Lusail Boulevard, Lusail

Overview

Lusail Boulevard is the main avenue of Lusail, the planned city about 20 km north of central Doha. It runs for 1.3 km from the Al Khor Coastal Road to Al Sa'ad Plaza, where four tall towers mark the end of the street. Mixed-use buildings line both sides, with shops, cafés and restaurants at street level. The space was designed for walking, and it is free to visit at any time.

Most people come in the evening, when the towers light up and the air is cooler. The boulevard is at its busiest during big public events. It hosts celebrations for Qatar National Day and New Year's Eve, and it turns into a festival site with lights, décor and live shows during the winter season. Combine it with Lusail Stadium, Place Vendôme or the Lusail Marina waterfront for a full evening out.

History and background

Lusail is a new city built from scratch on the coast north of Doha by Qatari Diar, the state-backed real estate developer. The boulevard was planned as its central spine and is often compared to the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It covers around 250,000 square metres, including wide pedestrian areas designed to hold large crowds.

Qatari Diar announced that the boulevard and Al Sa'ad Plaza were ready in November 2022, just before the FIFA World Cup. Together they were designed to handle more than 60,000 people a day. The plaza's four commercial towers rise to between 50 and 70 floors, with several levels of parking below ground.

During the World Cup the boulevard became a gathering place for fans. Since then it has become Qatar's go-to venue for national celebrations and seasonal events, and new cafés and shops continue to open along it.

What to see at Lusail Boulevard

1. Al Sa'ad Plaza towers

   Four high-rise towers stand at the end of the boulevard. They are the most striking sight on the street, especially after dark when their façades are lit.

2. Evening walk

   The wide, flat pavements make an easy stroll of about 1.3 km each way, with benches and cafés along the route. Go after sunset in the cooler months, when the lights come on and families come out.

3. National Day and New Year's Eve

   The boulevard is one of the main sites for Qatar National Day celebrations on 18 December and for New Year's Eve. Expect large crowds, performances and heavy traffic.

4. Winter festival season

   In the winter months the street is dressed with lighting and décor, with live performances and food stalls. Programmes change every year, so check Visit Qatar for current dates.

5. Street-level cafés and restaurants

   Cafés and restaurants fill the ground floors of the buildings along both sides. It is a good place for coffee, a casual dinner or dessert after a walk.

6. Views of the Lusail skyline

   The boulevard is a good viewpoint for Lusail's modern towers, including the crescent-shaped Katara Towers near the marina. Bring a camera for the night views, when the towers are lit.

7. Car and community events

   The street is sometimes closed to traffic for special events such as car shows and themed weekends. Check local listings and Visit Qatar before you go.

How to get to Lusail Boulevard

Tips for your visit

• Go after sunset in summer; the boulevard has little shade during the day.
• Use the metro on National Day and New Year's Eve, as roads and car parks fill up.
• Check Visit Qatar for current festival dates before planning a winter visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the full length and back is about 2.6 km.
• Dress modestly, as in all public places in Qatar.
• Combine your visit with Lusail Stadium or Place Vendôme nearby.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions