headquarters to Msheireb in 2025, further cementing the district’s importance as a global business and media hub.
Zulal Wellness Resort has had a remarkable year. What would you say are its key achievements in establishing itself as a unique family wellness destination?
Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som has firmly established itself as a unique family wellness destination in Qatar, with significant achievements in both media recognition and wellness services. It has seen an incredible year of growth, making big strides in media reach and recognition. Media coverage has grown massively, with reach jumping from 312 million in July 2024 to 982 million by December. Media value also saw a sharp rise, going from $196,000 to $1.6 million. The number of mentions climbed from 28 in July to 177 by December. It’s clear that Zulal’s story is gaining momentum and getting noticed by the right audiences.
The resort has been featured across a wide range of media platforms, helping to spread its message far and wide. A 25-minute documentary aired on Qatar TV during National Day featured Zulal’s role in health and medical tourism. Exclusive interviews with The Peninsula, Al Sharq, Gulf Times, and Al Raya added to the buzz, along with TV and radio features on Hayatna and SAHTAK. Local platforms like Doha News, Qatar Living, I Love Qatar, and 974.QA also shared Zulal’s story. Internationally, its sustainability efforts were showcased on BBC Arabic, showcasing the resort’s technological advancements and environmental stewardship.
Zulal Wellness Resort has earned widespread recognition in 2024 and secured multiple awards for its exceptional services and sustainability efforts. At the Qatar Tourism Awards, the resort was honoured for Exceptional Resort and Spa Experiences, while its commitment to eco-friendly practices was recognised with a win at the Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition by Kahramaa. It also named Spa of the Year at the Ohlala Spa and Wellness Awards.
Internationally, Zulal was named one of the Top 21 “Best Wellness Experiences” by National Geographic’s Best of the World 2024 and won Multigenerational Wellness Resort of the Year at the Compare Retreats Luxury Wellness Travel Awards. It was recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Retreat at the World Travel Awards and Best Spa Retreat in the Middle East by The Luxury Spa Edit Awards. Zulal also ranked among the Top 10 Best Destination Spas globally in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2024.
Zulal has also built strong partnerships to expand its reach and impact. It served as the Official Wellness Partner for the Aspire Academy Global Summit 2024, showing its leadership in wellness and sports recovery. Collaborations with WISH 2024, Sidra Medicine’s Science Café Series, and the Qatar Olympic Committee further boosted its reputation.
We’ve seen Msheireb Museums forge important partnerships with various ministries and institutions. How have these collaborations enhanced its cultural significance?
Msheireb Museums has established important partnerships with various ministries and institutions, positioning itself as a vibrant space for sparking conversation and driving social impact, rather than just focusing on traditional exhibitions.
For instance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Msheireb Museums successfully hosted the 7th edition of the Visual Arts Creators Exhibition, with the theme “Art Reflecting the Shift Towards Sustainability.” This exhibition brought together diverse perspectives, encouraging public dialogue on the pressing environmental issues of our time.
In another notable collaboration, the museum partnered with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI) on a groundbreaking research project to address digital citizenship in Qatar. The museum also worked with the Youth Entrepreneur Club to create a space for young business leaders to discuss vital topics on entrepreneurship, highlighting the museum’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in Qatar.
Further solidifying its commitment to social impact, Msheireb Museums partnered with Naufar to host the “Recovery Road” art exhibition, marking International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This collaboration used art to raise awareness of the importance of wellness and recovery, demonstrating how the museum creates a platform for vital societal conversations.
By integrating technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into its exhibits, Msheireb Museums enhances visitor experiences and deepens the impact of its narrative-driven approach. The museum’s commitment to using its space for education, public dialogue, and social impact makes it a unique cultural destination in Qatar. By engaging the community in meaningful conversations and addressing important societal issues, the museum goes beyond being a traditional cultural institution. It serves as a dynamic space where visitors can explore contemporary topics, deepen their understanding of cultural heritage, and participate in discussions that shape the future. And these initiatives and event are how Msheireb Museums creates an inclusive, thought-provoking environment that encourages dialogue, and community engagement.
How have your technology partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Schneider Electric contributed to realizing MDD’s smart city vision?
Msheireb Downtown Doha has set the standard for innovation within Qatar’s vision for a smart, sustainable future, and has yet again this year reaffirmed its position as the world’s fully built smart and sustainable city district. Through its strategic partnerships with global technology leaders like Microsoft and Schneider Electric, the district is pioneering advanced solutions that align with the broader goals of creating smart, human-centric urban spaces.
The collaboration with Microsoft is a prime example of how technology is being used to enhance everyday urban life. By harnessing cloud computing, AI, and big data, the “Smart Experience” at Msheireb Downtown Doha is improving how residents, visitors, and businesses interact with their environment. This integration of cutting-edge technologies not only elevates daily experiences but also provides a living model for future smart cities, while remaining closely connected to Qatar’s cultural heritage and values.
Additionally, the partnership with Schneider Electric further strengthens the district’s leadership in smart city development. With its expertise in digital automation and energy management, Schneider Electric is helping to optimise the sustainability and operational efficiency of the district. A key initiative is their three-month Proof of Concept project, which will examine applications such as smart traffic management, predictive maintenance for buildings, and advanced energy solutions. These technologies are designed to address challenges proactively, ensuring a more seamless, efficient urban experience.
Together, these collaborations with Microsoft and Schneider Electric are shaping the future of Msheireb Downtown Doha as a smart city that prioritises sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, establishing it as a model for urban developments worldwide.
These developments make Msheireb Downtown Doha as a living laboratory for advanced technologies, including real-time data analytics and automated systems, which are continuously refined to provide scalable solutions for urban development across the globe. This approach further establishes the downtown and Msheireb Properties as a leader in the creation of smart, sustainable cities, contributing significantly to Qatar’s urban evolution while aligning with national goals. Through its ongoing commitment to innovation and the integration of state-of-the-art technology, Msheireb Downtown Doha strengthens its reputation as a model for future urban growth and economic advancement.
2024 has been an eventful year for MDD. Could you highlight some of the major events that have helped establish it as a key destination for both families and businesses?
Throughout 2024, Msheireb Downtown Doha has firmly established itself as a family destination, social hub, community centre, and specialty venue, thanks to a diverse range of events that attracted both local and international visitors. One notable event is when the district saw an incredible turnout during the AFC Asian Cup in February, with over 2.5 million football fans and visitors visited the downtown, providing a unique opportunity for them to experience Msheireb’s dynamic offerings. Over 41,000 people used the tram service, and more than 14,000 visited Msheireb Galleria daily, illustrating the district’s influence in Doha’s social and cultural fabric.
In addition to sporting events, Msheireb Museums hosted launched the Science Café series in collaboration with Sidra Medicine, running throughout the year. These public engagement sessions on precision medicine, lifestyle, and groundbreaking advancements became an important gathering space for families and individuals, providing opportunities for learning and conversation in a relaxed, community-oriented environment. This initiative, along with discussions hosted with the Youth Entrepreneur Club, also reinforced Msheireb’s position as a centre for young business leaders and innovators.
The Innovation by Design Summit in April and the TEFFA AI Revolution in May further elevated Msheireb as a hub for cutting-edge ideas, attracting industry leaders and visionaries. These events encouraged thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of design, technology, and urban development, appealing to both professionals and the wider community. Msheireb Downtown Doha has also expanded its reach into digital spaces, creating a unique Roblox experience in collaboration with Metahug to showcase Qatari culture, underlining the area’s appeal to younger audiences.
Msheireb continued its engagement with the community through art and charity, launching the “Echo of Lost Innocence” installation in partnership with Qatar Charity in September, and supporting humanitarian causes through initiatives like the group art exhibition “For the Children of Gaza.” These efforts illustrated the district’s commitment to social responsibility and creating a sense of connection and shared purpose.
The year ended with a series of high-profile events, with Msheireb Downtown Doha successfully attracting more than 15 million visitors and tram ridership exceeding one million passengers, cementing its position as a vital platform for discussions on innovation, business, and sustainability, while reinforcing its role as a leading destination for families and a central gathering point for Qatar’s diverse communities.
