The Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port has emerged as a prominent maritime gateway, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030’s focus on expanding the nation’s tourism sector. Recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s most aesthetically striking cruise terminals, the facility reflects traditional Arab architectural elements while reinforcing Doha's historical maritime heritage.
Located in the revitalized Doha Port, the Grand Cruise Terminal has been instrumental in boosting Qatar’s cruise tourism. During the 2023-2024 season, the port welcomed 378,677 passengers and 73 vessels, representing a significant 38% growth in visitor numbers and a 33% rise in ship calls compared to the previous season. These figures underscore the terminal’s role in positioning Doha as a major player in the global cruise industry.
Designed to accommodate the increasing demand for cruise travel, the terminal can process up to 12,000 passengers per day and simultaneously berth two mega-ships. Among its most innovative features is a cutting-edge escalator system that takes passengers on a journey through one of Qatar’s largest aquariums, creating a visually captivating experience as they proceed to passport control.
The aquarium itself is an architectural and engineering marvel. It includes a single main tank standing nine meters high and holding 6+ million liters of water. The total area of the aquarium spans 2,805 square meters, with a water volume of ~6,000 cubic meters. A pair of 17-meter tunnels provide passengers with panoramic views of marine life, while the largest viewing panel measures 17 by 5.7 meters.
TK Elevator (TKE) provided the vertical transportation systems for the terminal, including the design, manufacture, and installation of 10 passenger lifts, eight escalators, and four moving walkways. Manufactured in Zhongshan, China, the escalators include four TKE velino units that traverse the aquarium tunnel, offering passengers an immersive view of marine life as they move through the terminal.
The installation of these escalators posed unique challenges due to the complexity of integrating them within the aquarium environment. The escalators were installed only after the aquarium was fully constructed and successfully passed stringent leak tests, necessitating unconventional engineering solutions. This innovative approach underscores the terminal’s commitment to blending functionality with exceptional passenger experiences.
By combining state-of-the-art facilities with a focus on sustainability and cultural heritage, the Grand Cruise Terminal has established itself as a symbol of Doha’s ambition to become a premier destination in global cruise tourism.