Doha by Manuel Álvarez Diestro

The spanish photographer Manuel Alvarez Diestro has depicted the latest on new city planning and architectural trends in the Qatari desert. Most of these images depict the moment in transition of these “surreal” structures before being completed.

Doha, nowadays is getting ready for the World Cup in 2022. This said, new construction developments for housing, sports facilities, infrastructure and business purposes flourish all over the surrounding areas of the metropolis. Particularly in the Norther areas of Doha and Lusail.  

The photographer – in a “Delirium” of skyscrapers standing on the sand-  found a perfect paradise for exploring the landscape that he previously saw from the plane before landing at the ravishing Doha International Airport. He explored the territory for several days while driving on a car. He described the experience as the discovery of an endless sequence of “Mirages” spreading in the vast desert.

Doha, under this construction frenzy is becoming a leading capital for the arts. The city has cleverly decided to promote new museums and reinforce the city’s identity on a climate of modernity, openness to the world while preserving its traditions.  The Museum of Islamic Art, the Mathaf focusing on Modern Art and the M7 are examples of this initiative among others.  

Alvarez Diestro in his series incorporated the desert’s tonality with the creative talent of TAI ARTS in Madrid, Spain.  He previously conducted the very same formula with another photo series about Dubai, Cairo and Tehran.

more. www.manueldiestro.com