Msheireb Properties received another global accolade with its Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation for the Tram Depot located within their flagship development project, Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). This latest accolade coincides with the arrival of their third tram from US-based manufacturer, TIG/m, LLC.

The Tram Depot, a stabling and maintenance facility for the three trams of Msheireb Properties, received Platinum LEED accreditation in recognition of its advanced specifications that meet the LEED criteria. According to a report produced by the judges, accreditation was awarded based on excellence across multiple criteria, including design, fit out, sustainability, and optimised energy performance. The report also referred to the building’s overall approach to environmental friendliness, in terms of waste management and low-emitting materials.

Msheireb Downtown Doha has one of the highest concentrations of LEED-certified sustainable buildings, making it the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. With a 32% energy reduction goal, almost all the project buildings have LEED Gold certification, with some buildings exceeding expectations to achieve LEED Platinum status.

MDD Tram 3Eco-Friendly Transportation Around the City

The tramway network is one of the core features of MDD, planned to facilitate the transportation of residents and visitors around the city in an eco-friendly way. The third self-powered, high-tech, electric streetcar, designed and built by TIG/m, has now arrived on site and is being installed at the district. TIG/m designed, manufactured and installed the public transportation system of MDD, with the goal of reducing automobile traffic and providing eco-friendly, convenient travel in Downtown Doha.

TIG/m President Brad Read said they aim to facilitate the reintroduction of the electric street railway into the fabric of modern cities and Msheireb Downtown Doha is an example of how to do just that without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

We are very happy with our collaboration and immensely proud of what we have achieved. It is sincerely our wish at TIG/m that more urban developers follow the lead of Msheireb Properties and start introducing transportation substitutes that are cleaner, more affordable, fast and efficient.’

Msheireb Properties Acting CEO Ali Al Kuwari said they are proud to receive yet another Platinum LEED accreditation for the Tram Depot.

We know of no other development project in the world that has LEED certified the housing and maintenance of a cities’ transportation vehicles. It will be the first of its kind in Qatar and another milestone on our journey to conclude the development of this award-winning development project.’

The three TIG/m trams are single-deck, rigid body, self-powered vehicles, and require no overhead wire or wayside power systems of any kind. The traction power is provided by onboard batteries operating with a regenerative braking function. Ancillary power is provided by a small onboard generator. Because the power for a full day of service is carried on-board, the trams are immune to technical problems caused by an off-board power support system, and free of the need to stop for charging during passenger service.

The MDD trams are fully air-conditioned and incorporate special light-filtering glass panels which inhibit over 90% of the heat from sunlight. The trams are also convertible and can be operated as open-air cars during the cooler winter months by removing the large glass panels. This feature is unique to the MDD tramway system.

Advanced Features

In addition, the system incorporates many advanced features for the convenience of passengers and for the overall safety of the tramway and assets. These include: level boarding at all passenger stations; a hop-on/hop-off service in the Wadi Msheireb section of Downtown; Virtual Tram Detection and tram priority at traffic signals; tram arrival signs in real-time on trams and at the passenger stations; on-board CCTV; and on-board Wi-Fi.

The tramway network within Msheireb Downtown Doha is a single 2-kilometre, closed-loop track system that includes nine stops, with a 400-metre hop-on/hop-off zone. The trams will operate from 6 am to 1 am, Sunday to Thursday, and from 1 pm to 1 am on Friday and Saturday. The system links all parts of the development within 18 minutes, with a six-minute headway at each station and offers residents access to Msheireb Station, the largest Doha Metro station that links Qatar Rail’s three metro lines: Red, Green, and Golden.

The MDD trams run on standard gauge track (1,435 mm) and are custom-designed and handcrafted to the highest standards of excellence, while adhering to European Standards for Tramway Safety.

Upon completion, the new Downtown District will offer residents a combination of luxurious and spacious townhouses that blend traditional Qatari heritage with modern architecture, as well as contemporary apartments with world-class fittings and finishes. MDD will also provide residents with the largest offering of parks and plazas within one development in Qatar — a testament to its commitment to providing not only green spaces, but also green practices throughout the city.

For updates on the development at Musheireb Downtown Doha, visit the Musheireb Properties website at msheireb.com.