Revamped Dar Al Kutub Street a leisure destination

The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar has completed all major works at Dar al Kutub Street and the Iqra Square in Central Doha.

Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the revamping works while beautifying the streets. Under the name ‘Doors to Knowledge’, the Dar al-Kutub building has been beautified. The library, established in 1962, was revamped in order to preserve its architectural identity to align with its long-standing role in promoting the country’s legacy and culture. Dar al Kutub library was opened in a single storey building and the second floor was added in the early1980s. It has rare manuscripts and maps. The estimated number of the manuscripts amount to more than 1,200 in astronomy, arithmetic, medicine and chemistry. These all are written in Arabic, Persian and Turkish.

The area was developed as part of the Doha Central Development and Beautification project that covers seven main areas and main streets. The works include development of infrastructure, building plazas and pedestrian and cycling tracks. They come in line with the vision of development of the area and will enhance the identity of Qatar's historical and cultural legacy, in line with the natural environment.Through the project implementation, the committee is keen to provide a healthy environment for local residents and visitors. The works also include pedestrian bridges that connect various streets. All the pedestrian bridges will have elevators to serve people with special needs. Also they are designed without air-conditioning to protect the health of users from the effects of sudden changes in temperature. The project also includes constructing rainwater drainage tunnels, electric car charging points, installing artworks and sculptures and modifying building facades.