One of the finest countries to travel to today, Qatar is a haven for those who love to experience the luxuries of life. From the finest of shopping malls and hotels to the best of landmarks and so much more, this is a country that is taking giant new strides and its charm is well evident in its cities. From the futuristic development of Lusail City to the luxurious hospitality of Doha, there’s a lot to look forward to in this part of the world for travelers and natives alike.
Take an example of Lusail for instance. The city is tipped to be one of the most ambitious projects in Qatar and is also one of the significant cities in terms of the upcoming world cup in the country. So, are you someone who’s keeping a close eye on Qatar for your next family vacation or thinking of settling down in the country? Well, here’s all you need to know about the ambitious project of Lusail in Qatar.
Historical Significance Of Lusail, Qatar
A city that has richly preserved the tradition of Qatar and is set for a remarkable makeover, Lusail, in fact, has a vast history behind it. Its name is derived from a rare flower that grows in the country and is said to be a true symbol of authenticity of the place where the late Sheikh Jassem Bin Mohammad Al Thani laid the foundations of the Lusail Castle. Interestingly, the Lusail Castle used to be the center of governance at the time and has played a big hand in preserving the traditional aspect of Qatar.
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National Vision: The Role Of Lusail City, Qatar
Qatar has always been a country striving to make living better for the people, and the national vision of Qatar is a part of it. The country aims to become one of the most prosperous countries by 2030, and as the experts put it, the country is well capable of doing that.
But here's a thing, even though Qatar aims to be the most prosperous country in the world, the challenge that lies in front of the country is to preserve heritage and traditions while moving towards globalization. Well, that's where the Lusail city comes in.
As the project aims to deliver, Lusail will be Qatar's first sustainable city and the idea is to develop the city by combining true modernity with the richness of Qatari traditions and Islamic architecture. What's more? The city will be a guarantee that all the international standards of luxury and construction can be maintained while still being able to preserve the tradition of the country.
Development Of Lusail City, Qatar: The Force Behind It
A project as big as this, the force behind the development of Lusail is the Lusail Real Estate Development Company. The company has a capitalized value of over USD 1 billion and is a subsidiary of the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. Established in 2004, the company is solely responsible for the construction, development, promotion, and on-going management of Lusail.
Interestingly, the development of Lusail City isn't the only project the company has undertaken. With active projects in countries like Syria, Morocco, Egypt, and Europe, LREDC has provided thousands of homes and has been part of numerous development projects over the years.
As for its vision, the Lusail Real Estate Development Company aims to become the most effective and trustworthy real estate investment company around the world.
Tourist Attractions to Watch Out For In Lusail City, Qatar
Considered as one of the finest cities to visit in Qatar, Lusail offers a broad range of attractions for the visitors that are either nestled in the prominent locations of the city or are part of the development project here. So, here are some of the finest places in Lusail to watch out for.
1. Entertainment City
Tipped to be one of the prominent places to visit in Lusail, the entertainment city has been a top location in Lusail since it got ready to welcome the visitors. As the experts put it, this is a place that would be loved by travelers from all around the world in the coming years. As per the plan, the place will have distinct districts that will house various thematic and other venues for the travelers. Here are some of the districts you need to know about.
- Downtown
- North Shore
- Corniche
- South Shore
- The Villas
Likewise, let's take a look at some of the things that travelers would be able to do while spending their time in the entertainment city, Qatar.
- Retail: There will be restaurants, shopping centers, souqs, neighborhood retail shops, and so much more for the visitors to choose from.
- Hotels: One of the best things about the entertainment city, the area would be home to a number of top of the line theme hotels, boutique hotels, and even apartment hotels for the visitors.
- Housing: Now here's an interesting fact, people coming to the entertainment city in Lusail would not only be able to shop and enjoy but also have the privilege to look for an apartment and villa for themselves in the area.
- Entertainment & Attractions: Entertainment would be one of the finest features of entertainment city. There will be theme parks, theatres, water parks, and so much more for the visitors to enjoy their day.
- Office Space: Last but not the least, there will be office spaces available at the entertainment city which people would be able to purchase.
Key Highlights Of Entertainment City -
Have a look at some of the key highlights of the entertainment city in Lusail, Qatar.
- Place Vendome -
A place that is the first project of development in the entertainment city, Place Vendome would be much more than a shopping mall. Visitors coming here would not only be able to enjoy the finest of the shopping experience, they would also have a number of entertainment options. As for its style, Place Vendome boasts of its architectural style that is heavily inspired by the French renaissance.
- Canal -
The entertainment city is being developed with an idea to provide entertainment and experience of something at every step, and the canal is a huge part of it. It runs all around the mall and out to the. One can sit in either of the cafés and restaurants that overlook the gorgeous waters.
- Music’n Light Fountain -
One of the most striking features around the canal, there are dancing fountains around that are complemented by laser lights. Visitors coming here can enjoy light shows which are a real treat.
- Family Entertainment -
The entertainment city will be home to a park that would be a perfect spot to enjoy a variety of activities and rides with the family. Kids would be particularly amused by the variety of entertainment options available at the place.
- Cinema -
The cinema is one of the major features of the entertainment city. Visitors coming here would be able to enjoy the best cinema experience which will be available in diverse languages in order to help the visitors understand it better.
- Health & Fitness -
Now here's a thing, health and fitness facilities are something travelers would least expect at the entertainment city. However, here's a catch, the place will provide a fully-equipped fitness center which will be managed by expert trainers to help you get the maximum results.
- Entertainment Island -
The concerned authorities in Lusail City are even planning to develop a massive museum, park along with a boutique hotel that will feature a private as well as a public beach for the visitors to enjoy.
2. Qetaifan Islands
The Qetaifan Islands will be a major attraction for the visitors coming to Lusail, Qatar. While the three Southern islands would boast of their Souq development along with pedestrian bridges and the Lusail Marina Promenade, the Northern islands too are set for a huge makeover. As per the master plan by QTA, the Northern islands would be made into a major tourist entertainment in the coming years.
3. Lusail Tower & Plaza
One of the finest projects in Lusail nestled in the heart of the city, the Lusail Tower and Plaza is proposed to be the most iconic high-rise project in Qatar. The plaza overlooks the Boulevard District and its main highlights are its four iconic towers that are strategically positioned and do not block the view. In fact, the towers take full advantage of the coastal aspect and a vital part of the master plan.
The plaza is, in fact, more than just a tourist destination. While connecting the Lusail Boulevard to the Lusail Corniche, it will carry huge importance both visually and physically. Visitors would be able to use the iconic pedestrian routes from the boulevard through the heart of the plaza out to the corniche.
Interestingly, the central space of the Lusail Plaza would form a spine for the congregation and would be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people at the events. The best part? The Lusail Plaza may well be a venue and a fan zone for the visitors during the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the country.
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4. Park Networks Connecting Lusail, Qatar
Now here’s a thing about the park networks connecting Lusail, these parks are a major attraction for tourists coming to the city. Here’s what you need to know about them.
- Al Khor Park: The Al Khor Park is nestled on the western boundaries and is a major tourist attraction today. The Al Khor park runs along the major highway connecting Lusail and is a place where travelers can certainly consider to visit.
- Crescent Park: Widely renowned for its top of the line sports field, relaxation spaces, walkways, and so much more, Crescent Park is nestled in a natural setting and has a variety of recreational spaces for travelers to enjoy.
- Wadi Park: A place boasting of its fine natural setting and a number of facilities, Wadi Park has a number of walkways, bicycle spaces along with waterfront bodies that are a real treat for the guests. The seating spaces have been set overlooking the waters so that the visitors can relax at the park while gazing at the sea.
Significance Of Lusail Qatar In Terms Of The Upcoming World Cup
World football’s greatest competition on earth, the FIFA World Cup 2022 is set to take place in Qatar and Lusail is certainly one of the host cities for the same. While there will be fan zones set up in the city, the Lusail Iconic Stadium will be the venue for the final of the world cup. Hence, the significance of the city is paramount as far as the world cup is concerned. Besides, here’s what you need to know about the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The Lusail Iconic Stadium
Nestled in the heart of the city and a true embodiment of Qatar’s ambition to share the Arab culture with the world, the Lusail Stadium will be the venue for the upcoming final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 80,000 and is set to host a carnival scene when the finalist of the world cup will take on each other for the crown on the 18th of December 2022. As for its design, the Lusail Stadium has been designed with elegance and boasts of its original architectural vision. Featuring a bold shape and its sloping roof, the shape of the stadium is inspired by the bowls, vessels, and art pieces that have been used across the Middle East for centuries.
Sustainability Around The Lusail Iconic Stadium -
Sustainability has been the name of the game right since the time the construction of the stadium began. Qatar is making sure at every step that the fine standards of saving energy are maintained at every step. So, here’s what you need to know about the standards of sustainability as far as the Lusail stadium is concerned.
- The materials, manufacturing methods, and construction processes have been carefully monitored during the construction of Lusail Stadium in order to minimize pollution and contamination levels.
- The green spaces around the stadium contain a lot of plants and recycled water will be used in order to irrigate the plants.
- Efficient water fixtures and leak detection systems have been set up around the stadium complex which would lead to freshwater conservation of more than 40%.
- State of the Art material has been used in building the roof which allows perfect growth for the pitch while offering just the right amount of sunlight so as to put less burden on the air-conditioning facility of the stadium.
- As per the plans formulated for the arena, the Lusail Stadium will be converted into a community hub of schools, shops, health clinics, and sporting facilities once the world cup is over. This would include the use of the exterior as well as the interior of the arena.
- Out of all the 80,000 seats of the stadium, most of them would be removed once the world cup is over and will be sent far and wide for other sporting projects. This will, in turn, promote the use of efficient materials in building sustainable stadiums.
Shopping & Dining In Lusail
Being one of the major attractions in Qatar, Lusail has a number of shopping and dining places that are an absolute treat for travelers. In fact, there are a number of new shopping places in Lusail that are set to come up in the coming years. So here's what you need to know about the top shopping and dining options at Lusail.
Top Restaurants To Visit In Lusail
Here are some of the top restaurants where visitors can consider visiting in Lusail, Doha.
1. Lusail Marina Food Court
Nestled in the Lusail Marina Promenade and housing 42 cafes and restaurants, the Lusail Marina Food Court is a paradise for culinary lovers and promises some real joy as far as the culinary experience is concerned. Renowned as a prominent gathering place in Lusail, visitors can come here and the best of food in Lusail in a scenic surrounding. The best part about the food court, in fact, is the scenic view of the marina where travelers can sit at the terrace of various restaurants and savor the finest of meals while looking at the landscapes.
Must-Try Dishes - Burger, Fries, Mocktails
Location - Lusail Marina Promenade, Lusail Qatar
Rating - 4.5
Timings - Visitors are advised to confirm the timings with the concerned authorities
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2. My Apple Restaurant Doha
Another restaurant in Lusail City Doha that travelers can consider is the My Apple Restaurant. Renowned for its Indian and Chinese delicacies, this is one of the finest restaurants in Lusail and offers a number of south Indian favorites like Idli, Appam, and so on. One can find indoor seating while the Chinese snacks and meals served here include spring rolls, Manchurian, and so much more. Interestingly, one can even avail additional facilities like takeaway and home delivery.
Must-Try Dishes: Burger, Fries, Mocktails, Sweet Corn, Ceasar Salad, Noodles and more
Location: Near Lusail, Doha Qatar
Ratings: 3.1 stars
Timings: Monday To Sunday: 5:00 am to 1:00 am
Top Shopping Places In Lusail City Qatar
Here are some top shopping places that travelers can consider going to on a vacation in Lusail.
1. Lulu Hypermarket
One of the best places to go shopping in Qatar is the Lulu Hypermarket which is a new addition to the city of Lusail. Covering an area of about 2000 sqm, the market has multiple options when it comes to your shopping adventure in Lusail. One can shop for daily products like dairy, vegetables, fruits, and so on at the various shops rooted here. Want to shop for clothes? The Lulu Hypermarket even has a number of clothing brands where visitors can shop. Besides this, the market features options for beauty, household accessories, and so on.
2. The Marina Mall Lusail
Another shopping place that clearly lives up to its reputation in Lusail is the Marina Mall. Nestled right next to the Lulu Hypermarket and considered to be one of the best shopping malls in Qatar, the mall features 5 sections. While 3 sections are for retail, 2 are basements. With a total of 248 retail spaces, the mall is even about to feature a family entertainment center, cinema, food court, restaurants, and so much more. As for fashion, the Marina Mall Lusail would feature top brands from around the world while the home décor stuff would be the talking point here.
Facts Around Lusail Tram Project
One of the most vital parts of Qatar’s national vision 2030, the Lusail Tram is a pivotal project as far as the development of the city is concerned and is already under testing. So, here are some of the facts about the highly anticipated Lusail Tram.
- The Lusail tram would have three lines and will stretch for 28 kilometers.
- The Lusail Tram will not only connect the places within Lusail but would also connect to Doha via the metro link.
- The network will have seven underground stations, out of which, four will be positioned at the Marina District.
- The Lusail Tram will travel at an approximate speed of 60km/hour.
- There will be 28 trains for the Lusail Tram project and each train will have five carriages.
- The carriages will be divided into two parts - one will be for families and the other for general commuters.
- There will be 28 stations at the Lusail Tram when the service opens.
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Best Time To Visit Lusail Qatar
A city that is undergoing massive development is set to surprise travelers upon their visit, here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit Lusail on a holiday.
- The time between July, June, August, and May is the period during which Lusail experiences hot weather with temperatures that range up to an average of 93°F.
- The time between December, January, February, and March is the period when Lusail records cool temperatures with an average of 68°F. The time is often considered adept to explore the city as the weather is favorable enough for sightseeing.
- As for the rainiest time? The time between December, January, February, and March is the time when the city receives a maximum amount of rainfall with an average one inch of rainfall.
Hence, travelers considering to travel to Lusail can consider the time between December and March to make a trip to Lusail, Qatar.
How To Reach Lusail?
Getting to Lusail isn’t a big hassle as the city is located in close proximity to Doha, the capital of Qatar. Travelers can commute to Lusail from Doha through the metro or by road. While the red line of Doha metro has direct access to Lusail, travelers can even consider visiting the city by road through the Lusail Expressway. The journey may take around 25 minutes for 19 kilometers through the expressway.
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As the national vision of Qatar continues to take shape, the development of Lusail City promises to be a breakthrough development project in making Lusail a dream city. With the fine wonders of entertainment city to the largest capacity stadium in the form of Lusail iconic stadium, this is a city that is moving forward by all leaps and bounds and it will be in no time when travelers from around the would be teeing in to Book flight tickets to Qatar year-round. So, if you’re someone who’s fascinated about exploring the Middle East or thinking of settling in Qatar in the years to come, well, Lusail is certainly the city to watch out for.
FAQs
The iconic Hamad International Airport is closest to Lusail City. The airport is located about 36 minutes away (32.8 km) from the Lusail expressway.
The Lusail Iconic Stadium has a maximum seating capacity of 80,000 set for the world cup which is the highest in the country. In fact, the Lusail stadiums will be the venue for the final of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The distance between Doha and Lusail City is approximately 19 km through the Lusail expressway. The on-road journey takes an estimated 25 minutes.
Lusail City in Qatar is spread in an area of about 38 square kilometers and can accommodate up to 4,50,000 people.
The estimate amount to be spend on the construction of Lusail City would be $45 billion.
The main attractions of Lusail City are:
- Lusail Plaza
- Entertainment Island
- Music n Light Fountain
- Water Feature
- Entertainment City
- Family Entertainment Center
- Qetaifan Islands
Lusail City can easily be reached from Doha by hiring a cab which will take around 25 minutes to cover the total distance of approximate 20 km.