Once a small city in Bedouin territory, Doha like other cities in the region, has transformed itself in a matter of decades into a ready-made arena for global finance and cultural showcasing. An unprecedented, streamlined urbanisation to immediately put itself on the map. Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) is an ambitious re-build of an existing city centre area. Fully completed in 2020 – in time for the city hosting the World Cup - it has emerged from its surroundings like an angular, white capsule of commerce and culture. It is a striking and ambitious urban statement that has moved beyond singular, skyline enhancing architectural pieces to a more considered use of design. Traditional Qatari & regional architectural features are put to use – stacked blocks of human scale buildings that create shaded walkways & spaces, and allow for rooftop use and terraces. Street alignments with staggered facades and roof surfaces that enhance air circulation, provide further shade and give a natural, less uniformed feel to the space. For a growing multipolar city Msheireb also consciously reclaims the idea of a Downtown, a hub, a commercial, cultural and community focus. And with the 3 lines of the new metro converging there it engages and integrates the city as a whole. Being so recently completed, its claims and ambitions to be a leading example of smart, community enhancing, sustainable city living remains to be seen. And experience has taught us to be cautious in over stating the problem solving success of urban planning. However, as a concise and contained piece of design that addresses directly the pressing challenges of contemporary urbanism, it will be something to studied for whatever success and failures it may have.