Smart City and Preservation of Identity in Doha

Abstract

The globalization and modernization process of the 20th-21st centuries decreased diversity and created similar cultures—the modern culture also created" modern" cities. Modern cities provided humanity the integration into production. Transportation, accommodation, and the other needs of people integrated into the output have been designed into those cities. However, later developments and research denote that the cities are not sustainable for the long term. Air pollution, water supply, food, and access to services are modern cities' main concerns. Therefore, a new development in the concept of cities was created, which is smart cities. The theory of smart cities provides the administrative power of a country with a well-established, sustainable, and smart development. The theory implemented in Doha is one example of the latest developed/developing cities. The limited population of Qatar and the significant wealth of natural gas provide them the means to establish a smart city. The main catch phrase for Qataris on that development project is “modernization with protecting the heritage.” This study examines Qatar's attempts to create Doha as an example of a smart city while protecting tradition and culture. The focus of that study will be the economic, societal, and environmental developments to denote the harmony of modernity and tradition in Doha. The research indicates that the Qatari administration builds Doha on three pillars: smart society, smart environment, and smart development.