+ A
A -
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Katara Cultural Village is adding more attractions to the existing ones, including a hi-tech planetarium, luxury shopping mall, exclusive shopping facility for children among others.
The Southern Expansion Project, which is currently under way, is scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2018.
This project, integrating cultural and leisure facilities, consists of 12 diverse buildings and a unique parking area overlooking the sea. The buildings will house a chain of restaurants and cafes, libraries, exhibition hall, cinema and several cultural centres.
The Southern Expansion Project also features a planetarium and Astronomical Observatory promising an amazing experience to the visitors.
Spread over 2,240 sqm area, the planetarium is expected to become one of the main attractions at Katara. It will offer a rare experience to visitors, blending education and entertainment, especially to students, families and astronomy enthusiasts.
The planetarium hall, the main component of the building, will have a seating capacity for 200 people, four seats reserved for the disabled and another four for the elderly. It will feature a huge 22-metre screen, equipped with state-of-the-art digital projectors.
A vast terrace overlooking the sea will serve as a platform for events and activities. This project is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2018.
The Marina District is currently finalising work on a maritime restaurant, comprising a main eatery and eight exclusive marine chalets. This project, which is now in the second phase, will provide matchless dining experience to visitors.
Katara Plaza is a luxury shopping complex being built on an area of more than 38,000 square metres, in partnership with Ali Bin Ali Group.
Blending traditional and modern architecture, this shopping mall will gather leading global brands in fashion, luxury goods, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, entertainment, watches and jewellery.
Katara Plaza will host the first Evian Spa in the Middle East and the second of its kind in the world, in exclusive partnership with water giant Evian.
The Evian SPA is a luxurious interpretation of"health through water", offering a refined spa experience.
Katara Plaza will also have a children's mall, a unique and pioneering experience in the region and an example of innovation and architectural genius.
Its design portrays the form of two big gifts wrapped in red and gold.
Katara Plaza will offer a rare experience, with its landscapes and sandstone buildings, paved passages, arches and breezy walkways.
Katara Hills, a distinctive landmark and an eye-catching tourist destination, is expected to be completed in December 2018.
This project featuring gardens and green meadows is divided into Northern and Southern Hills that are unique in design and boast many recreational facilities.
The gardens occupy an area of 361,500 square metres and are designed in innovative and aesthetic style.
The Hills reflect the diversity of plants and trees (3,300 trees) from different continents, grown in the Qatari environment, serving as a meeting point for cultures and civilisations, along with a spacious yard symbolising the universal mind.
Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al Sulaiti, general manager of Katara Cultural Village, said the ambitious projects make Katara a global cultural and tourism hub, helping to strengthen communication between different cultures and peoples.
"Katara's strategy focuses on supporting art, culture, humanity and consolidating national identity and heritage. It also aims to utilise the facilities and buildings to create a suitable environment to nurture art and creativity to make Katara an Arab and global cultural icon," said Sulaiti.
