After Qatar’s independence in 1971, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani pursued a policy of decentralisation of housing combined with major infrastructure projects outside the capital. As early as the 1970s, the construction of a jetty and an approach canal to the port of Al Wakrah was part of this development policy. In 2008, an urbanisation plan focusing on the development of the beach and the city centre of Al Wakrah as well as the expansion of the southern part of the city was promulgated. Finally, the modernisation of the city’s road system was carried out between 2018 and 2020. 5.5 miles (9 km) of road were added and the main road was upgraded from two to three lanes. Cycle and pedestrian lanes were created as well as several intersections and roundabouts – including the Pearl roundabout, on the left in the photo.