HRH Prince Andrew updated on Msheireb Downtown progress during his visit to Msheireb Enrichment Centre

HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, attended a high level presentation by senior executives from Msheireb Properties at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre.

Msheireb Properties’ CEO Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi presented the milestones achieved at the company's Msheireb Downtown project as well as the pioneering work it currently undertakes in the field of sustainable urban development.

Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi, Msheireb Properties, said: “We welcome HRH Prince Andrew for the second time to Msheireb Properties. We are delighted by the Duke of York’s keen interest in the project and vision of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser for a sustainable community. It makes us proud that the project is gaining international recognition and garnering active interest from the global community, including UK.”

“Msheireb is committed to the principle of knowledge sharing, sustainability and community development, which we see as essential to achieving the Qatar 2030 Vision of creating a truly sustainable economy. To that end, our collaboration with British and other international consultants contribute to enhancing the skill sets and capabilities of our local construction sector.”

The Duke of York is a well-known ambassador on behalf of British businesses and has been representing British interests for a number of years. British consultants contributing to the Msheireb Downtown Doha project include UK-based consultants Arup, Allies & Morrison, Adjaye Associates, John McAslan & Partners, mossessian & partners, Jovin Manko Studio, David Collins Studio, Drake & Scull, and Gensler.

Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Qatar and Britain has increased by more than 160 per cent to QAR12.7 billion, making Qatar the UK’s third largest market in the GCC and fourth largest in the Arab world. In February this year, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani pledged to double bilateral trade to QAR25 billion by 2015.

Through Msheireb Downtown Doha, Msheireb Properties, part of Qatar Foundation, is realising a new architectural language by building the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project, in a 31 hectares (76 acres) historical site of downtown Doha.

The project aims to transform the old commercial and business district into the vibrant, cohesive and culturally active city centre. The unique mixed-use project utilises age-old principles of design and urban planning to create a pedestrian neighbourhood, minimising congestion and encouraging a community feel distinct to Qatari contemporary culture.

Moreover, the project has sustainable principles at its core, illustrated by its high-density master plan, its preservation of existing heritage sites, and its use of natural light and ventilation, and other technologies and practices that make the most efficient use of water and electricity.

On completion, Msheireb Downtown will be an iconic landmark in Doha – a globally recognisable community where people live, work and thrive.