Qatar National Convention Centre to become one of the Middle East's largest convention and exhibition venues

Even in today's climate, according to the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Qatar is notably one of the world's richest countries on a per capita basis.

This is primarily due to the commitment of His Highness Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani to create a prosperous, developed and sustainable society.

Through the Qatar Foundation, development of Doha's Education City is part of this vision to position Qatar as a centre of excellence in higher education, research and science and as an important contributor to world knowledge and leadership.

Spread over 1,400 hectares, Education City is a unique cluster designed to host more than 30 world-class institutions including:

- Texas A&M University
- Weill Cornell Medical College
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
- Northwestern University
- Qatar Science & Technology Park
- Sidra Medical and Research Centre
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Centre
- Rand Qatar Policy Institute

Setting a new benchmark in global venue design, the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which also falls under the banner of the Qatar Foundation, is destined to become one of the Middle East's largest convention and exhibition venues.

QNCC General Manager, Paul D'Arcy recently attended one of Europe's largest meeting exhibitions that attracted some of the world's most influential convention decision makers.

"Interest levels were high as many clients said they were delighted to be made aware of the world-class facilities, ease of access, the supporting infrastructure and the heritage and cultural experiences that Qatar has to offer," commented Mr D'Arcy.

North American based Chair-Elect of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and President & Principal of Minding Your Business Inc, Mr John Folks said to learn Microsoft were headquartering their Middle East operation at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha meant that it would open key opportunities to do business together there.

EADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Shell and Total are among companies who have already committed to invest $300m in R&D activities at QSTP.

Director of Meeting and Exhibits for the American Association for Cancer Research, Ms Linda Still stated that they organize several international meetings each year and were very interested in the advanced level of biomedical research to be undertaken at the new 'all-digital' Sidra Medical and Research Centre, in particular the proposed M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre to be located at Education City.

Mr D'Arcy said it is invigorating to be part of such a progressive, innovative and exciting city that has a strong focus of maintaining the Qatari culture and traditions.

Opening in 2011 QNCC will feature a multi-purpose hall for 4000 seated theatre style, a 2300-seat lyric style three tiered auditorium and an additional 57 flexible meeting rooms to accommodate a wide range of events. Plus 40,000 sqm of exhibition space over nine halls, that will be adaptable to seat 10,000 for a conference or banquet.

QNCC is proudly managed by AEG Ogden, one of the largest facility and entertainment management specialists in the world.

"With this amount of professional knowledge and expertise, this spectacular venue will incorporate cutting-edge technology and communications with the flexibility to meet the demands of global conference and exhibition organisers," concluded Mr D'Arcy.

Of 140 countries analysed in 2008, Qatar is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, ahead of France, UK and The United States of America in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI).

A selection of prestigious events who have chosen Qatar include:
• 25th Universal Postal Union Congress, 2012, 3000 delegates
• World Petroleum Congress, November 2011, 5000 delegates
• 6th International Conference on Environment Mutagens and Human Population, 2011
• 3rd IEEE/ACM International Conference on Information and Communications Technologies & Development, 2009
• United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development, 2008
• MENA Nuclear Energy Forum, 2008