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Cruise into Doha’s futuristic skyline and you’ll arrive at the vibrant Doha Port neighbourhood. It’s home to a luxurious Grand Cruise Terminal, the vibrant Mina District and sights like Box Park and The Museum of Islamic Art. 

Neighborhoods, History

A luxury cruise destination.

Enjoy a traditional Qatari welcome when you arrive in the heart of Doha. Our spectacular cruise terminal is right on the Doha Corniche : a multi-functional space that hosts year-round events, exhibitions, markets and conferences. A mesmerising aquarium welcomes passengers on the arrival side of the terminal. 

How to get there?

Take the bus from the National Museum Metro Station or a Doha Bus .

Karwa Taxi – Book a taxi

Doha Metro – Closest stops: Souq Waqif or National Museum

Grand Cruise Terminal, Doha Port, Corniche Road, Mina District, Doha, Qatar

+974 4404 2704

Winter cruise season

Hive of activity during November to April each year. 

Striking façade

1,174 stacked arches reflect traditional Arabic architecture.

Size & passengers

Dual terminals serving two berths and up to 12,000 passengers per day.

The Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port 

Doha Port welcomes leading international cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Emerald and Silversea.

See inside the Grand Terminal

The sprawling building has an art gallery and a large open-air rooftop terrace. Here’s what to expect inside.

Customs and immigration designed for a quick departure and arrival.

Boarding & embarkation

Spacious lounges with vending machines while you wait for your cruise departure.

Lounges & prayer rooms

Convenient services like ATMs, free wi-fi, currency exchange, toilets and shuttle buses.

Duty-free shopping and a café for lastminute snacks.

Eat and shop

At arrivals, walk underneath a stunning aquarium.

Explore the Mina District 

Called the ‘Santorini of the Middle East’, this marina neighbourhood is located at the end of the Doha Corniche. Get your cameras ready to capture pretty pastel-coloured buildings and alleyways. 

Tour the new Doha Port 

What used to be the Old Doha Port has been completely transformed into a vibrant tourist attraction,  Mina District . See for yourself!

Things to do while you’re docking

Here are some adventures to enjoy, whether you have a few hours to kill or spending a few days with us.

What to do on a 24h stopover

Follow David Beckham as he explores Qatar’s many surprises on a stopover.

Step onboard a traditional dhow

There are many ways to explore Doha, from the Doha Bus to a wooden dhow sail boat.

Popular hotels, restaurants & sights near Doha Cruise Port 

You don’t have to travel far from your cruise ship to see the best of Doha. Here are some ideas on where to stay, eat and do sightseeing.

Golden Tulip Doha

The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village, Doha

Banana Island Resort Doha

Museum of Islamic Art

National Museum of Qatar

Events for young and old on your cruise stopover .

Browse our year-round calendar of events for families, sports fans, art lovers and more!

Any questions about Doha Port?  

How far is the port from the city centre.

Doha Port is in the middle of the Doha Corniche and only a 5 to 10-minute drive to sights like Souq Waqif and the National Museum of Qatar. There are many landmarks within walking distance such as Box Park , Museum of Islamic Art and Flag Plaza.

How far is Doha Port from Hamad International Airport?

Doha airport is only about 20 minutes by taxi from the Doha Cruise Terminal.

What are the transport links nearby?

From the cruise terminal, there are shuttle services available to Doha city centre. Alternatively, you can take a hop-on Doha Bus tour, take the bus from the National Museum Metro Station or use the Doha Metro (closest stops: Souq Waqif or National Museum).

Is there parking at the port?

There is ample parking available right outside the Mina District and at Box Park.

Is there wi-fi at the Grand Terminal?

Yes, there is free wi-fi at the Grand Terminal.

Do I need a visa to enter Qatar from my cruise stop?

Qatar welcomes the world with visa-free entries for citizens of 100 countries. To see if you’re eligible, visit our visa section .

Is Doha Port and Hamad Port the same?

No, Doha Port is the passenger port and cruise terminal. Hamad Port Visitors Centre & Aquarium is the main seaport of Qatar located south of Doha.

Are there any shore excursions from Doha Port?

Yes, it’s very easy to arrange a boat cruise from the Doha Corniche or go kayaking, jet skiing, paddling or scuba diving. Get great deals on fun experiences here .  

Useful information

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The new two-berth terminal is capable of handling 6.000 guests simultaneously from big ships. Luxury marinas nearby are a good fit for smaller ships. Long-term plans include building a dedicated facility for smaller luxury ships.

The Grand Terminal building is divided into two terminals and a central area with departure and arrival halls, taxi and bus stands, specially-designed waiting areas for guests and staff, along with other tourist information services. The building facade honors the traditional Arab architecture with 1154 arches. Guests will experience a unique trip through the aquarium located between the two terminals at the centre of the building.

Tourists are transported to the city center by shuttle buses. They can be paid or free of charge depending on your cruise line.

Shuttle buses deliver tourists to Souq Waqif Square where a traditional oriental bazaar can be found, a 20 minute trip. At night, due to heavy traffic the trip might be longer

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Check here for festivals and events in Doha when you are in port.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Doha Qatar

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Sightseeing:

Doha (population 370,000) is the capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf. Major industries are oil and fishing. Located near Doha is Education City, an area devoted to research and education.

Just like other cities in the Persian Gulf Region, Doha is an intriguing a mixture of old and new. You will find fine modern architecture next to traditional Arabic Souqs (bazaars) and more than 260 mosques (the multiple-domed Grande Mosque is, in fact, the largest). The harbor is still a thriving international port well equipped for modern commerce. The traditional Dhow harbor is a favored attraction. The western style nightlife in Doha is centralized only in the international hotels. Here we find state of the art bars and discotheques. Local nightlife is found in traditional shi-sha places and coffee houses. The shi-sha is the Arabian water pipe; very popular amongst local people and foreigners. Not to forget, Qatar is the home base for Al Jazeera Media, the famous Arabian news station.'

Al-Corniche The highlight of Doha is unquestionably the Corniche. Doha Bay was carefully constructed with landfill to make an attractive crescent, along which runs a charming area of shaded footpaths, cycling tracks, the Al-Bandar restaurant complex, the famous Pearl Monument, moored dhows, a park and enchanting views. Heritage House Formerly an ethnographic museum, this restored Heritage Museum, was built in 1935 and offers the best view of the badghir (wind tower). It is no longer officially open to the public, however, the friendly Qatari employees of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture who now occupy the building are sure to let you in, if you express an interest. Doha Fort Built during the Turkish occupation in the 19th century, the interior of this fort consists of a large, paved courtyard, which acts as an impromptu forum for local sheyba (old men) to chew over the day's problems. The exhibits are somewhat neglected, but while Qatar National Museum remains closed for renovation, this is the only opportunity for visitors to view a wide range of traditional Qatari activities, such as weaving, wood carving, modern paintings, and other local crafts.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Dohabus is running a hop on hop off bus tour around the city every 30 minutes direct from the cruise terminal

A popular excursion is to take the small boat ride from the Corniche (near the Sheraton) to Palm Tree Island in Doha Bay. It has been left as a nature reserve and is completely bare except for 2 trees (not palms).

Cruise ship passengers are now eligible for free 96-hour transit visas.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

The thing to do, unless you have done it before, is to hire a jeep to drive you around the desert, riding the dunes. This will cost you several hundred Qatari rials, and may require a minimum of four persons to join in the fun. At international hotels, the receptionists will advise you, and hire a driver for you.

Shopping and Food

Doha is full of wonderful shopping opportunities. While there are not many locally produced crafts, Doha is full of souqs and shopping malls for your delight. One of the joys of shopping in Doha's traditional souqs is that the shopkeepers generally take the time to mingle with their customers, whether purchasing or just browsing. Despite some crowds, the souqs are a safe place to visit and bargaining is expected. The souqs are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. One of the largest of the Middle East's shopping palaces is the City Center Shopping Mall. With 350 shops, tented architecture, marble flooring and glass elevators leading to an ice-skating rink, bowling alleys and climbing walls, it is more of an event than a destination.

The national currency is the Qatari riyal (QAR). The riyal is pegged to the dollar at the rate of QR 3.65 to US $1. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Arabic is the official language, particularly the Gulf dialect. English is the most common second language.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Shopping hours Generally Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900 or later, with the malls open until 2100 or 2200. Some shops close on Friday.

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Port Doha Qatar cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Doha Qatar. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Doha is Qatar's largest/principal port and capital city, with population around 2,4 million and total area approx 132 km2 (51 mi2). Port Doha (locode QADOH) is on the Persian/Arabian Gulf. Over half of Qatar's population lives in Doha City or its suburbs. The city is also Qatar's commercial capital and one of the Middle East's financial centers. There is a same-named seaport (Doha Port/Mina Doha) in Kuwait's Al Kuwayt Governorate.

The coastal territory (Trucial Coast) was ruled by Britain as part of the empire's strategy to secure safe passage through the Arabian Gulf for the merchant ships of the East India Company (1600-1874). The agreement with the local sheiks (signed in 1820) acknowledged British authority in the Gulf and practically ended the piracy and the slave trade.

The town of Doha was established in the early-19th-century as an extension of Al Bidda (British Qatar's largest city). The country was a British protectorate between 1916-71. Doha became the country's capital in 1971 when Qatar declared independence from the UK.

The city was selected as a host of renowned sporting events, such as "2006 Asian Games", "2011 Pan Arab Games", and most of the games at "2011 AFC Asian Cup". The 20th "World Petroleum Conference" was held here in December 2011. Doha also hosted "2012 UNFCCC Climate Negotiations" and "2022 FIFA World Cup".

In May 2015, the city was officially recognized as one of the "New 7 Wonders Cities" - along with Beirut (Lebanon) , Durban (South Africa) , Havana (Cuba) , Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) , La Paz (Mexico) and Vigan (Philippines).

Doha City houses the headquarters of numerous domestic and international corporations and organizations, including Qatar's largest oil and gas companies RasGas, Qatargas, and Qatar Petroleum. The city's economy is built primarily on the natural gas and oil industries.

Qatar's cruising season is during winter (October through April). The seaport is managed by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

During season 2017-2018, TUI Cruises (German shipping company) visited Doha 7x times, bringing ~17,500 tourists to Qatar. The same season was a record-breaker (~65,000 tourists, or 39% increase over 2016). Port Doha was visited by a total of 22 vessels plus 1 superyacht. The Port received 5x maiden calls ( MSC Splendida , Mein Schiff 5 , Crystal Serenity , Crystal Symphony , Europa 2 ). Data showed 86% disembarking passengers, of whom 53% booked city tours and 18% booked desert safaris.

The main factor for the Port's cruising business growth was the 2016-introduced free 96-hours transit visa for international tourists. Seaport's largest visiting liners so far are MSC Splendida ( MSC ) and Mein Schiff 5 ( TUI ). In 2017, Splendida (max capacity 3900 passengers) replaced  MSC Fantasia .

For season 2018-2019 were booked 43 ships (of which 10 with maiden port calls) and were expected 140,000+ tourists (passengers and crew). The season had 5x 2-ship days. During season 2019-2020, the cruise port expected nearly 200,000 visitors, targeting an annual volume of ~0,5 million passengers by the year 2026.

For season 2019-2020 the cruise port had scheduled a total of 74 ship calls, with estimated 186,000+ passengers plus 61,000+ crew. During the season here was homeported Costa Diadema , with booked 16 berthings (planned roundtrips).

Doha plans a port redevelopment project budgeted ~QR 2 billion (Qatari Riyals, ~USD 550 million).

In 2021-Q1, the French luxury travel brand Ponant  chartered the ship Le Champlain to Qatar Airways Holidays. The airline (via partnership with Discover Qatar) launched the "Luxury Coastal Cruise of Qatar" program custom-made for citizens and residents of the country. The exclusive program was based on a 3-night Persian Gulf itinerary (leaving roundtrip from Doha). The coastal sightseeing and exploration activities included snorkeling (at Al Ashat Island), gliding (over Khor Al-Udaid channel), scenic cruising for marine and wildlife viewings (hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs, flamingos). The shipboard and ashore enrichment programs were led by expert tour guides - marine biologists, naturalists, ornithologists. Le Champlain's Qatar cruise season (late-March - April 2021) included 6 consecutive departures out of Doha, with all-inclusive prices starting from QR 4990 (USD 1370 / EUR 1140) per person with double occupancy.

For season 2021-2022, the Port had booked a total of 30 ship calls, of which 4 were maiden port calls and 4 by luxury ships. The Qatar Tourism Authority also developed special onboard flight programs for foreign cruisers that stay overnight in Doha for their departure and return flights, as such tourists start and end their flights from/in Qatar.

For season 2023-2024, Port Doha had booked 120 cruise ship berthings, with expected ~200,000 tourists.

Doha Qatar cruise terminal

Before the inauguration of Qatar’s new cruise port Doha, large-sized cruise ships docked at the Hamad Port (cargo port). Doha Port is located off Doha Corniche - several kilometers long waterfront promenade along Doha Bay. Before the port redevelopment, the largest cruise liners able to dock at Doha Port were with LOA length under 250 m (820 ft).

Due to the increasing number of cruiseship tourists, Qatar's Tourism Authority, Ports Management Company and Ministry of Interior took measures to facilitate the passengers' disembarkation process and entry procedures.

Following an investment in new security technologies and close collaboration with cruise ship operators, passenger processing / disembarkation time was reduced to just several minutes.

As part of the new process, cruise ship tourist (passenger and crew) passport details are shared with Qatar's immigration office 48 hours before the ship's arrival in the country. This allows cruise tourists to be cleared for entry before the ship docks in port.

Due to the short port stay duration (~8 hours), passengers and crew are eligible for transit visas (free 96-hour visas), which further eases the entry process. In 2017, Port Doha was visited by its largest cruise vessel so far -  MSC Splendida . The ship docked in Doha on December 20, bringing over 3900 passengers and 1400 crew.

Port Doha's new Grand Cruise Terminal was slated for opening/inauguration for FIFA World Cup 2022 (Nov 20 thru Dec 18). The new  facility has a large terminal building (sized 24000 m2 / 258334 ft2, divided into 2x terminals) and docking capacity to handle/berth 2x mega-ships (max 12000 cruisers/passengers + crew) simultaneously on a single wharf. The Grand Terminal buildings have departure and arrival halls, cafe, duty-free shop, parking areas (separate stands for taxis and buses), as well as a huge aquarium (interconnecting both terminals) and an art gallery. A large terrace (on floor 2) stretches across both buildings.

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Doha Port – Grand Cruise Terminal

Doha, Qatar , Middle East

In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its emphasis on expanding the island nation’s tourism sector, the Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha Port is a new maritime gateway to Doha and a key, world-class attraction for cruise enthusiasts and passengers, both in the region and globally. Named one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals by Forbes, the Doha Port’s Grand Cruise Terminal honours traditional Arab architecture and restores the historic link between Doha and its sea. In 2018, Dar was commissioned to prepare the concept design and the tender documents for the grand cruise terminal.

At a glance:

20,000 m 2 in building footprint 24,000 m 2 in built-up area 2  6,000-passenger mega ships, hosted simultaneously

Architecture and Design

Engineering

Port and Marine Facilities

Transportation

The project

Doha Port is envisioned as a maritime gateway to the Gulf and a much-needed new amenity at the heart of the city. The port’s redevelopment restores the historic link between the city and the sea while complementing Doha’s leisure, open space, and hospitality offerings. Thanks to its varied parkland, the site will become a sought-after destination for recreational activities and open-air performances. Additionally, the cruise terminal will ensure marine access to Doha and the Gulf during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.

As part of the Doha Port project, Dar was commissioned to prepare the concept design and tender documents for the grand terminal that will function as a homeport for two 6,000-passenger mega ships simultaneously. The grand terminal is split into two adjacent terminals and a central area consisting of departure and arrival halls, government offices, touchpoints, and services.  Passengers using this facility will experience a trip through an aquarium to discover local fish types and through a city gallery that introduces them to miniature models of main landmarks in Doha. In order for this experience to be fairly shared between the passengers of both mega ships, the aquarium and the city gallery are located between the two terminals at the centre of the building.

The grand terminal is also exceptional in its open terraces, located on the first-floor level. These spaces can be used for separate events to provide additional commercial revenue, and during the off season when there are no ship movements, they can be integrated with the first-floor halls of the terminal thus generating more flexibility in the use of the building. The halls on the ground level can also function as exhibition centres. With such a design, the terminal will offer flexible uses and more revenue-generating opportunities.

First Look: Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal Renderings

• September 23, 2022

Qatar Tourism released artist renderings of the Grand Cruise Terminal at the Port of Doha, set to open in time for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

The terminal is designed to accommodate two 6,000-passenger mega ships simultaneously.

Envisioned as a maritime gateway to the Gulf this 24.000-sqm building will feature the region’s largest aquarium and art gallery.

The Grand Terminal building is divided into two terminals and a central area with departure and arrival halls, Duty-Free shop, a cafe, taxi and bus stands, specially-designed waiting areas for guests and staff, along with other tourist information services. The building facade honors the traditional Arab architecture with 1154 arches.

Guests will experience a unique trip through the aquarium located between the two terminals at the centre of the building. The terminal will host open-air events on its large terrace on the 2nd floor, stretching across the two terminals.

In line with the Qatar Tourism vision and its ambitious target to attract over six million international guests a year by 2030, the Grand Cruise Terminal will be a maritime gateway to Doha, serving as a turnaround port and a port of call.

During the 2023-2024 winter cruise season Port of Doha expects 120 cruise calls with about 200.000 cruise travelers.

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Three cruise ships to arrive at Doha Port’s new Grand Cruise terminal Qatar

The Grand Cruise Terminal will soon be unveiled at the newly renovated Old Doha Port, also called as the Mina District, which is a crucial tourist attraction during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Three new cruise ships are expected to arrive at this terminal and the first of those ships is the MSC World Europa.

The MSC World Europa is the first passenger ship to dock at the Grand Cruise Terminal on November 10. It is also a part of the three cruise ships repertoire that will also play the role of three floating hotels during the World Cup. The terminal and the Old Port is an attempt to revive the old connection between Doha and the sea, and features a classic Arab design.

The Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port has already been crowned as “one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals” by Forbes. It will also feature an aquarium and an art gallery. The new terminal located at Doha Port will keep Doha and the Gulf accessible during the tournament and post that. Qatar Tourism estimates that the terminal will welcome more than 300,000 passengers each year.

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Promoting Qatar’s Cruise Industry

Qatar has proven to be one of the most sought after luxury cruise destinations in the Arabian Gulf’s winter cruise season. To support the tremendous growth of the industry, Mwani Qatar plays key role in the redevelopment of the port and its facilities port facilities.

Located in the heart of the Doha city, with close connectivity to the city’s most prominent Souq waqif, museums and tourist attractions, Doha Port’s cruise terminal can currently accommodate mega cruise liners and luxury yachts.

Doha port provides wide range of passenger facilities, including seamless immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours as well as Qatar Duty Free, cafe, waiting areas for cruise passengers and staff. It also features various tourist information services offered by Qatar Tourism.

Relevant Mwani Qatar marine services within the port are offered to the vessels calling at Doha Port ensuring safe and efficient arrival and departure.

Mwani Qatar works closely with Qatar Tourism and Ministry of Interior to develop the cruise industry which has seen a remarkable increase in the passenger arrivals over the years. ​

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Doha represents an amazing combination of the old and the new. Skyscrapers here coexist with the century-old city sites and oriental bazaars, whereas its new cruise terminal is considered one of the best in the entire Middle East. 

Where Cruise Port Is Located 

Before the year 2022, cruise ships docked at Hamad cargo port located 40 kilometers from the center and it was inconvenient to get everywhere from it. 

And yet, a new modern cruise terminal “Grand Cruise Terminal” was built for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Located not far from the city center it is currently the main one. This new cruise terminal can simultaneously accommodate 2 cruise ships and 7000 passengers. 

The cruise terminal building is wholly new and modern. Inside, a large aquarium “meeting” passengers can be found inside.

View of the new Doha cruise terminal from the cruise ship

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Doha's Grand Cruise Terminal Redefines Port Perfection in Qatar

• Wed, Jan 24, 2024

Cruise ports are typically mere transit points, overshadowed by more picturesque destinations, but Qatar's Doha is challenging that norm.

The Grand Cruise Terminal, inaugurated in November 2022, is a half-billion-dollar architectural marvel welcoming the largest-ever MSC Cruises ship. Nestled at the end of a two-mile causeway in Doha Bay, this reverse tourist attraction offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, featuring a stunning façade of 1,154 arches, a vast aquarium inside, and a seamless passenger experience with swift passport controls.

Doha's cruise terminal transcends its functional purpose, emerging as a destination within itself, seamlessly integrating with the Mina District's pastel-colored charm and the nearby Box Park's marina and street food offerings.

The city's ambitions in cruise tourism align with Qatar's broader strategy to attract over six million annual visitors by 2030, leveraging its newfound attention from the FIFA World Cup 2022. The upcoming cruise season anticipates 120 ships docking in Doha, marking the city as a premier cruise destination in the Gulf Region.

Qatar's emergence as a tourist hotspot, characterized by a unique blend of tranquility and cultural richness, is epitomized by the Grand Cruise Terminal's synthesis of traditional Arabian allure with modern efficiency.

Explore the wonders of cruise ports worldwide on Letsjourney.info , your ultimate travel companion. From the architectural marvels of Qatar's Grand Cruise Terminal in Doha to the latest updates on MSC Cruises, our portal is your gateway to seamless travel experiences and in-depth insights. Stay informed, discover hidden gems, and embark on unforgettable journeys with Letsjourney.info.

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The ‘work of art’ cruise terminal that’s a destination in its own right

E ditor’s Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with  our policy .

Normally just the unlovely places where passengers step on and off en route to somewhere more picturesque, cruise ports aren’t usually known as destinations in their own rights.

But in Qatar, a regular port of call on Arabian Sea itineraries, there’s a reason to stop and stare.

Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal opened in November 2022, welcoming the MSC Europa – the largest ever ship operated by MSC Cruises, with a guest capacity of 6,774 passengers.

The terminal – which cost half a billion dollars to build – swiftly became a reverse tourist attraction, with local residents streaming to see it. Located at the end of a two-mile causeway stretching into the semicircular Doha Bay, and easily visible from the Corniche – Doha’s 4.5-mile long waterfront promenade – it was an attractive addition to the skyline.

The relative distance from the city center works for everyone – starting with residents, who aren’t overwhelmed by views of the huge ships. Passengers, meanwhile, get a panorama of Doha, with its mix of modern and traditional architecture hemming the bay – and a swift, easy, and picturesque walk into town.

Before the terminal opened, cruise ships docked at Hamad Port, some 25 miles south of Doha. Despite the port being open to comparatively large cargo vessels, cruise ships were limited to a certain size. The MSC Splendida, carrying 3,900 passengers, was the largest ship to dock at Hamad, in 2017. The new port is not only more convenient for passengers, but also able to handle the largest megaships.

Old meets new

The new terminal stands at the end of the pathway connecting the Corniche to the cruise port: a sand-colored, two-story building, hidden from view by Doha’s Mina District. The façade, designed by architects Hassell Studio, is made up of 1,154 arches – a nod to traditional Arabian buildings.

It was designed to be functional yet appealing, allowing enough space to accommodate two ships, each with a capacity of 6,000 passengers.

“This is a civic project that has to respond to many complex needs and requirements at once, but still has an outward role to face the world and welcome people into a place that is really just emerging as a destination,” says Ashley Munday, Hassell’s principal and head of design.

“This approach is integral to creating a place that is a well-loved part of the city, embedded in the cultural fabric of Doha, rather than a single-use architectural statement.”

Into the blue

Inside, the building is split into two separate terminals, linked by a vast aquarium. Passengers descend to passport control through a walkway that cuts right through the tanks, where a colorful sample of regional marine life welcomes them to Doha.

“I was mesmerized by the aquarium – it made the terminal have a tranquil quality [with water] on both sides of the escalators,” says Leisa Chell, PR & communications manager for MSC Cruises (Australia).

As visas are granted before each ship docks, with all passport details confirmed prior to arrival, the process is fluid and fast. Nearly too fast, as senior editor of  Cruise Critic  Aaron Saunders found when he arrived in March.

“It was more than surprising,” he says. “It’s well organized, well laid out, and has a team of gracious staff who complete check-in easily and efficiently. If there’s a fault, it’s that I was in and out of it so quickly that I barely had time to register how nice the facility was.”

Straight to the city

Unlike in many other cruise destinations, Doha’s new cruise terminal isn’t isolated from the rest of the city, but offers a destination in itself, extending what’s on offer in the city center. Next to the terminal lies the Mina District, a pastel-colored assortment of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, all reminiscent of Greece. There’s even a fish market and attached restaurant, serving the catch of the day.

Nearby is the Box Park, a marina dotted with reused shipping containers adorned with street art, as well as street food stands. A further 20 minutes’ walk toward the city center, the Flag Plaza, filled with world flags flapping in the breeze, marks the access to the Corniche. From here, Doha’s best sights are within easy walking distance.

Saunders, who has cruised on every continent, says that the area makes “a hugely positive impression” compared to ports in other countries.

“A lot of cruise terminals in North America are in uninviting locations – industrial harbors or areas that are otherwise closed off to the public. I love that Doha’s terminal is situated in one of the city’s most picturesque places,” he says.

“It’s a great area to spend time in, even if you have no intention of embarking on a cruise.”

Looking ahead

Qatar has used the attention it received from the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a springboard to propel its tourism ambitions forward. Akbar al-Baker, the then Qatar Tourism Chairman, said in a June interview with local media that Qatar’s national tourism strategy was aiming to welcome more than six million annual visitors by 2030,  destinations-in-the-region  and statistics up to August 2023 show a promising 2.66 million visitors so far this year . Cruising plays a huge role in achieving the lofty goal of more than doubling that figure over the next six years.

According to data provided by Qatar Tourism Authority, the country saw 54 port calls and 253,191 cruise visitors during its 2022/23 season (cruise season in the Middle East runs from October to April). That’s an increase of 152% compared to the previous season’s 100,500 visitors and 34 port calls.

For the 2023/24 season, some 120 cruise ships, from lines including MSC, Costa, and Silversea, are expected to dock in Doha, according to Craig Upshall, a cruise specialist for Qatar Tourism marketing wing.

“Cruise tourism is an important pillar through which Qatar will fulfil its national tourism strategy to become the fastest growing tourism destination in the region by 2030,” he says.

“The industry is experiencing continuous expansion, sustained by strategic collaborations with both public and private entities. Qatar Tourism aims to establish the country as a pivotal hub for transit calls, positioning Doha as a premier cruise destination within the Gulf Region.”

Qatar might still be an emerging tourist destination, but the country has already convinced Leisa Chell, whose visit last year, as part of a Middle East cruise was her first to the region. It has, she says, “a quietness that is not seen in larger GCC countries.”

“Doha has the best of both worlds – most people speak English and there is every convenience you could wish for. But it still retains the souk, where you can experience the traditional marketplace.” Her favorite experience? “A visit to the falcon hospital. ”

The new cruise terminal sums up Doha – and Qatar as a whole – to perfection. The juxtaposition of modern efficiency and ease, alongside a deep sense of tradition and culture, makes it an alluring draw for cruise passengers, who want to enjoy a bit of 1001 Arabian Nights – but in 21st-century style.

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Doha Grand Terminal

Designed to draw people to the waterfront, the new cruise terminal creates a vibrant new multi-use public place for Doha.

Doha’s new Grand Terminal operates year-round as a cultural, civic and leisure facility and as a cruise ship terminal in the winter months. Beyond its elegant architectural statement, its flexible program and design enable a variety of different activities that will make it a much-loved part of the city.

Over two levels, the new building includes a series of large open halls for departures and arrivals and houses major attractions including the National Aquarium and City Museum. Future phases will include a Botanic Garden and Panoramic Restaurant with spectacular views of the West Bay skyline.

These facilities are woven together by a network of public courtyards dedicated to culture, transport and horticulture that will provide each with its own dedicated outdoor space and ​ ‘ front door’.

The building façade comprises a filigree of polished concrete arches that define a permeable envelope, which casts a strong daytime silhouette and emits a lantern like glow at night. The arched cloisters will create a ​ ‘ holding structure’ that allows the building to be delivered in phases.

The open courtyards can also house temporary structures to bring different activities and vibrancy to the waterfront, even before the building is complete.

Collaborators

Design team.

The ​ ‘ work of art’ cruise terminal in Qatar

Cruise ports aren’t usually known as destinations in their own rights, but Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal in Qatar has swiftly become a ​ ‘ reverse tourist attraction’ with residents and visitors streaming in to see it. Read the article in CNN.

Ashley Munday

Ashley has more than 25 years of experience working in architecture and urban design all over the world – from Australia and Asia to the Middle East and Europe.

Grand Terminal, Doha named one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals

Our design for the new Grand Terminal in Doha, Qatar elevates the seasonal functionality of a cruise port into an elegant year-round event space complete with aquarium and art gallery.

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• City Gallery at Grand Cruise Terminal opens to public

The City Gallery located at the Grand Cruise Terminal at the Old Doha Port, is now open to public daily.

Visitors get to explore the gallery from 12pm to 9pm from Saturday to Thursday, while on Friday, the doors remain open from 2pm to 9pm.

As visitors step inside, their attention is immediately drawn to a captivating LED map of Qatar, adorning the floor.

The gallery offers a unique blend of visual and aquatic experiences. A remarkable feature is the gallery’s aquarium, which houses a range of aquatic species, including Golden Trevally, Honeycomb Stingray, Yellowtail Fusilier, Sergeant Majoris, Yellowbar Angelfish, Cowtail Stingray, Brown Spotted Reef Cod, Blue Spotted Stingray, Whitespotted Eagle Ray, Blacktip Reef Shark, Broomtail Wrasse, Pennant Coralfish or Longfin Bannerfish, Twobar Seabream, Turkeyfish and Cobia.

Moreover, the gallery offers an immersive experience with audiovisual presentations on screen throughout the gallery.

The presentation offers a glimpse into the authenticity of Qatari culture, displaying images and showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and tourist attractions like Corniche. 

Another notable addition to the gallery is a framed quote from the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which conveys a powerful message of unity and hospitality, “No matter how diverse our nationalities, religions, and ideas are, our duty is to overcome obstacles, extend a hand of friendship, build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity, and on behalf of my people and on my own behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament, you are all welcome."

The Grand Cruise Terminal serves as entry and exit point for cruise passengers. This year’s cruise season began on Saturday, and will continue until April 2024. The season boasts of an impressive roster of ships, including the Mein Schiff 2, Azamara Journey, Silver Spirit, MSC Virtuosa, Le Bougainvillea, Costa Toscana, Aidaprima, MS Riviera, Norwegian Dawn, Silver Moon, Seabourn Encore, MS Hamburg, Queen Mary 2, Artania, and others.

A total of 81 cruise arrivals are expected this season, which marks a major increase in comparison to previous year.

Robin Vinod

Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries.

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