A view of a road in Rawda, which is seeing rapid development. Picture used for illustrative purpose only. PICTURE: Jayan Orma

By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

Fast-developing residential localities, such as Al Thumama off E-Ring Road in Doha, could become even more popular if there are adequate number of convenience stores and shops providing a variety of essential goods and services in these areas, it is felt.
While a variety of housing options are available in these areas and the environment is generally pleasant and suitable for families, the dearth of groceries and other stores in the vicinity acts as a deterrent for some house-hunters.
The demand is generally high for residential areas that have facilities such as groceries/supermarkets, fruit stalls, bakeries, cafeterias, meat shops, salons and ATMs in the vicinity, according to sources in the real estate sector.
However, in some of the upcoming residential neighbourhoods emerging across Doha and on its outskirts, such shops and services are hard to find at times. This, in turn, may deter some people from moving into such areas - which are otherwise nice, family-friendly localities, real estate agents opined.
For instance, the real estate market is rapidly developing in the Al Thumama area. There are several quality residential options there, quite a few of which are reportedly available at “reasonable” rates. Besides, the neighbourhood is peaceful and has good roads.
However, what works against the area is that there is hardly any supermarket or other shop in the vicinity. One has to drive down to the opposite side of the street - which connects E-Ring Road with F-Ring Road - to go to the nearest supermarket in the Rawda locality, say residents.
The demand for properties in Al Thumama will rise further if the area has sufficient shopping options, particularly groceries, according to the manager of a real estate firm. “This is because many residents continue to rely on neighbourhood shops to meet their daily requirements,” he explained.
A similar situation exists in Rawda, albeit to a lesser extent. Some parts of Rawda have no groceries in the immediate neighbourhood and people have to travel all the way to the supermarket mentioned above to buy essential goods.
However, many residents do not like the idea of having to take their car to buy something as basic as bread and milk. “If there is a grocery near the house, we can just call them up and ask for home delivery. I can also walk down to the shop, especially in the evening,” said a resident.
Another Doha resident said the lack of basic shopping facilities prevented him from staying in one such area even though he liked the property and neighbourhood a lot.
“I realised that there were no groceries or other shops in the area. I would have happily taken the property I saw there on rent had it not been so,” he said, adding that he later moved to another part of the city, which, though a bit far, was a more “convenient” option as there were several shops near his house.
Some people also consider factors such as proximity to petrol stations, clinics and kindergartens/schools while deciding on a house, it is understood.