A new way of state-of-the-art public transport emerging in Doha, the capital city of Qatar

QEMA
QEMA
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Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is getting another important facelift. It’s the Doha Metro system.

Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is getting another important facelift. It’s the Doha Metro system.

It’s a new way of public transportation for this country and will serve both the capital and the suburbs with all major locations within easy and convenient reach. Most of the Doha Metro lines will be underground, so tunneling plays a major role in construction.

The construction company is using specialised equipment known as tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to dig the underground sections. This means that there is very little disruption to life on the surface.

The metro system will be built in two phases: the first will see the construction of three out of the four lines (Red, Gold, and Green) and 37 stations. These lines are expected to be open to the public by 2019/2020. The second phase will be completed by 2026, and will involve the expansion of the phase one lines, and the construction of an additional one โ€“ the Blue Line. Another 72 stations will also be built.

Stations play an important part โ€“ both practically and culturally โ€“ of any metro system. Architecturally, the stations will reflect the heritage of the country, with a โ€˜vaulted spacesโ€™ design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents. The largest station, Msheireb, will fall at the heart of the Doha Metro with the Red, Green and Gold lines all meeting at this point.



Stations allow a unique opportunity to add some local flavour
and personality to the Doha Metro. Therefore, all stations will be
designed in a contemporary โ€˜vaulted spaceโ€™ concept; a concept
that reflects on the heritage of the region by introducing open
spaces that mimic traditional Bedouin tents.

The design also has ornamental panel work that have a function
beyond aesthetics as they form the backbone of a dynamic lighting
and ventilation system. Through the use of traditional elements
of Islamic and local art, each station is a unique tribute to Qatari
heritage with the dhow-inspired exteriors and the โ€˜pearl-effectโ€™

The Red Line, also known as the Coast Line, runs for 40 kilometres
from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north. The line also
connects Hamad International Airport at Terminal 1 to the centre
of the city. It has 18 stations; notable ones include West Bay,
Katara, and Qatar University. The Legtaifiya Station will also allow
you to transfer over to the Lusail Light Rail Transit, in addition
to another interchange station between the metro and the tram
called Lusail Central.

The line offers a very convenient and reliable alternative to
driving within the heart of the capital. A trip from the airport to
Lusail, currently taking nearly an hour and a half at peak traffic
time, will be a short 36 minute trip with the Doha Metro.

The Green Line runs east from Al Mansoura to Al Riffa in the west.
As it passes through Education City, the line is also known as the
Education Line. There are eleven stations along the line; aside
from Education City, notable stops includes Hamad Hospital, Al
Shaqab, and the upcoming Qatar National Library.

About the author

Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz has continuously worked in the travel and tourism industry since he was a teenager in Germany (1977).
He founded eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

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