In light of Qatar’s unprecedented physical, social and economic transformation, the Qatar National Vision (2030) was developed under the patronage of His Highness the Emir to guide all ministries and other governmental institutions of the State, in designing development strategies for all sectors across Qatar.
Based on the Qatar National Vision (2030), the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (currently the Ministry of Municipality), created a national spatial development strategy as a foundation to shape and regulate all planning and development in the country (2014). This strategy is known as the “Qatar National Development Framework (QNDF)”.
The Qatar National Development Framework deals with both the country’s strengths and challenges. Qatar is known as a country with a distinctive natural environment that is blessed with ambitious people looking forward to the prospects of progress and prosperity. With the world’s third largest natural gas reserves, Qatar’s economic prosperity is guaranteed for generations to come. Its phenomenal economic growth and distinctive living environment have supported a steady increase in the population of citizens while also attracting great numbers of expatriates.
The QNDF reflects Qatar’s legitimate economic aspirations, including greater economic diversity and the adoption of progressive economic methods and concepts. Qatar is striving to become internationally recognized as a center for quality education, high-end business and scientific research, that is a major destination attracting tourists, sports events, distinctive international conferences, and entertainment. Qatar hopes to accomplish all of this while preserving and enhancing its Islamic values, culture, heritage, and Qatari families’ traditional communal values.
Through extensive data analysis and a deep understanding of the challenges that the country faces, the Qatar National Master Plan (QNMP) developed the national framework which includes an integrated set of strategies, policies, guidelines, and regulations applicable to national, municipality, city and town jurisdictions. It will ensure a higher standard of living for the current Qatari society and for future generations.
The principal strategic plan is the Qatar National Development Framework. It is a plan, for the future, to manage growth and build stronger, sustainable and livable communities.
The QNDF establishes the spatial framework to achieve national human, social, economic and environmental goals based on the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the population and economic projections by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics.
The key strategies include the establishment of urban growth boundaries to ensure land is utilized in a more efficient manner through the limitation of urban sprawl; the creation of mixed-use urban centers and transit oriented developments to boost commercial and community activities while alleviating traffic congestion; adopting international best practices in planning and design to ensure sustainable growth, and preservation of the natural environment. These plans and policies will guide the urban development of Qatar over the next twenty years.
After studies, consultation and integrated institutional interaction, the Council of Ministers approved the National Development Framework document by Decree no (77) in April (2014), and it was Ratified by his Highness The Emir in December (2014).
In conclusion, the Ministry of Municipality is grateful for the assistance and advice received from Government Ministries and Agencies, Municipalities, the private sector and community representatives. It looks forward to the continuation of this collaboration to achieve the implementation of the Qatar National Development Framework, and the integrated policies and spatial plans for all of the municipalities and cities in the State of Qatar that will soon follow.