Doha: The 10th edition of Cityscape Qatar waas opened yesterday under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani and inaugurated by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) H E Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater. It showcases the latest real estate projects in Qatar and the region, and puts a spotlight on the future of the real estate sector in the country after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
In a statement, MoCI Undersecretary stressed that the three-day event represents an important platform showcasing the development witnessed by Qatar’s real estate sector, especially in light of the projected positive growth indicators of the national economy, and the recovery of real estate markets during the coming period.
He also reiterated the crucial role played by the real estate sector in supporting the diversity and competitiveness of Qatar’s economy, as well as in achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Al Khater added that Cityscape has become an important attraction for investors looking to diversify their investment portfolios, and went on to express his aspiration that the event would achieve tangible results, further consolidating Qatar’s position as an ideal destination for real estate investment in the region.
Over 60 exhibitors from across seven countries including Qatar, Cyprus, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE, and UK are showcasing their most prominent development projects during the expo at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Among the projects revealed on the opening day was Qetaifan Island North’s Waterpark with the developer announcing the project name at the show.
Qetaifan’s Head of Business Development Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Thani said: “Over the next three days at Cityscape we will be launching our Retail Plazas project. Alongside the launches visitors will have the final chance to purchase the last remaining villa plots for sale ahead of fully selling out our latest projects”.
The Cityscape Talks conference sessions highlight real estate projects that are sustainable, resilient, affordable, and liveable, in line with the QNV 2030. Experts during the event also stressed that two real estate sectors most impacted by the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 were the residential and hospitality sectors.
“When we’re talking about the World Cup 2022, we don’t consider it as the end of all for Qatar. Yes, it was a goal. Qatar used it to springboard to certain growth level. They developed the infrastructure, they developed majority of the real estate, and through the World Cup they’ll be on the map. It was one of the vehicles. And post-World Cup, there will be another vehicle. Either it is going to be industrial expansion, or another global event. But the point is right now Qatar has the means, the opportunity and the capacity to gear for anything else. And the government has already said that they are very proactive in supporting the real estate sector,” said Anum Hasan, Head of Research at Qatar ValuStrat.
Also speaking at the conference, Orjan Lundberg, Sustainability Expert at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said: “We see that the FIFA World Cup has been and is still a catalyst for national development on many fronts, including carbon incentives.
“Sustainability has been a core topic for this event from the planning stage. The feedback we have received so far from FIFA is that this is the most comprehensive sustainability programme they have had to date. However, we do need the support of the wider real estate and hospitality sectors to support us in achieving a big sustainability push nationwide,” he added.
Other speakers during the event also discussed the digitalisation of Qatar’s real estate sector, with a particular emphasis on the latest solutions developed by Doha-based Aqarco, as well as sustainable construction and how Qatar’s real estate market may look after this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Cityscape Qatar 2022 also features leading developers across the region including Damac, Regal London Properties, Aqarco, and Akam Developments. The industry is gearing up for a busy event season in Qatar with new projects offering investors state-of-the-art residential developments, commercial units, and luxury hospitality projects.
Aqarco’s Chairman Dr. Ahmad Al Khulaifi said: “Cityscape Qatar allows real estate developers, investors, and potential clients to meet and understand the demands of the market as we approach a busy period for Qatar”.
Cityscape Qatar is supported by platinum sponsors Qetaifan Projects and Aqarco.
Source: The Peninsula, Qatar
