The mega complex is located 15km north of Doha on Al Shamal Road, one of the main arterial routes to the city center, connecting Doha with Bahrain via the ‘Friendship’ bridge.

The entertainment, retail, hospitality and commercial complex is set to become a driving force behind Qatar’s diverse economic development.

DP Architects are designing the 433,847 sq m facility and Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) has been appointed the project architect.

MACE International and Al Futtaim Investment Management (AFIM) are project managers and investment managers respectively.

Construction of the project’s first phase will start with a ground breaking for the Swedish furnishing giant IKEA in April 2011.

This phase is scheduled to be completed by the second half of next year.

The second phase is scheduled for completion by 2014.

Al Futtaim, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Aqar Real Estate Investment Company and a private investor are partners in this joint venture project.

The iconic complex’s futuristic design separates each individual area into its own uniquely identified space that will transport guests from the world of waterslides and roller coasters, into a retail area populated with diverse international brands.

“This is a dream come true for us and our partners,” said Al Futtaim Group vice-chairman Omar Al Futtaim.

“The innovative concept of this project will greatly appeal to visitors and local residents of the nation that has rightly earned its place as one of the most advanced Middle East countries,” he added.

“Doha has a strong diversified financial standing and a rapidly expanding population with high level of disposable income. This makes it a perfect platform for a versatile complex such as Doha Festival City,” the vice-chairman said.

QIB Chairman Shaikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani said the joint venture agreement is in line with the State of Qatar’s 2030 vision.

“It represents a new phase in the country’s economic evolution and will raise Qatar’s profile as a nation focused on innovation, excellence, and dynamic sustainable development,” he added.

With its strategic positioning, the mega complex is ideally equipped to meet the retail and entertainment needs of not only Qatar, but also the neighboring GCC countries.