Doha, November 12 (QNA) - Doha Design District, powered by Msheireb Properties, today announced the five finalist projects for the 2026 edition of Azal, its innovation programme dedicated to identifying and supporting practical solutions to urban, environmental, economic and social challenges.
Following the jury assessment, five projects have been selected to advance to the final stage, reflecting the diversity of innovative approaches and practical solutions submitted to the programme. Every submission to the Azal Innovation Program 2026 was assessed against four criteria: strategic alignment with district priorities, potential impact, level of innovation, and feasibility of delivery.
The five finalists were selected from a competitive pool of 102 unique submissions from 40 nationalities, of which 67 came from start-ups. This underscores Azal's international appeal and its ambition to attract innovative solutions to real-world urban challenges. The proposals spanned a wide range of disciplines, including smart city technologies, sustainability and circularity, construction and buildings, climate and water management, mobility, visitor services and operational intelligence.
Ali Al-Hetmi, Manager of Smart City Innovation, Corporate Planning and Strategy Department at Msheireb Properties, said: "The response to Azal has demonstrated the growing interest in developing practical solutions that address the evolving needs of cities and communities. Receiving 102 submissions from 40 nationalities reflects the programme's international reach and the diversity of ideas brought forward. The selected projects stood out through their potential impact, innovation and feasibility, offering promising approaches to some of the challenges facing urban environments today. We look forward to hearing the finalists present their solutions at Downtown Tech and to supporting the ideas that can translate into tangible improvements and contribute to a smarter, more sustainable Msheireb Downtown Doha."
Azal recognises outstanding proposals across two award categories. The Best Smart City Innovation Award celebrates solutions that can enhance Msheireb Downtown Doha through technology, services, operations, visitor experience, mobility and data. The Best Smart City Sustainability Award recognises initiatives that contribute to reducing environmental impact, improving resource efficiency, advancing circular economy principles and generating positive social and community value.
The five finalists will present their proposals at a dedicated Azal pitching session at Barahat Msheireb, as part of Downtown Tech, on 17 November, demonstrating the practical potential, feasibility and expected impact of their solutions. Following the presentations and final evaluation, two winners, one from each award category, will be announced on 18 November at the special Downtown Tech Doha Gala Dinner. (QNA)