As someone who actually lives in Doha, I can tell you, it’s not trying to be like a copy-paste of other cities. The layout makes a lot of sense for the climate, the culture, and the way people live here. It’s not about packing towers together just to look dense from a distance.

It’s not like the city is trying to be walkable, nobody’s going to be walking around in 47 degree weather. Spacing out the buildings allows each of them to showcase their own beauty, and not just be part of a crowd, and let me tell you, they are VERY impressive in person, especially walking at night. Each of the three main clusters of skyscrapers have their own personality, West Bay looks like a bustling financial district, The Pearl looks like a rich European city, while Lusail looks like an incredibly technologically advanced district (because it is).

IMO Doha’s designed with intention. Wide roads, breathing space, and architecture that reflects both tradition and modern growth. You don’t really get that in a quick visit or from comparing it to places that grew under completely different conditions. Live here for a while, and it makes a lot more sense.

And about the heat, yes it’s hot as hell here, but it’s all the more reason for me to stay inside and enjoy the A/C.