[6] The Corniche's southern end provides access to Doha's oldest districts—Al Jasrah and Msheireb—and the Souq Waqif marketplace, all among the country's preeminent cultural sites.

[8] By placing contemporary institutional buildings along the coastline, instead of in the city's historical section, the Qatari government enhanced its architectural profile, presenting itself as a modern, independent entity while creating a physical separation from the traditional urban landscape.

Ground was broken for the Amiri Diwan government-house complex west of Souq Waqif in 1969, followed by the development of the headquarters for the Qatar National Bank and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[11] During the early 1970s, Qatar gained independence from Britain, established a central monarchist government under Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, and developed its oil industry.

Doha's urban landscape shifted, with the Corniche emerging as a prime site for large investments to modernize the city and improve the state's reputation through nation branding, using modernist aesthetics to project its soft power.

Despite some resistance to Western urban models, the Amiri Diwan played a key role in high-profile projects along the Corniche, overseeing land reclamation throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Qaddumi, founder of Arab Architects in Jordan, served as the planning and development advisor at the Amiri Diwan from 1974 to 1987, overseeing the design and construction along the Corniche.

[14] Qaddumi commissioned American architect William Pereira to design the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and other landmarks along the Corniche.

[17] The Sheraton Hotel, built on a specially created island formed from reclaimed land, was inaugurated on 22 February 1982 in a ceremony attended by Qatar's ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, and aired on national television.

Contrasting sharply with the governmental buildings, its construction involved advanced techniques, and its grand atrium, known as 'the majlis,' served as a social gathering space.

[22] Considered a good example of brutalist architecture and a prominent local landmark, Twist Whitley Architects and ComConsult designed it with semi-monocoque structures supporting its tapered roofs, mimicking traditional message-delivery methods.

[18] Strategically aligned along the Corniche's arc, the Ministry Complex and Amiri Diwan were prominent features, in addition to the Sheraton Hotel at the northern end.

[24] The Corniche's development was influenced by the 1995 Qatari coup d'état and Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's ascension, alongside Qatar's economic reorientation towards expanding Doha.

The construction of malls, skyscrapers, gated residential communities, iconic museums, and new sports facilities exemplified the resulting urban and real estate boom.

[27] In April 2019, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, opened its doors to the public on the Corniche's southern extremity.

[29] The NMOQ is separated from the Corniche Promenade by an artificial lagoon, enhanced by fountain sculptures created by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel which are inspired by the forms of Arabic calligraphy.

Created by American artist Jeff Koons, the sculpture is made of polished stainless steel and features a dugong, a marine mammal also known as a "sea cow", riding on an ocean wave and surrounded by seagrass.

As part of the Doha Corniche Development Project, intended to prepare the city for World Cup festivities, the road system was upgraded, and the waterfront was adorned with 1,440 palm frond-shaped lighting poles, representing Qatari heritage.

[44] The Corniche road features a six-lane avenue bordered by palm trees, flower beds, and sculptures that reflect Arab cultural motifs.

[36] Strategically placed trees, primarily date palms, provide much-needed shade along pedestrian pathways and seating areas, helping to mitigate the effects of direct sunlight.

[46] The Corniche Promenade and Park serves as a central hub for recreation and social activities in Doha, drawing a diverse array of visitors throughout the day.

At midday, construction workers from the nearby West Bay business district seek shade and a place to rest, while in the evenings and weekends, families gather to socialize and have picnics.