An ambitious entertainment project that will boast 16 tourism zones, multiple resorts, a mega theme park, a golf course as well as a marina has been launched by Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality in partnership with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, a unit of the Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.

Estimated to be worth QR20 billion ($5.5 billion), the Simaisma Project will span 8 million sq m, and extend along a 7-km stretch of pristine beachfront on Qatar’s eastern coast, in the area known as Simaisma Beach. The new cultural and tourism landmark is expected to offer unique all-year-round experience with outdoor air-conditioning technology.

Launched by HH Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the end of June, the project aims to attract investment by offering 16 tourism zones for development by the private sector, including resorts spread out over four zones, each with a unique design and character. In addition, the development will feature a large-scale theme park, an 18-hole golf course, residential villas, a yacht club and marina, as well as luxury restaurants and retailers.

A yacht club and marina are among the many attractions of the Simaisma Project.

At the launch, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company CEO Eng Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali said: “We have meticulously planned this project under the guidance of the Ministry of Municipality and in alignment with Qatar’s trajectory of continuous growth. This project is poised to establish new benchmarks for tourism in the region and write a new, remarkable chapter in Qatar’s success story.”

According to a Bloomberg report, Qatar is starting work on the Simaisma Project which is anchored by the 65,000-sq-m theme park – bigger than Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, US – that will be launched in the first phase with the goal of attracting investors for subsequent phases.

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company is reported to be in discussions with global park operators to manage the amusement park. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, the US and European countries have expressed interest in the project, according to Eng Ali.

Sustainability will be a fundamental pillar of the project, with reliance on smart construction systems, in addition to the use of local and recycled materials, as well as the latest in construction technology.