Ashghal starts work on Al Qubib Masjid Plaza

The Supervisory Committee for the Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar has started implementing the Al Qubib Masjid Plaza project as part of the third package of development and beautification projects in Central Doha.The plaza is planned to be completed and opened to the public in the first quarter of 2022, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said in a statement.Engineer Sarah al-Jassem, a project engineer at the Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects, said that construction work for the Al Qubib Masjid Plaza will be implemented over a total area of about 9,200sq m.This will include open green areas extending up to 1,518sq m, featuring a seating area.Walkways would also be constructed within the park, in addition to special lights.Al-Jassem explained that the project covers the implementation of infrastructure works, such as the construction of drainage networks, an irrigation system, electricity, and others.She explained that visitors to Al Qubib Masjid Plaza can reach the place using different means of transportation, including Doha Metro (Souq Waqif station), use bicycles as cycle parking is provided, or walk to the plaza through corridors and pedestrian crossings provided in the area.Car users can drive through and park in the designated parking area.Engineer Laila Jassim Salem, project design manager at the Supervisory Committee, said that the design of the plaza is inspired by elements of Qatari heritage due to the plaza’s location near Al Qubib Masjid at Souq Waqif, and the old markets in the area such as Deira Souq, Al Jabr Souq, and others.The design features an open-air Qatari majlis, a place where people gather to discuss everyday issues.Salem added that the floors and corridors of the plaza have been designed in various shapes and colours.For example, the floors of the main corridors have been designed for visitors, leading to the plaza and the Masjid, to be like ornate carpets inspired by the decorations and inscriptions of traditional carpets and outfits.Further, Salem explained that the plaza has entrances from three sides through the surrounding pedestrian paths on Ali Bin Abdulla Street, Al Jabr Street and Al Ahmad Street.It is also easily accessible from the Masjid side.Engineer Sarah bint Mohamed al-Thani, project design engineer, noted that Al Qubib Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the region.The plaza aims to revive the idea of the Masjid’s classical courtyard, where people would meet after prayer and talk about their daily lives, which encourages communication between individuals in the area, helping them to spend a good time amid a healthy environment.To increase the aesthetic element of the plaza, water bodies are being designed with a distinctive central fountain, surrounded by tiered layers that fit the nature of the sloping land.It will also provide simple cosmetic lighting that matches the spirit and design of the plaza and its location near the Masjid, in addition to planting a variety of local plants and trees, which contribute to providing shaded areas and giving a distinctive aesthetic appearance to the plaza.Al-Thani said that the courtyard of Al Qubib Masjid has been designed to be eligible for use by people with special needs.Sheikha bint Yousef al-Jufairi, member of the Central Municipal Council representing the area, stressed that Qatar is paying great attention to increasing green areas, which has a positive impact by providing a healthy environment and climate and helps reduce dust.“The plaza in this remarkable location near Masjid Al Qubib adds beauty and attraction, as it gives people of the area and those who go to the Masjid the opportunity to spend some good times at a location that reflects the local identity and a healthy environment,” she added.Al-Jufairi expressed gratitude for the committee’s efforts to implement projects that serve the community at large.

Sheikha bint Yousef al-Jufairi

Engineer Sarah al-JassemEngineer Laila Jassim SalemEngineer Sarah bint Mohamed al-ThaniPlaza to be opened in the first quarter of 2022The Al Qubib Masjid Plaza is planned to be completed and opened to the public in the first quarter of 2022.This was highlighted by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in statement yesterday, as the Supervisory Committee for the Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar announced the start of work on the project as part of the third package of development and beautification projects in Central Doha.Engineer Laila Jassim Salem, project design manager at the Supervisory Committee, said that the design of the plaza is inspired by elements of Qatari heritage due to the plaza’s location near Al Qubib Masjid at Souq Waqif, and the old markets in the area, such as Deira Souq, Al Jabr Souq, and others.The Supervisory Committee for the Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar works in co-ordination with several ministries and other government entities, such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail, and the Private Engineering Office.The committee is responsible for five major tasks: the construction of central public parks, provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha, and increasing trees and green areas.The committee’s work will contribute to enhance sustainability through minimising environmental pollution, reducing emission of CO2 (carbon dioxide) through minimised consumption and conservation of energy resources.It will focus on the provision of more public transport options aiming at the reduced use of private cars and an improved lifestyle through clean and safe transportation.The committee will also work for provision of a healthy environment within residential neighbourhoods and places of public gatherings through increased afforestation and landscaping, which will greatly help in reducing the temperature in cities.