Doha: Those who arrive at the port of Doha will leave wondering if this was the old Doha port at least for a moment. Doha Port has become one of the main tourist attractions in the capital city for the World Cup. The old Doha Port and its surroundings have been transformed into a marina for cruise ships as part of making it a tourist destination for World Cup fans. It is to be known as a port city inspired by unique Qatari architecture with 100 shops and 150 hotel apartments.
Former Doha Port Executive Director Eng. Muhammad Abdullah Al Mulla said.
Mohammad Al Mulla added that the completed project covering an area of 8 lakh square meters will also include a main passenger terminal to receive more than 3 lakh tourists annually. It is also equipped to accommodate visitors and tourists arriving on cruise ships. Al Mulla said that even after the World Cup is over, it will remain as a legacy project and thereby benefit the country. He also informed that it will be inaugurated before the tournament.
The old port has been developed into a tourist attraction.
The port area will operate from 4 pm to 10 pm till November 15. After the official inauguration, it will work from 4 pm to 2 am before the World Cup. He also said that all the shops in this area have already been leased out.
The project includes mixed use areas with over 50 cafes and over 100 shops. It will house 150 hotel apartments and a main hotel with 30 rooms. He explained that the design of the 30-room project was inspired by shipping containers. The port will accommodate three floating hotels that can accommodate 12,000 people. He said that the hotels will arrive at the port on November 10, 14 and 18 and their reservation will be available through official platforms.
The harbor is part of the Corniche itself. The same steps are required here to enter the Corniche. Entry here is allowed only with Haya Card, official permits for employees, working cadres, tenants and guests of floating hotels. Fans are allowed to approach the pier on foot.
Bus stops are also established here to transport fans during the World Cup. Those arriving by Metra can also use the Qatar National Museum Metra station, which is 500 meters away. Located near the Corniche and Stadium 974, the port is expected to provide a new experience for World Cup fans.