* More than 50 international exhibitors from 10 countries taking part in event from October 4 to 7
Sustainability and smart solutions will play a key role in the construction industry of Qatar as it gears towards building cities of the future, according to industry experts participating in the upcoming 17th edition of Project Qatar.
Qatar’s construction market, valued at $42.19bn in 2020, continues to drive growth with leading projects in line with 2022 FIFA World and Qatar National Vision 2030, stated Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, which is organising the event in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) from October 4 to 7 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The event will be the first major in-person international trade exhibition and conference in Qatar since the Covid-19 pandemic started, the organisers said. More than 50 international exhibitors from 10 countries, and 150 exhibitors in total, will take part in the event.
Industry experts report that the Qatari construction market will reach $76.98bn by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.54% for the period 2021-2026, Mshaimesh said at a press conference Monday.
Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) director Meshal al-Shamari stressed that sustainability “is becoming an important topic that needs to be considered and addressed in the construction industry”.
German Industry & Commerce Office Qatar (AHK) representative Kathrin Lemke also emphasised that green and smart solutions “will be of particular interest for the industry”.
“Being a global leader in energy efficiency and sustainability, especially in buildings, German know-how and technology can help Qatar in its long-term diversification efforts. The ongoing implementation of major development projects in various sectors as part of Qatar National Vision 2030 will continue to drive Qatar’s economic development even beyond the FIFA World Cup next year,” Lemke added.
“The trend is going towards smart concepts, smart infrastructure and smart cities… the trend is better concepts and sustainable buildings,” said Adrian Wood, CEO of Siemens Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, which is the smart district sponsor of this year’s edition.
Wood said, “Qatar is one of the leading countries in the race to build the cities of the future, and therefore we at Siemens are excited to present our vision for smart districts and participate in Project Qatar. We focus on sustainability, innovation, and safety, and work with our customers and partners to co-create infrastructure that enhances the way people live and work and supports Qatar’s development for generations to come.”
Yousef al-Emadi, director of Projects Affairs at Ashghal, the strategic partner of the exhibition, said: “The Public Works Authority will be participating in Project Qatar for the fifth year in a row through our dedicated booth, where we will showcase our achievements in infrastructure projects and plans for the important future projects.
“Our strategic partnership with Project Qatar is in line with our vision to enhance communication and partnership with various private sector companies to facilitate the implementation of projects in the country. We look forward to making the event an opportunity to communicate with a wide number of consultants, contractors and suppliers and explore areas of co-operation.”
Mohamed al-Mahmoud, head of Human Resources and Administrative Affairs at Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), said: “We are pleased to sponsor and participate in the 17th edition of Project Qatar, given the major role that this exhibition plays in promoting local products and the role of the Qatari industry in the national economy.”
He said the exhibition provides an “excellent opportunity” for QPMC to showcase its leading products to visitors and business owners and invited them to come to the company’s pavilion to learn more about how their products and its important contribution to meeting the needs of the local market.
Mshaimesh said Qatar’s easing of restrictions and the reopening of the country to international visitors indicate the gradual return to normalcy in terms of various economic activities across the country, “and construction is a vital aspect to realising the development projects of various sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, transportation and infrastructure, among others.”
He added, “Amid the global challenges, Qatar has remained committed to meeting its national and international goals of providing world-class development and we are confident that the return of Project Qatar this year will drive the momentum towards the achievement of these goals, as we continue our role of facilitating the meeting of investors, suppliers, and buyers in Qatar.”
Project Qatar’s 17th edition will feature special functions and product zones, including ‘The New Future of Construction’ Conference, the Heavy Max Showcase, the Wholesale Market and a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-certified professional training and workshops.
The four-day multi-themed conference will be focusing on green and sustainable building, smart cities, and supply chain and logistics, highlighting the opportunities available for foreign investors in the Qatari market, while at the same time serving as a venue for discussion on leading trends and explore the future of the Qatari market.
Day 3 of the conference, titled ‘Smart City Qatar’, will cover the latest trends and solutions for smarter cities, including the role of Artificial Intelligence, 5G and other technologies that will shape the future of construction.
Industry professionals will have the opportunity to avail of the CPD training and several other workshops free of charge, which will run throughout the four days of the event. The workshops will focus on leading best practices and innovation aimed at improving the sector especially in areas of asset management, funding, financing and insurance.
This year’s event is also supported and sponsored by several government entities, such as QPMC, Milaha, and QTerminals, as well as through the sponsorship of several major private sector companies, such as Al Sraiya Holding Group, Al Jaber Group and Elegancia Group, among others.
