Al Furjan Markets will reduce congestion in Doha

Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a new concept, titled Al Furjan Markets, to bring together different commercial entities like bakeries, grocery stores, laundry services, banking options, pharmacies and other outlets in one place - all in an effort to reduce congestion in Doha.

​The concept is being developed mainly for neighborhoods that are far from the city of Doha to spare residents the hassle of having to drive all the way into the capital city.

The Ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with Mowasalat Qatar on Monday in a bid to provide proper connectivity to all Al Furjan markets across the country,  

The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister of Economy and Trade, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al Thani, and Transport Minister, HE Jassim Saif Ahmed al Sulaiti.

Under the agreement Mowasalat will launch special services of Karwa cars and buses to all the Al Furjan Markets once they become operational in Qatar.

All the 44 Al Furjan markets will have a dedicated area for Karwa taxi stops, according to the agreement.

With the inauguration of Al Furjan Markets, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce seeks to increase the competitiveness of the commercial sector across Qatar and develop it further.

It also aims at enhancing the quality of life for people within the neighbourhoods where these markets are built.

Al Furjan markets consist of commercial districts encompassing different residential areas in Jeryan Njeimeh, Legtaifieh, Hizm al Merkhiyeh, Al Meaarad, Rawdat al Kadeem and Rawdat al Hammameh.

As these areas are located outside Doha and lack commercial amenities, this project will also help reduce traffic jams on roads leading to and out of the capital. 

The commercial activities for these new markets are diverse and will provide residents with their basic goods and services including, pharmacies and supermarkets etc.

Speaking at an event to launch the Al Furjan Markets prior to the agreement signing ceremony, the economy minister said the markets will help ease the burden of residents who live in areas with limited commercial and retail facilities.

Sheikh Ahmed said that the markets will also benefit businessmen, traders and consumers in a variety of ways. 

The minister said the small Al Furjan markets were designed to offer 11 different commercial activities, while the larger ones will provide 27 different commercial activities. 

There will be 645 shops in 44 different markets, in addition to ATM machines and post offices, he said. 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning HE Sheikh Abdel Rahman bin Khalifa al Thani said that work on the Al Furjan markets was divided into several phases. 

"We are now in phase three with the first two having been completed. We finished laying out the maps and plans for this phase last February. This will cover 13 regions including Abu Sedra and Muaither,"he said. 

This will be in addition to the far-flung areas of Ain Sinan, Madinat Al Kaaban, Al Karaana and Madinat Al Shamal," he added.

Sources: Qatar Tribune | Doha News