Yes indeed it’s a commercial avenue (as mentioned in the ILQ article).

The West Bay lagoon and artificial islands were master planned in the 1970s. The area was reclaimed during the 70s from the sea and the dredging to create the channel and the islands started in 1995 if I remember correctly. A private artificial island was created to the north of the site at around that time too if not earlier and the “spine” of the Pearl was constructed at that time too.

Interesting thing is that Shk. Mohammed of Dubai was touring the lagoon and islands as well as being briefed on the master plan a while before announcing the Palm project.

Statistics show that retail space per capita in Qatar is less than Dubai and the US by quite a large margin and there is quite a large pent up demand for retail space. Throw in factors of very high retail rentals, high demand, large sums of key money (i’ve seen figures close to European shopping high streets), the economic and population growth over the next 3 years and last but not least a large amount of existing retail space being demolished in many parts of town and it is not difficult to see how the 900,000sqm will be filled.

Something to note too is that this not a shopping mall. This a commercial street similar to Salwa Road, but unlike Salwa road it is master planned with good roads, good access, and plenty of parking to go around.

They are encouraging people to walk around AND they’re providing commercial spots.

This in turn will create balance with rentals.

I’ve been searching for spots to open a couple of stores for 2 years now and they’re either TOO expensive or in crap locations.

What else has Qatar copied?

the stupidest idea ever..