* Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha will serve as a global platform for innovation and experiences
Msheireb Properties, the sustainable real estate developer and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, on Saturday announced the foundation of the Doha Design District in Msheireb Downtown Doha that will serve as a global platform for innovation and experiences.
The launch of the new design hub was announced by Ali al-Kuwari, acting CEO of Msheireb Properties, during a virtual summit the developer organised with the participation of representatives of design districts from around the world.
Doha Design District will "enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha’s position as a district of art and creativity and serve as a state-of-the-art centre for local designers to flourish. It will also attract reputable local, regional and global designers to be part of the new district", Msheireb Properties said in a statement.
From a business perspective, the new design district supports Qatar National Vision 2030 by focusing on new industries and supporting economic diversification, it adds.
In his opening remarks, al-Kuwari said: "Doha Design District will be the new permanent home for ideas, innovations and projects, providing an affordable workspace to all creative industries. Design districts are important throughout the world. They are the face of their cities and a part of the people's culture and identity. Since inception, our city was intended to be not only smart and sustainable, but also a beautiful destination that reflects a design aesthetic that blends Qatar's past and future. We believe design is beauty, and cities should be beautiful - places to feel hope and happiness.
"Thanks to the hard work and effort of all of those involved in bringing Doha Design District to life, Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide the ideal platform for corporates and entrepreneurs to boost their business, accomplish growth and serve our community as well as the whole region."
Doha Design District will be home to galleries, showrooms, creative services, stores and even eateries and cafes. "Here, you can find the most exciting names, classics, trendsetters and so much more. Centred around innovation and creativity, Doha Design Destrict aims to be a world-class destination that prioritises the needs of creatives," the statement points out.
The new Doha Design District will be a landmark in Qatar and the region and attract local and regional designers to interact with their global peers.
Shaikha al-Sulaiti, interior design manager at Msheireb Properties, explained the importance of interior design, its impact on people's daily lives and its contribution to mankind.
Al-Sulaiti stressed that the new hub’s role is vital as a centre of collaboration with Arab and international designers to exchange expertise with the wider community.
David MacAdam, senior leasing consultant at Msheireb Properties, talked about the inception of Doha Design District, its initiatives and significance in Msheireb Downtown Doha, and its impact on the international level.
Additionally, Whitney Robinson, former editor of 'Elle Décor' and senior design consultant to Qatar Museums, discussed the work undertaken with international designers to launch the CP Club Townhouses Project in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Sheikha Naila al-Thani shed light on Qatar's design landscape, sustainable fashion and its impact on the environment, stressing the importance of the sustainable fashion industry to "preserve our resources and protect our environment".
In addition, representatives and CEOs of international design districts from Miami, London and Brera (Italy) talked about the importance of design districts to their cities and the regions and how they emerged from an idea to a reality.
Martin Fryzelka from international design house Preciosa showcased how they use light as a design element to inspire and connect people, and shed light on the history of his company and its role in promoting crystal designs across the world.
