Construction of a giant super regional retail and entertainment destination has commenced in Doha, Qatar.

Doha Festival City is being built by Bawabat Al-Shamal Real Estate Companyin a joint venture with Al-Futtaim Group, Qatar Islamic Bank and other investors.

Located just north of downtown Doha on Al Shamal Rd, one of the main arterial routes to the city centre connecting Doha with Bahrain, the complex is ideally equipped to meet the retail and entertainment needs of not only Qatar, but also neighbouring GCC countries.

It will be anchored by a 32,000sqm Ikea store, owned locally by the Al-Futtaim Group, due for completion in late 2012, marking the first phase of the project. The centre will be complete in late 2014. of Doha Festival City are due for delivery in Q4 2014.

Developed on land covering 433,847sqm with 260,000sqm of gross leasable area, Doha Festival City is designed by DP Architects with Arab Engineering Bureau appointed as Project Architects.

Joining Ikea will be other leading international and local brands already expressing strong interest in the development. Doha Festival City will also offer an entertainment and leisure complex, automotive showrooms and international hotels.

The interior design of Doha Festival City is inspired by nature and the elements of wind, water, wood and earth.

Within the retail loops there will be four distinct interior zones – Water Concourse, Garden Promenade, Rainforest Boardwalk and Fashion Galleria.