22 October 2019
His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry today officially opened the 8th edition of Cityscape Qatar 2019 – the only real estate exhibition and conference of its kind in the Gulf state – at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
A delegation of top-ranking VIPs, including Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, Badr Al-Meer, CEO of Hamad International Airport, companies Chairman and CEOs joined HE Al Kuwari during the tour, stopping for detailed briefings at a number of exhibitors’ stands, including Qetaifan Projects, Hamad International Airport, Qatari Diar, Msheireb Properties, Barwa Real Estate and UDC.
HE Al Kuwari, said: “Cityscape Qatar 2019 will be remembered as a breakthrough event– coinciding with the recently released real-estate foreign ownership law. The freehold and leasehold laws aim at creating a positive transformation in the real estate sector and supporting economic growth in Qatar.”
His Excellency also tackled the real estate brokerage regulations saying: “The regulation of real estate brokerage, new standards have been put in place to provide a suitable environment that will enhance the qualification of brokers by offering them special services, controlling speculations, and establishing a proper platform
for the sector. Real estate brokerage companies have been classified in order to build trust between them and investors, and continuous investor education on their rights and responsibilities has been secured. Finally, electronic services have been made available to facilitate the completion of formalities and compel brokers to legalize their contracts.”
Chris Speller, Group Director of Cityscape, Informa Markets, said: “There’s undoubtedly been a positive atmosphere this morning, and the show has seen a buzz of exhibitors, visitors and real estate professionals eager to find out the latest developments and trends in the market.
“The positive sentiment has been encouraged by the Qatari government’s recent changes to the law, allowing expatriates to purchase residential, retail and office freehold property which will be a huge stimulus to real estate developers – especially as the country draws closer to the FIFA World Cup 2022.”
Following a recent announcement launching sales for the first phase of Qetaifan Island North, Qetaifan Projects were out in full force on the exhibition floor to showcase the master development which is set to become the largest entertainment hub in the country.
“The Island's location and its distinctive waterfront represent a new and exciting way of life that symbolizes vision and future ambition, offering its residents an integrated living experience,” said H.E Sheikh, Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani – Qetaifan Project Managing Director and Katara Hospitality Deputy Chairman.
Qetaifan Island North is also intended to serve as a central entertainment and leisure destination for the 2022 FIFA World Cup given its proximity to the Lusail Stadium where the opening match and final will be held.
Qetaifan Island North spans approximately 1.3 million square meters, a tenth of which will be given over to a water park. The island will be packed with family entertainment attractions, distinct neighborhoods, luxurious hotels, pedestrian friendly streets, gardens, a school and medical center.
“It will have world class facilities that make it a modern, globally-competitive community with a unique design that is inspired by the rich culture and nature of the region,” said H.E Sheikh, Nasser Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.
Meanwhile, the invite-only Cityscape Qatar Conference, which will run throughout the day will deliver a multi-sector overview of the country’s real estate market, hosting keynote presentations and panel sessions focusing on gross yields within Qatar’s residential sector.
Sessions covered include, real estate regulations and growth 2022 in addition to market insights and a holistic planning approach. Additional sessions covered included architecture and the built-environment which were provided by Mona Noureldin Mohamed, Senior Urban & Recreation Planning Specialist, Ministry of Municipality and Environment; Aya Nafi, Architect and Urban Planner of Jacobs; and Koroush Salehi, Design Director, LWK+PARTNERS.
Cityscape Qatar is supported by Official Partner: Qatar Airways; Platinum Exhibition Sponsor: Qetaifan Projects; Gold Exhibition Sponsor: Qatari Diar; Official Strategic Sponsor: Barwa; Conference Sponsor: Parlaklar Group; and Cityscape Talks Sponsor: Savills.
For more information visit www.cityscapeqatar.com
About Cityscape Qatar
Cityscape, the world’s leading real estate event portfolio for emerging markets, debuted in the State of Qatar in 2012. The annual event features an exhibition and numerous learning and networking features designed to stimulate the development of Qatar’s real estate industry. Cityscape Qatar presents an unparalleled line up of opportunities for the local and regional real estate community, as the event enables delegates and visitors to engage in a dynamic environment that provides insight into the future of Qatari real estate, and showcases infrastructure development projects through Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
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