Two of the three trams, which will soon serve the Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), dubbed as the world’s first sustainable urban regeneration project have been received, Msheireb Properties (MP) announced.
These liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered internal trams are tailored-made for the ‘smart city,’ hand-crafted to European standards and will operate free-of-charge, said MP’s sales and leasing director Lee Talbott.
“There will be three vehicles running all the time around the city within 15mins, with each having a 6-minute interval,” he said, adding that each vehicle can accommodate approximately 60 to 70 persons.
MDD’s sustainable tram network has unique features: its vehicles can be operated as convertible, open-air cars during the cooler winter months by moving the large glass panels. Each has on-board CCTV and WiFi connection.
Citing the tram network’s seamless connectivity, he added it will also transport passengers to and from the Msheireb Metro Station, the biggest station which will connect the main three lines of Qatar Rail’s Doha Metro.
Talbott said MDD also has a 10,000-capacity high tech underground parking for commuters, as well as special lanes and parking facilities for bicycles.
“We have 10,000 car spaces over six levels, essentially one of world’s largest underground parking,” he pointed out.
According to MP, the district also has intelligent building management and lighting control systems, as well as energy metering, wireless coverage, smart home and fully-automated waste collection systems.
MDD is home to one of the biggest reverse osmosis plants in Qatar, supplying non-potable water for irrigation and the cooling towers (6,500cum daily).
“Water is being recycled to be used for irrigation, toilet and other purposes,” MP’s residential sales and leasing manager Nusair al-Ejli said.
“The design of the city guarantees shade nearly the whole day except during noon,” he pointed out.
“That helps a lot in reducing energy use and it helps encourage people to walk around, it helps pedestrian to explore more during the day,” al-Ejli added.
MDD inspired a modern and digital community, featuring smarter living and working environments, according to MP.
Talbott said the district will also host several retailers such as Al Meera Supermarket, which will be offering “completely different items” such as organic products.
“The city (MDD) has everything, it is a one stop shop for low demographic and high end consumers,” he said. “The mall will focus on the high end and around the Qatar Financial Centre and Barahat will be a luxurious market offer.”
“This is a district, we have also a direct link to Souq Waqif as well, a very important part of the city,” Talbott added.