Msheireb Downtown: All you need to know
Qatar's legacy has always included a significant amount of art, culture, and magnificent architecture. One such city is the downtown area of Msheireb. It is well situated in the middle of Doha, Qatar's aspirational and booming capital city. Msheireb Downtown is a city in transition with contemporary architecture, sparkling white mosques, and a variety of history museums located in elegant palaces in the Arabic style.
The location is metro-accessible and also houses the main Doha Metro hub where all three metro lines: Golden Line, Green Line, and Red Line intersect. In addition to this, Msheireb Downtown is Qatar's step towards more sustainable living as it has one of the highest concentrations of gold or Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified sustainable buildings in Qatar.
Museums
An initiative by Msheireb Properties called Msheireb Museums honors the history of four ancient homes in the center of Msheireb Downtown Doha, the capital of Qatar. The Msheireb Museums are a crucial component of the inner city's revitalization of the former commercial district with its customary communal way of life.
The following have been restored and turned into top-tier museums:
The Bin Jelmood House
Bin Jelmood House's primary goal is to spread awareness and be a key player in the worldwide elimination of human exploitation. Explore the past to learn how slavery evolved over thousands of years as civilizations advanced. The House examines how Islam contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery by outlining principles for treating slaves humanely and integrating them into society. In Qatar, the narrative starts with slavery and ends with shared freedom and wealth. The building honors and recognizes the social, cultural, and economic contributions of those who were once held in slavery to the advancement of human civilizations.
The museum offers a place to consider the history of slavery and how it changed into contemporary types of human exploitation. Additionally, the Bin Jelmood House offers guests a chance to publicly pledge their support for the struggle against human exploitation in all of its forms.
Mohammed Bin Jassim House
We travel back in time in this home to appreciate Doha's past and distinctive architectural legacy. This heritage home, which was built by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Jassim Al-Thani, the son of the country's founding father, "addresses the past," "the present," and "the sustainable aspect" upon which Msheireb Downtown Doha is founded. The Echo Memory Art Project, which makes use of artifacts found during site excavation, is housed at the museum. The home illustrates how Msheireb's historic values serve as the cornerstones for Doha's future growth and introduces the way Msheireb has changed through time by bringing back memories of the past, exhibiting the present, and including guests in the city's future goals.
Mohammed Bin Jassim House serves as an example of Qatar's struggle to create a balance between the complex demands of modern life and the duty to maintain "local tradition and culture."
Company House
This museum depicts the tale of the pioneering Qatari petroleum industry employees and their families, who helped turn Qatar into a modern society. It is housed in a building that originally served as the headquarters for Qatar's first oil firm. Witness first-hand tales of the men who toiled to build the foundations of their fledgling nation in addition to providing for their families.
These Qatari pioneers "demonstrated exceptional commitment, unfazed by obstacles and disappointments," ushering in the age of oil exploration. Find inspiration in their persistence and devotion to the construction of contemporary Qatar by listening to their tales in their own words and learning about how they toiled to create a brighter future for their family and nation.
The Radwani House
This 1920s-era home, which has been restored, "presents traditional Qatari family life" and "collects, preserves, and shares memories of Qatar." Radwani House provides visitors an insight into how family life evolved in Qatar over the years. The house showcases not only the manner in which it changed over time, but also how domestic family life was transformed in Doha. Excavation works carried out by archaeologists at Radwani House constituted the very first archaeological digs in the center of the city. These excavations have produced a number of important finds which provide some clues to daily life during those times.
Timings: Sunday: Close, Monday to Thursday: 9am – 5pm, Friday: 3pm – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Visitor guidelines:
- Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
- During opening hours, visitors are welcome to interact with all the museums at their leisure.
- Opening hours are subject to change during national holidays.
- You will be required to show your EHTERAZ app on entry and to wear your own face mask.
Contact: +974 4006 5555
Email: museums@msheireb.com
Msheireb Tram
Qatar's public transport system has recently been improved, making travel easier for both citizens and foreigners. Scroll down to find out everything there is to know about the Tram and Msheireb Downtown Doha!
To get about Msheireb Downtown Doha, take the free Msheireb Tram. Electric trams have air conditioning and unique light-filtering glass panels on their exteriors. The self-powered trams in Msheireb operate a 2.12-kilometer closed-loop circuit and include 33 seats as well as onboard CCTV and Wi-Fi. At the moment, three trams operate every six minutes and make stops at nine different places.
Cost: Free for all
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 am - 12 pm, 4 pm - 9 pm; Friday: 4 pm - 9 pm
Hotels
Alwadi Doha MGallery
Alwadi Doha MGallery is located on the crossroads of Wadi Msheireb Street and Jassim bin Mohammed Street, a 15 minutes' drive from Hamad International Airport. Experience carefully crafted interiors that incorporate modern interior design elements with Arabic patterns and Qatari hues. The elegant rooms and suites offer a truly luxury home-away-from-home experience with soft carpeting under your feet, welcoming armchairs, pristine bed linens, and comfy beds for a restful night's sleep, as well as the newest audio-visual, lighting, and lighting technologies.
Contact: +974 4009 9999
Website: Alwadi Doha MGallery
Location: Msheireb Downtown
Mandarin Oriental Doha
The 158 rooms and 91 service apartments that make up Qatar's first Mandarin Oriental Hotel will accommodate both tourists and business people. Contemporary creative interpretations of regional traditions will be found in the guest rooms, together with a little oriental influence.
The famous customer-focused and highly advanced in-room entertainment systems from Mandarin Oriental will be a significant feature. In addition, there will be a luxurious spa, a number of dining options, entertainment alternatives, vast conference space, function rooms, and an executive boardroom. The hotel will also include a variety of exclusive stores to meet the demands of its illustrious guests.
Contact: +974 4008 8888
Website: Mandarin Oriental Doha
Location: Barahat Msheireb Street
Park Hyatt
In close proximity to the commercial sector in Msheireb Downtown is the eminent Park Hyatt-Doha hotel, a remarkable five-star hotel. An unparalleled elegance and modern luxury experience will be offered at the Park Hyatt-Doha. With 181 rooms and suites, 1,750 sqm of cutting-edge recreation and leisure facilities, including a spa and gym, and more than 2,000 sqm of ballroom and meeting spaces outfitted with cutting-edge audio-visual and communications technologies to conduct corporate level business gatherings and meetings, it will provide a full slate of five-star amenities and levels of individualized service unmatched in the industry.
The Park Hyatt-Doha will include two major restaurants, a rooftop lounge, and 1,660 sqm of thoughtfully planned food and beverage outlets, which will help the hotel become one of the most sought-after hospitality destinations in the city.
Contact: +974 4009 1234
Website: Park Hyatt
Location: Wadi Msheireb Street
M7
The newest hub for innovation and startup in Doha, M7 is the go-to spot for creative professionals in the country. From fashion and design to technology, there’s an epicenter for innovation and entrepreneurship for all these topics. M7 is conveniently located in the Downtown Msheireb area and features various programs, spaces, and studios to empower designers to develop, explore and collaborate on different businesses.
M7 is the leading creative hub in the country that is developing and changing as per the industry’s demand for fashion and design, providing all the important equipment and expertise that makes a concept into a product in the market.
If you’re looking to explore M7, you can visit any of their designated areas:
Exhibition Programs
Offering Qatar a brand new ray of exposure, M7 hosts inspiring, world-class exhibitions that depict creativity and the need of the trending market today. You can explore the ongoing exhibitions at the M7 Exhibition program as you focus on design, photography, film, and global fashion. The area is divided into three gallery spaces that promote education, engagement, and a unique learning experience tailor-made for the audience. You will often find local and international creatives displaying their work here.
In addition to this, one of the integral parts of M7’s Exhibition Program is the learning and co-working spaces, the incubation programs and the talks and events that the space holds. M7’s vision speaks of inspiring the public through design as it becomes the cultural hub of the country.
Spaces
You will find various practical spaces to experiment and learn such as the Cutting Studio, which gives creative professionals and aspiring designers opportunities for learning. You can network here, brainstorm for new ideas and have opportunities to trade experiences and tips with your fellow creatives over a casual cup of coffee!
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At M7 you will also find design consultations from specialists which you can also book individually. From fabric to trimming, production to pattern, you’ve walked into a very fashionable state of mind as Scale7 acts as a supporting end for emerging designers and fashion houses. Qatar’s first fashion and design business incubator, Scale7 serves as a platform with knowledge and resources newbies might need to make their mark in the industry. You can explore the various studios including fabrication, fashion, jewelry, graphics, and photography.
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If you’re looking for a contemporary studio that inspires and brings out the best in your work, head to the Workinton at M7. A flexible environment with all materials a new fashion start-up could need, Workinton’s unique space is designed keeping visionaries in mind. Revolutionizing the way startups are seen in Qatar, this space promotes innovation through startup-corporate engagement. From ready-to-move-in offices, multimedia studios, and event spaces to co-working spaces, and cafes - Workinton is for those who have an entrepreneurial drive. Get access to legal and PRO services or work in the silent working pods, book yourself an amphitheater or get creative in the discussion room - there’s something to cater to every situation!
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Furthermore, rooted in Arab culture, you can also explore Studio 7 which explores local entrepreneurs as you embrace the fashion and culture of Doha. From design to technology, the store showcases the very best of Arab craftsmanship.
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With its reputation to host the finest of fashion globally, M7’s Sky Theater is situated on the 3rd floor with the hub’s dedicated space for exhibitions and special events. The versatile space is ideal for intimate events and often acts as the perfect location for events like film screenings on its outdoor LED screen and sound system. Events take a lush new flair with the special lighting and translation booths, making M7’s events all the more successful.
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Coffee shops
If there’s one thing that Msheireb is most famous for, it's the coffee shops! From local brews to internationally acclaimed names, you can simply visit Msheireb, grab a coffee from the acclaimed %Arabica or The Ministry of Coffee, and explore the space. New coffee shops are popping up every other day, given the popularity of Msheireb downtown. The newly acclaimed Harrods tea room has also been taking the country by storm and you will find yourself sipping some of the finest in town! And if nothing seems appealing, head over the toe Hangout cafe to literally, just hang out!
Restaurants
The restaurant scene inside Msheireb Downtown is pretty vibrant, with many different restaurants that offer diverse cuisines for varying tastebuds. These places offer a la carte dining options as well as set business lunch menus that can make for a lovely dining experience overlooking the Downtown street while you lunch/dine. Restaurants like Kyoto, Said Dal, Saasna, IZU, Sumosan, Ramen Restaurant, Reberu, Trapani, Viva Mexico and others set to open up soon.
Mosque
The Msheireb Downtown Mosque is another beautiful structure housed within the streets of Downtown. The mosque and its minaret, although quite simple at first glance, featuring more intricate patterns and motifs on closer look. The monument employs the use of stone and Qatari materials to create a contemplative space for worshippers to find a moment of solitude amidst the hustle of Downtown.
Msheireb Galleria
Msheireb Galleria is the pinnacle of amalgamation of luxury, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Located at the heart of Msheireb Downtown, this mall offers a new shopping experience with its unique retail and art spaces.
Whether you wish to visit an all encompassing supermarket, or a beauty lounge, find statement jewelry pieces for your special occasions or just adore some art pieces, this little gem has it all!
Supermarket
Monoprix - Msheireb
The first Monoprix in Qatar with SMART Retail Solution - one of the most advanced retail software for enhanced customer service. In addition to this, the store provides Concierge and the Shop & Go concepts, making the shopping experience for residents and visitors more convenient. It features a self-check out zone which is particularly popular amongst the quick buyers. Monoprix Msheireb offers an extensive organic range of 12,000 items sourced internationally, as well as a new dine-in Qatari-food concept, sushi bar and pasta & pizza corner.
Luxury Perfume Stores
Al Jazeera Perfumes
The Essence Of Heritage And Modernity - Al-Jazeera Perfumes maintains one of the finest and most exclusive libraries of perfume oils in the Middle East. Al-Jazeera perfumes have been in Doha since 2002 and are a focal point of luxury perfumes, especially for customer gifts.
Artal Perfumes
Artal - An Arabic noun with the meaning of “Beauty within everything”. Artal Perfumes is rooted from Oman, the land of frankincense. They offer a range of distinctive fragrances be it warm, fresh, fruity or smoky catering well to your olfactory senses.
Fratelli Diamanti Parfum Milano
A luxurious yet reasonably priced array of perfumes, candles and room fragrances adorn this store. At Fratelli you can curate a scent just the way you want and smell the difference.
Secret Notes - Luxury Perfumes
Secret notes feature some of the rarest scents of niche brands from across the world.
Beauty
Ova beauty lounge
Get pampered with smart express hair and nails services as well as complete hair and SPA Mani/Pedi treatments at Ova Beauty Lounge. The lounge also offers a variety of the finest nails and hair products.
Nail Station
Acrylic or natural, classic color or nail art, a manicure and pedicure treatment is always a necessity. Check out Nail Station to indulge yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Buco - Piercing Parlor
Have you had your eye on a specific piercing? Then head to Buco for a highly professional team of licensed piercers to guide you into getting your perfectly jeweled ear!
Cafes
EL&N - London
Putting its foot from London directly into the electrified hub of Doha, EL&N cafe is visible to every eye with its glistening pink hues. Their endless Instagrammable ethics will have you not leaving soon.
ERA
Coffee, food and nature are everyone's best friends. Indulge yourselves in a new down to Earth Experience at this tiny coffee shop in Galleria.
The Little Art Gallery
Get a fresh perspective on life and art as you pass by “the little art gallery” adorned with stunning pieces of digital artwork by Qatari Artist Nasser Alkubaisi, who also happens to be the senior interior designer at Msheireb properties.
Jewelry or Crystal Art
The Galleria is lined with shops of unique and statement jewelry pieces, where every piece of jewelry tells a story. Speak the sparkle of stylish and young with their elegant and dazzling collections. Featured brands include Monomi Jewels and Kaltham’s Pavilion, featuring exceptional jewelry style crafted with rare diamonds and gemstones.
Illuminate your home or spaces with rare crystal art collections from Hurra Qatar or the Crystal House. They specialize in chandeliers, home decor and crystal artifacts.
Retail
Brimming with a spectacular collection of stores the Galleria seems to have handpicked only the best. There are designer abayas (Qatari traditional outfits) available at Projecttwo, Sunglasses collections from famous international brands available at Vetro, distinctive watches, glasses, hats and neon signs at Spaceship, latest technology and lifestyle products at Phonebooth, speciality beverage equipments for all coffee and tea lovers at Hot Cup and More, and kids accessories - unique pieces made by emerging designers from all around the globe at the concept store Odd.
Pharmacy
The first pharmacy downtown, Kulud Pharmacy boasts a vast collection of the best international brands in Skincare & Haircare, medicines, supplements, baby care products and much more.
Galleria Corner
Situated right opposite the EL&N cafe is this cozy corner with seats and tables for people to stop by, relax or even work while not having to hear the buzz of any coffee or tea machines.This hangout space is perfect for days you do not wish to work from home.
Abaya boutiques
Keeping with its upscale image, Msheireb Downtown also has some notable abaya boutiques catering to the more premium clientele. These stores stock limited edition designer abayas that are tailored to perfect and are designed for modestly chic customers. A few of the shops are Hamadis, Soleil, and Project Two.
Art Installations
From striking sculptures to specially commissioned photography, Qatar’s public art pieces are immersive, informal, yet interactive.
Turquoise City by Mark Handforth
Mark Handforth is a British-born sculptor who works in Miami, Florida.
A site-specific piece, Turquoise City is a response to the artist’s visit to Msheireb Downtown Doha. Irregularly chopped and jauntily stacked, this monumental sculpture forms an abstract yet organic spiral made from urban and industrial matter.
Turquoise City suggests the inevitable curling motion of winding and unwinding, much like the unfolded beginnings of life. Inspired by the brightly colored ceramics found in the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Handforth has adapted this noticeably blue sculpture as a focal point amidst the bustle of the city in recognition of Doha’s emerging growth.
Rose III by Isa Genzken
In her large-scale public sculptures, renowned German artist Isa Genzken explores the relationship between architecture, nature and popular culture. Rose III is an eight-meter-high sculpture of a single long-stemmed rose in cast aluminum and galvanized steel, placed inside the atrium of M7. It is based on an actual rose picked by the artist, which was then scanned in 3D and reproduced on a monumental scale.
Genzken produced her first Rose sculpture in the early nineties, and it has since become one of the artist’s best-known works.
Tawazun by Shua'a Ali
Shuaa Ali (b. 1974) is a Qatari artist who is recognized for her spontaneous approach to natural materials in expressing concepts of culture and present-day experiences.
Inspired by construction debris and location marks (Neshan) found in both urban and desert environments, the artist explores the relationship between past and present-day Doha using symbolic stacking of materials to create visionary, balanced, agglomerative sculptural forms
Constructed from various materials including granite, sandstone and limestone, Tawazun is a pillar that symbolizes the progression of Qatar. The geometric interaction of elements in the sculpture portrays the synergy of difficulty and stability faced in the crisis of the blockade in Qatar in 2017.
Not only is this artwork an abstract rendition of Qatar’s progress over the years, the large-scale represents an equilibrium of traditional and mot elements found in Qatar’s infamous infrastructure and heritage.
Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber) by Bruce Nauma
Designed by the world-renowned contemporary American sculptor Bruce Nauman, the 'Untitled (Trench, Shafts, Pit, Tunnel and Chamber)' is situated close to the M7 at Msheireb Doha Downtown.
The sculpture consists of two identical Corten steel shapes with concrete bases that mirror each other: the "trench" is the circular ring at the top of one shape, the "tunnel" is the circular ring on the bottom of the other, the "pit" is the triangular form opened to the sky; and the "chamber" is the triangular form pointing to the sky. Diagonal "shafts" connect the trench to the chamber, the tunnel to the "pit".
This site-specific sculpture was inspired by the energy and aesthetics of Doha.
Check out this post for interesting finds at Msheireb Downtown:
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