HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani Inaugurates Cityscape Qatar 2017

The sixth edition of Cityscape Qatar 2017 was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, today 13 March 2017 in Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

Held under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the State of Qatar, the three-day event showcases the latest real estate developments in Qatar and wider region and is the largest international real estate development and investment event in Qatar. After the inauguration, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani toured the exhibition, visiting a number of stands of real estate companies which are showcasing their latest developments from Qatar and around the world.

Featuring over 85 exhibitors from 25 countries including Qatar, Pakistan, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, UK, France, Jordan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Morocco, Portugal, Italy, Georgia and many more, the esteemed three-day exhibition, held from March 13-15, 2017, highlights the world’s best investment opportunities in residential, hospitality, commercial and retail sectors. This year’s event features a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion with companies such as; Star Marketing, Athar Marketing Network, Fast Marketing, DHA Bahawalpur, Multan, DHA Peshawar, Buch Villas Multan and Gulistan Marketing presenting more than 50 projects from all over Pakistan. 

Ghias Anwer, Senior Regional Director, Star Marketing commented on his participation saying: “We are overwhelmed by the attendance and organization of Cityscape Qatar this year. Star Marketing is specialized in finding the right investment for our esteemed investors and we have a few projects lined up including the Sidra Twin towers in Karachi and are planning future joint ventures in Dubai and Singapore and in other locations as well as expending in Pakistan. We look forward to seeing all out esteemed guests at the exhibition this year”.

Yasir Bucha, Managing Director, Captain Developers, from Multan Pakistan said: “We have developed a special housing society in Multan, Pakistan and so far we have 15 families living in our society. We have provided many facilities in our projects as our aim is not only sell plots but to sell a lifestyle which is why we have introduced many amenities including parks, lakes, shopping malls and community centers. We have many customers from Qatar and we are very happy to receive many inquiries from the attendees.”

Meanwhile, the latest Qatar Market Outlook report which was released by DTZ and discussed at length during the Cityscape Qatar Conference, examined the role of real estate in achieving Qatar’s long term goals. Edd Brookes, General Manager of DTZ, stated that rental levels remain strong; driven by a growing economy, a rapidly expanding population and insufficient new supply coming to the market. Furthermore, recovery in oil prices is expected to stimulate economic growth and lead to a recovery in residential real estate demand compared to year 2016, with the greatest demand in coming years on residential real estate market to be likely generated by lower to middle income expatriates. Another key finding of the DTZ report was that the retail market has performed strongly in the past 5 years due to increased population growth, high disposable income, and limited new supply with the rental levels seen to be increasing or remaining stable in existing malls in the past 12 months.

The hospitality sector in Qatar was thoroughly discussed with figures standing now at around 22,500 hotel keys available in Qatar, 88% out of which are 4 star or 5 star category properties. It is also estimated that at least 15 hotels and serviced apartment buildings are scheduled to open in the next 12 months, which will potentially add up 4,000 keys to existing supply.  Moreover, there are currently around 25,000 hotel keys in 64 developments at various stages of planning and construction in Qatar leading up to the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Ahmed Zakaria, Exhibition Director for Cityscape Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi said: “The opening of Cityscape Qatar 2017 today saw great turnout from both exhibitors, VIP’s and delegates, with the Conference opening to a packed house. Following today’s presentations and high profile meetings, it is exciting to see that the Real Estate sector in Qatar has a very positive outlook with a greater focus on growing the private sector and attracting more international companies.”

Cityscape Qatar 2017 is bringing together a number of leading local exhibitors including; Al Bandary Real Estate and Ezdan Real Estate to showcase a number of residential properties. These include three new projects for Al Bandary Real Estate with Al Swida Village, residential apartments located in the up-and-coming Al Thumama area; Al Shahed Tower, hotel apartments, located in West Bay, Doha and Lusail Azure Tower, serviced apartment, located in the beach-side city of Lusail. This year’s Cityscape Qatar also saw the launch of Ezdan Palace Hotel, located on Al Shamal Road, Doha and slated for completion by end of April, 2017. Ezdan Holding Group has announced today as well at the exhibition that the first phase of its Ezdan Oasis project is soon to open which consists of 2,058 residential units and outlets, and will include 180 commercial units including restaurants, cafes and vital facilities of different sizes.

Further leading regional and international heavyweights are participating as well including, Gold Sponsors Regus and Kohler, Al Qaseer Investment and Property Development, Kleindienst, Sinpas, Retaj Real Estate, SAPST and KPM, showcasing their unique real estate opportunities and infrastructure projects to thousands of homebuyers, private and professional investors as well as key industry professionals from Qatar, the region and around the globe.

Cityscape Qatar opens from 1:00pm to 10:00pm daily and is expected to attract more than 8,000 attendees over the coming two days. To find out more about Cityscape Qatar 2017, please visit: www.cityscapeqatar.com.