Transit-Oriented Development in Middle Eastern Cities: The Urban Renewal Framework for the SouqWaqif in Doha, Qatar

The article examines the impact of rapid urbanization and economic growth on transportation-related challenges in Qatar, particularly in the Souq Waqif neighborhood of Doha. These issues include urban sprawl, traffic congestion, poor walkability, and a lack of pedestrian accessibility and connectivity. The study focuses on the Souq Waqif metro station, analyzing its performance in five key design areas: walkability, ground use balance, mixed-use and public spaces, multimodality and transportation hubs, and the public transportation network. Using the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM), the research aims to transform underperforming areas into sustainable communities through retrofitting and renovation. Data collection involved site observations, interviews, and surveys. The findings reveal significant deficiencies in connectivity and multimodal transportation around Souq Waqif station. Additionally, the study explores how metro stations in rapidly growing cities like Doha can preserve cultural heritage and social identity. The article offers recommendations to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Souq Waqif and similar urban spaces.