Barwa Real Estate at Qatar Property Investment Forum - Estate Qatar 2008

During the event, Barwa was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Fakhroo, President of Barwa Subsidiaries and Eng. Youssef Ahmed Al Hammadi, CEO, Barwa Al Khor who showcased the recently launched QR35bn 'Urjuan' Project, which garnered significant attention from investors present at the event.

Barwa's participation was aimed at leveraging the event's repute as a key networking and industry platform where developers and other key players discussed various topics about new industry trends and developments. Further, an award was conferred to Eng. Youssef Ahmed Al Hammadi, in recognition of the developer's support to the event.

Occupying the largest exhibition space, 'Urjuan, a modern city that represents Qatar's rapid economic growth and its efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, is set to offer more than 24,500 housing units consisting of a beachfront luxury hotel and resort, and luxurious apartments, which can accommodate over 63,000 residents.

Designed by Canadian firm - Cansult Maunsell, the 5.5 million square metre city-themed development also includes a shopping mall, souks, leisure facilities, open gardens, tourist attractions, a G+12 business hotel and an 18-hole specialty golf course with private villa golf estates. The project incorporates two world-class hotels: a luxury beachfront resort with 340 chalets and 40 units on the waterfront with full leisure facilities and marina; and a business hotel adjacent to the commercial area offering 200 rooms and 400 serviced apartments.

On behalf of Mr. Ghanem Bin Saad Al Saad, Chairman and Managing Director of Barwa Real Estate, Mr. Fakhroo said, "Barwa is committed to providing strategic and creative solutions for communities where we partner and work in. Barwa is not just a developer; it is an organisation with a deep tradition and firm principles. We always seek the creation of a better living environment, taking into consideration the needs of our industry and our society. Our participation at the 'Qatar Property Investment Forum - Estate QATAR 2008' provided us with a strong and common platform to share our expertise as we aim to further facilitate development and growth of the local real estate industry."

"Barwa has an enduring commitment to contribute to the social and economic betterment of society; these include considerable contributions to a range of charitable, educational, social, cultural and sporting organizations and events in addition to a widespread sponsorship of conferences, seminars and initiatives. To illustrate Barwa's commitment, Barwa Al Baraha project, a comfortable lifestyle labour camp for more than 50,000 labourers and a Truck Park sufficient for 4,200 trucks, represents the scope of activities that we continually seek to develop for our communities, in which the first phase will be announced before the end of this year," added Fakhroo.

The second edition of 'Qatar Property Investment Forum - Estate Qatar 2008' was held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar. The forum, which has quickly grown to become Qatar's premier specialized property conference, witnessed the participation of more than 500 exhibitors from leading regional and international real estate, finance, and investment companies. Furthermore, 'Qatar Property Investment Forum - Estate Qatar 2008' focused on diverse topics such as the challenges of financing real estate projects and sustaining real estate growth in the midst of global financial turmoil. In addition, the event provided a platform to analyse the latest real estate financing programs, explore alternative financing schemes, and featured discussions on possible strategies for developers and financiers to withstand the current global financial crisis.

"The 5.5 million sq. metre Urjuan development is set to offer more than 24,500 housing units consisting of a beachfront luxury hotel and resort, and luxurious apartments, which can accommodate over 63,000 residents. One of the main strengths of this development is that Al Khor area will be granted freehold title in terms of Law No 17 of 2004. This constitutes a strong edge over other similar or competing developments in Qatar," said Eng. Youssef Ahmed Al Hammadi, CEO of Barwa Al Khor.