The Doha Metro dream took another solid step forward when Qatar Rail announced the opening of registrations for commercial spaces within different station premises.

Qatar Rail opened registration for retail spaces at Red Line stations from Al Wakrah to Al Qassar (13 stations), comprising 86 retail units, reported Gulf Times.

Besides retail outlets, stations are also expected to include dedicated spaces for 46 ATMs and 27 vending machines to serve Metro users and neighbourhood customers, Qatar Rail said.

“We’re opening the registration process for retail units available at Doha Metro Red line stations. After the registration is concluded, all applications will go through a comprehensive review and selection will be made based on experience and proposed business plan,” Qatar Rail’s MD & CEO Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie told The Peninsula.

“Other factors that will be taken in consideration include store concept and the nature of the activity as we aim to achieve diversity and integration between the various retail outlets to better service our customers and metro commuters,” he added.

The transit stations provide significant foot fall and thus are premium locations for retail outlets. Stations will offer four main types of retail opportunities including services, food and beverage, convenience stores and general retail. 

Online registration will open today and close on November 30. Applications can be submitted in a few easy steps via Qatar Rail’s online retail portal retail.qr.com.qa

Doha Metro had recently announced that they would throw the doors open on a concept station for viewing by the public.

The Doha Metro, which once completed will become the fastest driverless trains in the region, has already started receiving coaches from its manufacturing facilities abroad.

Photo courtesy: The Peninsula