Old Doha Port ‘setting a new standard for sustainable development’

Old Doha Port is embracing environmentally responsible practices and fostering community engagement as it sets a new standard for sustainable development in Qatar, according to chief executive Mohamed Abdulla al-Mulla."At Old Doha Port, we’ve leveraged innovative practices and technological advancements to enhance our operations and visitor experiences,” he told Gulf Times, noting that they utilise proprietary spill pads for efficient cleanup to minimise the risk of oil spills.He said that they prioritise safety and that the port’s team is highly trained in emergency procedures.Many are certified captains and divers, ensuring a rapid and effective response to any incident.Al-Mulla noted that the port hosts deep sea cleaning annually as part of its Seabed Cleaning initiative, inviting residents to partake in preserving Qatar’s marine life and rich maritime culture."It aims to increase awareness among the community, reinforcing the concept that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility,” he stressed.Al-Mulla said that this programme cleans a large section of the port’s waterfront, covering 650m of coastline.This includes areas with water depths between 8m and 11m, as well as the Bandar area in front of Chabrat Al Mina, which has depths between 3m and 5m.The official added that port’s other green practices also include the use of solar panels, which generate electricity across various areas, while a comprehensive waste management plan ensures efficient recycling and disposal.According to al-Mulla, the architectural design embraces natural light and minimises energy consumption, while innovative seawater recycling and reuse initiatives contribute to water conservation.Beyond environmental initiatives, he said the port is also dedicated to fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere as its diverse event calendar attracted a large number of visitors to experience Qatar’s unique maritime culture.From the World Aquatics Championship to cultural celebrations during Ramadan and Eid, al-Mulla said the port seamlessly blends entertainment with its everyday operations."Our operations team works tirelessly to ensure that our tenants’ businesses are undisturbed during event timings through smooth management and our flexibility to adapt,” he said. "We make sure that attendees make the most of their visit to Old Doha Port, by ensuring that we are providing programming that appeals to all ages.”Al-Mulla added that the port’s commitment to its tenants and the wider community is evident in its recent initiatives, noting that the introduction of free-of-charge Fishermen’s Slipway and golf cart services provides convenient access for visitors.The Mina District road, offering scenic drives through the port’s historic architecture, he said, adds another dimension to the visitor experience."The vibrancy of the port is defined not only through its unique architecture and the uniqueness of the project but through our community engagement and the vibrancy of Qatar’s maritime culture,” al-Mulla said. "We aim to continuously develop Qatar’s maritime culture by improving our facilities and providing unmatched experiences for all our visitors.”