Building a Heritage‑Driven Smart City in Doha

Msheireb Downtown Doha is restoring Qatar’s historic core using smart infrastructure, sustainable practices, and cultural preservation—creating a modern urban model rooted in tradition.

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Msheireb

Msheireb Downtown Doha, developed by Msheireb Properties (a Qatar Foundation subsidiary), is globally recognized as the first integrated smart and sustainable downtown regeneration project.

Covering over 310,000 m² in central Doha, it blends 100+ LEED-certified buildings with heritage architecture, commercial zones, cultural venues, and a hydrogen-powered tram system—all anchored in Qatar’s sustainability agenda and national vision.

Located at the core of Doha, the district revives Qatari architectural identity through traditional materials, passive cooling, and walkable streets. At the same time, it embeds modern technology—more than 650,000 IoT sensors manage energy, water, and waste systems, while a centralized smart command centre monitors everything in real time.

What Makes It Smart

  • Heritage meets sustainability: Traditional wind tower concepts, shaded alleyways, and high-performance materials reduce energy and water use by up to 30%.

  • Integrated smart systems: A network of 650,000+ connected devices enables urban monitoring, building automation, and responsive city services.

  • Cultural and civic space: Msheireb Museums preserve four historic Qatari houses; tram lines and public squares foster tourism, community, and cultural continuity.

  • Collaborative innovation: Partnerships with Microsoft and others bring AI-driven data analytics to urban services, positioning Msheireb as a replicable blueprint for future cities.

Delivering Smart, Human-Centric Urbanism

Msheireb is more than a redevelopment—it’s a lived urban solution. It repurposes the city’s roots through museums, public plazas, and a hydrogen-powered tram, all framed by smart infrastructure. This integration enhances liveability, drives cultural tourism, and positions the district as a model for sustainable inner-city transformation in the Gulf and beyond.

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