Doha, Qatar

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the_pearl-doha.jpg

‘Doha continues to affirm its commitment to join hands with local and international institutions to build and develop the city towards sustainable growth and to enable its citizens to overcome obstacles to achieve development goals and urban resilience.’

Mr Mansour Ajran Al Buainain

Mayor

The capital of Qatar and home to over 40 per cent of the country's population

Doha is the capital of Qatar and its political and economic centre, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and modern architecture. The most populated city in Qatar, it is home to over 40 per cent of the country’s population. With its substantial reserves of oil and gas, Doha has one of the highest incomes per capita in the world.

Vision and Strategy

Doha’s learning city strategy is based on the Qatar National Vision 2030, which has on four pillars: human, social, economic and environmental development. The city has identified strategic projects and initiatives in coordination with other governmental entities to help provide its citizens with a high standard of living in line with these pillars. Joining the GNLC is one of Doha’s strategic objectives, which is to exchange experience and knowledge with other cities to achieve its socio-economic and sustainable development goals.

Policies, Plan and Implementation

Sustainability and health

• Doha is committed to achieving sustainable and health goals through active promotion of these values among citizens. The city is home to more than 40 per cent of the parks in Qatar and takes part in events such as Sustainability Week and Tree Week, holding activities that teach students about the importance of environmental protection.

Equity and inclusion

• Local universities and colleges along with branch campuses provide opportunities for citizens and expatriates; women outnumber men in higher education institutions. Doha has special centres to tackle illiteracy among older people and promote their empowerment. The city also has a strategy focused on the integration of children with disabilities, including 12 specific centres to support this group.

Decent work and entrepreneurship

• Doha’s education system has been revised and adapted according to the current and future needs of the labour market. Vocational education and training for women has been increased. To ensure a safer work environment, new legislation has also been adopted to protect workers from summer heat exposure, and a training plan has been implemented for the inspectors and frontline staff of labour-related departments.

Good practices

Annual children's drawing competition and exhibition 

• Doha promotes the concept of sustainability through activities such as the annual children’s drawing competition and exhibition with a view to promoting proper nutrition habits, preserving the health of environment, recycling and enhancing children’s artistic creativity.

Promotion of sustainability concepts in the Arab States

• The city is the headquarters of the Arab Cities Award Foundation. Among the prizes are the Environmental Health and Beautification Award and the Sustainable Cities Award. It encourages Arab engineers and decision-makers to make efforts to establish green cities, build sustainable green buildings, and pay attention to strategic policies, legislation and applications of environmentally friendly technologies. Moreover, it promotes the use of sustainable technology to support society, creating sustainable and resilient cities.