Flats are self-contained residential units occupying part of a larger building. They are usually set out on a single storey of a building and it is for this reason that in some regions (UK, India etc.) they are referred to as "flats". The term "flat" is used in the UK, India and places that use British English. In Europe, North America and places that use American English, the word apartment is preferred. Flats have their own front door, kitchen, toilet and bathroom. In some countries a 1-bedroom apartment may be advertised as a 1bhk or 1bhk flat. The term "bhk" or "BHK" refers to bedroom, hall and kitchen. This means that the unit would have 1 bedroom, a hall (lounge/sitting room) and kitchen. Flats can be found in residential blocks or towers and sometimes even as a part of a house or villa where a whole floor or a section of it, has been separated to have its own entrance etc.
Al Markhiya is a district in the north of Doha municipality. It receives its name from a highly drought-resistant desert plant, known locally as "markh" which grows abundantly in the local area and is considered good fodder for camels and other livestock. Its botanical name is "Leptadenia pyrotechnica" and it is actually a variety of desert herb with medicinal properties that can be consumed. Over a century ago Al Markhiya was described as a camping ground with a masonry well and a garden. The garden was known for being an enclosed date palm plantation established by the former emir Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani and used for date palm cultivation.
Al Markhiya was one of the neighbourhoods of northern Doha to be developed much later. As part of the development project the Government setup commercial establishments like the Al Furjan markets to attract growth to the area. Other notable landmarks in the area are the grand Al Hazm Mall accessible through Al Markhiya Street and the Al Markhiya Sports Club located nearby just off Al Markhiya Street. Al Hazm Mall is a super luxurious shopping complex bearing Italian-style architecture. At a cost of QR 3 billion, the marble was imported from Italy, the stone from Palestine, and its architects were flown in from Rajasthan in India, all resulting in a breath-takingly beautiful and unique creation.