Located in Doha, Madinat Khalifa is an upscale neighbourhood that is considered one of the best places to live with families. The area is popular with families with school-going children as there are many schools nearby. Moreover, you will find luxury and affordable housing options, retail stores, supermarkets, and easy access to major highways and roads in Doha.
While there are pros to living in this area, there are also a few considerations. This guide will explore what it is like to live in Madinat Khalifa and what this neighbourhood has to offer.
- Overview
- Pros of Living in Madinat Khalifa
- Cons of Living in Madinat Khalifa
- FAQs
Madinat Khalifa – Overview
The community was constructed in 1970 and is divided into two areas—Madinat Khalifa North and South. It is a thriving district located on the Northwest side of Doha and offers an excellent blend of modern and cultural architecture.
Madinat Khalifa South
Madinat Khalifa South is a busy and lively area with homes, shops and business centres. It has some famous landmarks in Qatar, like the Aspire Tower, the tallest building in the country. People can enjoy activities like jogging, cycling and sports in its many parks and green spaces.
Madinat Khalifa North
Madinat Khalifa North is a well-known area in Doha with many attractions and facilities. It features luxurious villas and high-end residential complexes, popular among expats and wealthy residents. The area offers plenty of shopping options, restaurants and cafes. It also has several international schools, making it a great choice for families with kids.
Pros of Living in Madinat Khalifa
Before choosing any area to live in, it is important to consider its pros and cons to make a wise decision. Let’s start with the pros of living in Madinat Khalifa, which is as follows:
1. Housing Options
Madinat Khalifa North and South has many housing options, such as villas, apartments and rentals. It is known for its cosy apartments, luxurious villas and maid compound villas, making it a great choice for families. It is also an ideal place for individuals looking for a comfortable place to live.
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Here are some of the sale and rental options in Madinat Khalifa available:
- Studio apartments: Great for singles or couples who prefer smaller spaces.
- One and 2-bedroom apartments: Perfect for small families or those needing more space.
- 3 and 4-bedroom apartments: Ideal for larger families or groups of friends sharing a home.
- Villas: Spacious and private, offering a touch of luxury.
In Madinat Khalifa, people often search for two and 3-bedroom apartments or spacious villas. Fully furnished homes are especially popular, especially those with modern amenities and stylish interiors.
Tenants can choose between short-term and long-term rental agreements, offering flexibility to suit their needs.
There are also bills-inclusive options, making it easier to manage living expenses. Depending on what suits you best, you can choose between fully furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished homes.
2. Strategic Location
Location is a key factor when choosing a property in Qatar, and Madinat Khalifa offers a prime spot for both renters and buyers. The area is well-connected to other parts of Doha and provides easy access to essential amenities, services, and attractions.
The neighbourhood is located close to several major roads. These include Al Markhiya Street and Al Najda Street, which link Madinat Khalifa to key destinations, including Doha’s city centre, Hamad International Airport, and other important areas in Qatar.
This convenient location makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between city life and accessibility.
3. Transportation and Connectivity
Madinat Khalifa, including both North and South districts, offers residents and visitors a variety of transportation options:
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout Madinat Khalifa. You can hail them on the street or book through mobile apps. Mowasalat (Karwa) operates a reliable taxi service across Qatar, providing a convenient way to navigate the city.
Buses
The public bus system M208 and T606, managed by Mowasalat, serves Madinat Khalifa with several routes:
- Departs from Al Ghanim Bus Station, stopping at Fereej Bin Omran and Madinat Khalifa South, with a terminal near the Immigration Department.
- The bus also departs from Al Ghanim Bus Station,and stops at Rumeilah Hospital and Madinat Khalifa South and ends at New Al Gharrafa.
- There is also a direct bus departing from Al Bidda station station and arriving at Khalifa Clinic in Madinat Khalifa North.
Metrolink Services
The Doha Metro’s feeder bus service, Metrolink, enhances connectivity for Madinat Khalifa residents:
- M208: Connects Al Messila Metro Station to Madinat Khalifa South, passing through Al Rayyan. Buses operate every 12 minutes during peak hours (06:00–09:00 am and 03:00–08:00 pm) and every 20 minutes during off-peak times.
- M209: Serves New Al Hitmi and Fereej Bin Omran areas, linking them to nearby metro stations.
While Madinat Khalifa doesn’t have a dedicated metro station yet, one nearby station on the Green Line is Al Messila. It is accessible via Metrolink services, which integrate the district into Doha’s extensive metro system.
The neighbourhood is also just a few minutes from the key locations in Doha. For example:
- Doha City Center: Around 8 minutes by car.
- Aspire Zone (including Villaggio Mall and Aspire Park): About 15 minutes by car.
- The Pearl-Qatar: Approximately 20 minutes by car.
- Hamad International Airport: Approximately 25 minutes by car.
4. Educational Facilities
There are many reputable educational institutions located in Madinat Khalifa, making it an ideal place to invest in or rent a property. The popular ones in the area include:
- Compass International School
- Doha English Speaking School
- Al Hedaya Primary Girls School
- Newton International School
- British Modern International School
- Al Zubair Bin Alawam Primary School for Boys
- Khawla Bint Alazwar Girls School
- Amna Bint Wahab Girls School
- Dahl Al Hamam Nursery
- Bright Horizon International Kindergarten
- Montessori Steps Nursery
5. Healthcare Facilities
Madinat Khalifa has great healthcare facilities to meet residents’ medical needs. These medical centres are renowned for their state-of-the-art facilities and skilled medical professionals. They also provide comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, paediatrics and more. For instance:
- Madinat Khalifa Health Centre
- Parco Healthcare
- Al Emadi Hospital
- Al Gharrafa Health Center
- Al Qasi Medical Centre
- Al Ghanim Medical Centre
Pharmacies
- Wellcare Pharmacy
- Rofaida Pharmacy
- Blue N Pink Pharmacy
- Sunlife Pharmacy
6. Lifestyle and Essential Amenities
While living here, you can find the following amenities that are nearby and easily accessible.
Shopping Malls
There are many top malls in Qatar that are in and near Madinat Khalifa. For instance:
- Landmark Mall
- Tawar Mall
- Ezdan Mall
- Al Hazm Mall
- Villagio Mall
- Retail Mart Madinat Khalifa Street
- Ramez Shopping Centre
Restaurants and Cafes
Madinat Khalifa offers a diverse culinary scene, catering to various tastes with both local and international cuisines. Here are some popular dining options:
- Fish House Restaurant
- Garden By Belgravia
- Sazeli
- Richy’s Burger
- New Old Antakya Restaurant
- Jolly Empa Boba Cafeteria
- The Noodle House
- Cafe Vergnano 1882
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Chili’s Grill & Bar
- Sheger Ethiopian Restaurant
- Tres Pizza
- Bhojan Restaurant
- Dr. Cool Restaurant
- Miya Miya Restaurant
- Al Andalus Cafeteria
Supermarkets
For daily essentials, residents can easily stock up at community supermarkets such as:
- LuLu Hypermarket: Opens daily from 08:00 am to 12:00 am
- Carrefour (Ezdan Mall): Opens daily from 08:30 am to 11:00 pm
- New Pluto Supermarket: Opens daily from 06:30 am to 01:30 am
- Al Meera: Opens daily from 07:00 am to 12:00 am
- Retail Mart: Opens daily from 06:00 am to 02:00 am
Community and Recreation
Madinat Khalifa is a lively neighbourhood with many recreation and social activities options. Families can enjoy quality time in the area’s parks and playgrounds, while fitness enthusiasts can access various gyms and fitness centres to stay active.
These facilities make this area a great place for relaxation and an active lifestyle. Some popular recreational spots in Madinat Khalifa include:
- Al Areen Gardens
- Al Markhiya Park
- Madinat Khalifa North Park
- Madinat Khalifa South Park
Gyms
- Al Gharrafa Sports Club
- Pro Fitness Gym & Salon
- XTREME Fitness
Salons and Spas
- Eugenia Beauty Center
- Rumaniya Beauty Saloon
- Joy Gents Saloon
- Asili Milis Salon
- Ruche Salon & Spa
7. Nearby Attractions and Leisure Activities
There are many popular attractions near this neighbourhood, making it an ideal destination to live. For instance:
Katara Cultural Village
Katara Cultural Village is Qatar’s largest cultural hub, celebrating global diversity and art. It features stunning theatres, concert halls, galleries and modern facilities. Katara hosts festivals, workshops, and exhibitions, making it a vibrant spot to experience different cultures from around the globe.
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Desert Safari
A desert safari is an adventure not to miss. You can enjoy dune-bashing, outdoor sports and swimming, followed by a BBQ meal. Overnight camps feature cosy Bedouin tents with Persian carpets and cushions. Sunrise safaris offer breathtaking views of the desert.
Al Shaihaniya Nature Reserve
Visit Al Shaihaniya Nature Reserve to see the Arabian oryx, which was once near extinction but is now thriving in Qatar. The elegant oryx, known for its light colour, lives in the Almaha Sanctuary, which is home to one of the largest herds. Arrange a tour to spot these rare animals in their natural habitat.
Souq Waqif
Souq Waqif is a lively market with a rich history. Restored to its traditional 19th-century look, it features mud-rendered shops and timber beams. Explore its vibrant stalls, restaurants and cafes to enjoy a glimpse of Doha’s history and future.
Cons of Living in Madinat Khalifa
While living in Madinat Khalifa mostly involves all the pros, here are some minor cons you might want to know:
- Traffic Congestion: Being a busy residential area, the roads can get crowded during peak hours, causing delays.
- Limited Nightlife Options: The area is quieter compared to central Doha, with fewer entertainment or nightlife venues.
- Parking Issues: Parking spaces may be limited in some apartment complexes or crowded areas.
- Public Transport Accessibility: Although bus and metro services exist, direct connections to some parts of Doha may require transfers.
- Noise Levels: Proximity to main roads or construction sites might lead to occasional noise disturbances.
- Rental Costs: Certain properties, especially upscale villas, may be on the higher end compared to other suburbs.
FAQs
1. Is Madinat Khalifa a Good Place to Live?
Madinat Khalifa is a great place to live for those who value convenience and community. This vibrant neighbourhood offers multiple residential options, essential amenities and facilities. With its central location and excellent connectivity to key destinations in Doha, it is ideal for families with children.
2. What Public Transportation Options Are Available In Madinat Khalifa?
The area is well-connected to Doha by buses, taxis, and nearby metro stations like Al Messila on the Green Line. Public buses such as T606 and T607, along with Metrolink services, provide convenient travel options. Taxis are also available, and visitors can use rechargeable smartcards to pay for discounted fares across all public transport modes.
With all these major pros and minor cons, living in Madinat Khalifa, Qatar, offers both a pleasant living experience and solid investment potential. A stable real estate market and continuous development in the area provide diverse living options for different preferences.
Meanwhile, when deciding where to live, you can also consult this cost of living guide in Qatar to make a wise, well-informed decision.
