Urban Regeneration in Qatar: A Comprehensive Planning Strategy for the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) of Al-Waab

Abstract

Since the 1970s the State of Qatar has witnessed a radical transformation from fishing and pearling to an oil based economy. The nation is also developing a multifaceted economy. This vision has encouraged Qatar to implement a rapid improvement of: (a) its national infrastructure (roadways and public transit systems) and (b) Doha’s built environment. In turn, this urban transformation has caused: (i) high population growth, (ii) an increase in car ownership and (iii) disorderly urban growth, or sprawls, which are causing major environmental, social and economic problems. In 2009, Qatar’s National Vision (QNV-2030) was finalised with the main goal of defining the strategies for the progress of Qatar, in order to allow the country to be able to: (i) sustain its own needs, (ii) provide high standards of living for the current inhabitants as well as for its future generations; and (iii) focus on economic, environmental, human and social development (the ‘four pillars’ from QNV-2030). In order to align with QNV-2030, the 2013 Qatar Rail Development Program (QRDP) envisioned the execution of a modern metro system: a network consisting of four main lines and 100 train stations. Concurrently, Qatar National Master Plan supports the adoption of urban planning strategies toward reducing the use of cars and the proliferation of sprawls through the regeneration and development of urban villages around transit systems, also named as ‘Transit Oriented Developments’ (TODs). This paper focuses on the case of the vital transit village of Al-Waab. The exploration focuses on: (i) a review of the relevant literature, (ii) an analysis of the site; and (iii) the formulation of an integrated planning-strategy for the regeneration and development of Al-Waab’s TOD. The recommended approach for Al-Waab’s TOD is based on: (a) creating a compact, mixed use urban village, (b) providing sustainable multimodal transportation systems, (c) minimising cars’ use; and (d) preserving cultural values (ie religion).