Doha, Qatar, May 2, 2021: Msheireb Properties has recently participated in a virtual International Conference on sustainable smart cities and territories organized by Texas A&M University-Qatar. The virtual conference took place from April 27 to 29 to discuss the importance of adopting sustainable and smart practices in today’s urban developments.

The three days conference was attended by Eng. Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, dignitaries, high-level executives, and representatives of the public and private sectors from across GCC and Internationally. Several leading personalities and heads of centers and institutions from the field of sustainable development also participated in the conference.

Eng. Ali Al-Kuwari, Acting CEO, Msheireb Properties, presented and discussed the vision of Msheireb Properties in delivering a smart and sustainable city since its inception, making it promising contemporary urban development which combines traditional architectural language with modernity and technology.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is the world’s first fully built smart and sustainable downtown regeneration project. It reflects the vision of Msheireb Properties to revive the old commercial district of Msheireb to a contemporary city with a new architectural language that is modern yet inspired by traditional Qatari heritage and architecture. Besides, Msheireb Properties aims to change the way people think about urban living to improve their overall quality of life and to achieve one of the pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.  

During the conference, Al Kuwari has discussed the smart aspects of Msheireb Downtown Doha, quoting: “Msheireb Downtown Doha is smart from inception. Its infrastructure, applications, and systems are smart. The infrastructure is well prepared for the city to be smart, including telecommunication infrastructure, data centers, connections between the city buildings and facilities. Smart applications for monitoring and managing power and GPS have been installed within the city and a data analysis App that counts the numbers of visitors in each event or activity, along with a 3D data analysis system that allows collecting and analyzing data, comparing it, and draw conclusions. Services that end users can use are smart customer services, free WIFI across the city, smart and connected signages, wayfinding, and much more.”

“We are offering a city that is changing the way of life, enhanced water and energy efficiency, and meet the requirements of the current and future generations and businesses,” he added.

Talking about how Msheireb Downtown Doha adopts the highest standards of sustainability, Al-Kuwari stated: “Sustainability is central to Msheireb Downtown Doha in both the conservation of natural resources and the quality of its design; this reiterates our commitment to the environment and preserving natural resources,” Al-Kuwari stated.

“At Msheireb, over 5,200 rooftop solar panels and solar hot water panels are used to generate electricity. 32% of energy is saved due to the efficient building design, improved building envelopes of walls and windows, recessed windows, energy recovery to the outside air entering the building, optimized ventilation using carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors, and a high-efficiency district cooling plant. Efficient irrigation systems and native green species have been adapted to survive in dry conditions reduce landscape irrigation requirements”, he added.

Msheireb is the world’s largest certified sustainable community. All the planned buildings meet the LEED Gold standard for environmental performance, and some facilities have a platinum rating.

Msheireb Downtown Doha is Qatar’s latest sustainable and walkable city district and destination for living, leisure, and business. Located in a prime location, it offers retail, commercial, residential and civic services that will make Msheireb once more the heart of Doha.