Doha Corniche

Overview

The Doha Corniche is the city's waterfront boulevard. It follows the curve of Doha Bay for about seven kilometres, from the Museum of Islamic Art and the old port in the south to the Sheraton hotel and West Bay in the north. A wide paved path runs along the water, with parks, cycle lanes, benches and palm trees. It is free to use and open around the clock.

Most visitors come to walk, cycle or jog with the skyline in view. In the evening, lit-up wooden dhows take passengers on short trips around the bay. Along the way you pass public art, the National Museum of Qatar and several large parks. The Corniche is also where Doha celebrates National Day and Eid, so it gets lively on holidays. It is an easy first outing for anyone new to the city.

History and background

The Corniche took shape in the 1970s, after Qatar's independence and the growth of its oil industry. Large land-reclamation works, planned under Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani with urban planner Hisham Qaddumi, created around 630 hectares of new land along the bay by the end of that decade. The promenade became the setting for new government buildings, including the Ministry of Finance by Japanese architect Kenzō Tange.

In 1982 the pyramid-shaped Sheraton hotel opened on reclaimed land at the northern end, and West Bay's towers later grew up behind it. The Museum of Islamic Art (2008) and the National Museum of Qatar (2019) added major landmarks at the southern end.

Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a large upgrade added pedestrian underpasses, cycle paths, new lighting and more than 137,000 square metres of green space. During the tournament the Corniche was the city's main fan and performance zone.

What to see at Doha Corniche

1. The waterfront promenade

   Walk any stretch of the seven-kilometre path for open views across the bay. The section between the Museum of Islamic Art and Al Bidda Park is popular for its mix of old Doha and skyline views.

2. Dhow cruises

   Traditional wooden dhows leave from jetties along the Corniche, including at Al Bidda Park and Sheraton Park. Evening trips around the bay are the most popular. Agree the price and length before you board.

3. West Bay skyline

   The cluster of towers at the northern end is the city's modern face. It looks best from the southern half of the Corniche at sunset and after dark, when the buildings light up.

4. Public art

   Look out for large works along the waterfront, including Orry the Oryx, the mascot of the 2006 Asian Games, and Richard Serra's 7 at the end of MIA Park.

5. Pearl Monument

   A giant oyster-shell sculpture near the entrance to the old port recalls the pearl-diving trade that sustained Doha before oil. It is a quick, easy photo stop.

6. Al Bidda Park

   This large park sits beside the Corniche with lawns, walking paths and play areas. It is a good place to rest in the shade or let children run around.

7. National Museum of Qatar

   Jean Nouvel's desert-rose building stands close to the southern end of the Corniche. It makes a good cultural stop before or after a waterfront walk.

How to get to Doha Corniche

Tips for your visit

• In summer, walk early in the morning or after sunset. There is limited shade along the water.
• Carry water; kiosks and cafés are spread out along the route.
• Use the pedestrian underpasses to cross the Corniche road safely.
• Agree the price and length of a dhow trip before you get on.
• Expect crowds and road closures on National Day (18 December) and during Eid.
• Start at the Museum of Islamic Art and walk north to finish with skyline views at dusk.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions