Doha Corniche

Corniche Doha

The Doha Corniche is a waterfront promenade extending for several kilometers along Doha Bay in the capital city of Doha, the state of Qatar. Running parallel to the Corniche is Corniche St., a main thoroughfare which connects Doha's emerging West Bay business district with the south of the city and Doha International Airport. Formed following extensive dredging work carried out during the late 1970s and early 1980s which reshaped Doha's coastline, the Corniche is today a popular location among walkers, bikers and joggers.

Easily one of the most attractive areas of the city, a significant number of Doha's landmarks are found along the Corniche. Development has increased exponentially in the last decade in the area due to its attractiveness and its proximity to the sea, with dozens of skyscrapers rising towards the north of the Corniche. The Corniche begins near the newly constructed Museum of Islamic Art, and ends at the Sheraton Park near the distinctive pyramid-shaped Sheraton Hotel.

The Corniche used to be an empty stretch of walkway, in which the only visible edifice was the Sheraton Hotel. Now, it has become the embodiment of development, surrounded by skyscrapers reminiscent of New York City. The walkway has expanded incredibly, most of this change occurring in the last twenty years, due to the new fame of Doha (Qatar's capital and the most popular city), the economic boom the country has been experiencing, and the country's desire to open up and promote tourism, which was facilitated by the 2006 Asian Games.

Corniche - West bay

The Corniche attracts a diverse crowd, depending on the time of day, and permitting weather (the State of Qatar can be unbearably hot, making ventures out into the blistering heat during summer days a health hazard). In the morning, foreigners who enjoy an early jog can often be found getting their exercise in before their day starts. This crowd opens up as the day progresses, to families and couples. Late at night, however, the Corniche visitors change greatly. Youngsters often visit a coffee shop at the Corniche, a shabby place that makes up for appearance in its coffee, teas, and Karak (a traditional drink made with tea and milk). Demonstrating the change the country has seen that is so evident in its landscape, the Corniche has also become a meeting place for a new generation of Qataris. Qatari rebels also congregate in the area, with motorcyclists and other non-traditional looking youngsters meeting in the area to meet up or make noise. The Corniche at night is a great place to go when looking for a different cultural view of the city.

The visual highlight of Doha is Al-Corniche, a long seaside promenade that curves around Doha Bay and affords pretty views of Palm Tree Island and the city's skyscrapers. In the afternoons you will see plenty of locals strolling along the Corniche, often trying to get out of the way of the odd crazy Western ex-pat on rollerblades. It's also a good place for jogging. Cycling is prohibited. If you're looking to have the scenery all to yourself, go on a Friday morning. There are several parks close to the Corniche which are ideal for families, as well as several statues. Of note is a giant statue of Orry, the Oryx who was the mascot for the 15th Asian Games, which took place in Doha from December 1-15, 2006. On the south end of the Corniche is a large Oyster and Pearl statue and near the Museum of Islamic Art is the Water Pots fountain.

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