Mina District to serve as a tourist attraction for World Cup fans
In an effort to attract FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans as tourists, the Old Doha Port area has been transformed into a cruise ship marina. There are now more than 50 cafes and restaurants, 100 shops, and 150 hotel apartments in the city, all with a new look influenced by Qatari design.
Eng. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mulla, Executive Director of Administration for the Old Doha Port stated at a press conference that, following the transfer of cargo operations to Hamad Port, it took four years to transform Doha port into a new tourist destination and a marina for cruise ships.
He stated that 800,000 square meters were devoted to the endeavor, confirming that a passenger terminal is included in the structure. Qatar Tourism anticipates that the facility will attract more than 300,000 visitors annually; it will also accommodate passengers arriving via cruise ship.
The official opening of the port will take place prior to the start of the World Cup, as Al Mulla stated. "The port area is open from 4 pm to 10 pm until November 15; once officially inaugurated, it will be open from 4 pm to 2 am prior to the World Cup events," he added, that all shops within the port area were for rent.
The project includes a mixed-use area with more than 50 cafes and restaurants, and more than 100 shops, the majority of which will be interested in marine activities and water sports, it also includes 150 hotel apartments, and a main hotel with 30 rooms, adding that the design of the project was inspired by sea shipping containers, and a new city was built within it inspired by Qatari architecture, particularly houses located along the Qatari coast.
Al Mulla said that the port has three categories for receiving yachts, a marina for small-sized yachts and 30 wooden boats that will serve as floating hotels for World Cup guests. He added that the port will receive visiting personal vessels and that 50 parking spaces have been reserved to receive mega yachts between 50 and 160 meters in length with reservations.
In coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, the General Authority of Customs, the WOQOD company, and the Mwani company, great facilities have been put in place for people entering the country with their yachts, with entry and inspection taking place at the port, he added.
The new Doha port is part of the Corniche and follows the same regulations as the Corniche area and Hayya Card and official permits will be required for entry for employees, working cadres, tenants, and guests of floating hotels and wooden ships. He also stated that fans will be able to walk to the port.
During the World Cup, the port will have bus stops connecting fans to the major stations in Souq Waqif, which will help transport fans to the country's major event sites. He noted that the metro station close to the Qatar National Museum is 500 meters from the port.
The port, located near the Corniche and Stadium 974, will offer World Cup fans a new experience, according to the Director of Operations and Projects at the Old Doha Port.
The port is equipped with a floating gas station in the Marina area that is open year-round to serve the needs of mariners, as well as ice-supply shops, a floating supermarket, and all elements of security and safety in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of the Interior and the security and safety system of civil defense.
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