Yemeni Prime Minister officially announces groundbreaking for Al Rayyan Hills development

The press conference featured a graphic presentation of the finalized master plan for the Al Rayyan Hills development, one of Qatari Diar's most promising investments aimed at creating a mixed-use development to serve and support the economy of the Republic of Yemen.

The finalized master plan outlines Qatari Diar's vision to develop and promote this vital project in downtown Sana'a as a prime investment destination both locally and internationally. The project also serves Qatari Diar's commitment to encouraging the real estate sector in Sana'a, which is bursting with opportunities for further development and investment.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammad Majawar, the Yemeni Prime Minister, led the distinguished visitors and media this afternoon in a familiarization tour through the development site, where he officially announced today the groundbreaking for the Al Rayyan Hills project. The first phase of construction, commencing immediately, will include land-leveling work and the building of 172 luxury villas and a residential tower, in addition to the development's basic infrastructure.

Dr. Hassan Al-Fadala, Qatari Diar's DCEO of Operations, said about the project:

"We are incredibly excited to be here with our distinguished Yemeni partners to announce the commencement of construction for the first phase of this landmark property. It is the first of its kind in Sana'a and will serve as a building block for future investment projects. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of our partners in Yemen for their unlimited support and cooperation on behalf of a multitude of government institutions and agencies. Thanks to their support, the Al Rayyan Hills development will promote a truly holistic and innovative approach that supports Qatari Diar's goals of creating long-lasting positive footprints on the communities in which we enter."

Dr. Hassan Al-Fadala added, "The Yemeni government has created a strong platform for foreign investments such as ours, and we look forward to strengthening our close relationship with the people, the government, and the many local businesses of Yemen in the coming months and years. Our announcement today of the commencement of work on this project is a clear indication of our commitment and confidence in the success of this project and our ability to achieve the project's desired objectives."

Expressing his contentment with the launch of the first phase of the project, Saad Abdullah Sabra, the Board Chairman of the General Holding Corporation for Real Estate & Investment Development (Shibam Holding) and the Deputy Chairman of Al Yemania Al Qatariah, said, "Yemen is proud to welcome our partners and friends from Qatar to commemorate this exciting project. Al Rayyan Hills will be a landmark site in Yemen that will further strengthen the country's business and tourist infrastructure tremendously. The involvement of Shibam Holding reflects the serious intent to build an effective partnership between the Yemeni government and any foreign investor operating under the investment law."

The master plan unveiled at the press conference uniquely integrates the hilltop site into the greater Sana'a area to incorporate many of commercial facilities and areas with the city's green spaces for the enjoyment of the capital's residents and visitors. In addition to a five-star hotel, the Al Rayyan Hills development will include a variety of housing options once completed, including a range of residential villas and luxury apartments. The finalized master plan also includes designs for a profusion of shopping, entertainment, and business destinations to create an integrated community well-suited to the various needs of the community.

Commenting on the master plan, Dr. Hassan Al-Fadala said, "Taking into account the time-honored architectural tradition of Sana'a, we have designed this development to express the ancient architectural style of Yemen in a modern template. The final master plan is a compendium of comprehensive architectural, engineering and environmental studies undertaken to accommodate the surrounding environment, keeping in mind considerations for sustainable development and energy conservation."

The site of the Al Rayyan Hills development is a landmark in Yemen's capital city and is one of the highest sites in the southern part of Sana'a- Faj Attan. It will extend over 400,000 square meters at an altitude of 100 meters above the city, with all residences sited to take advantage of the spectacular views overlooking Sana'a and the surrounding mountains. All of the site's facilities have been designed with a clear and detailed vision aimed at contributing in the development of the real estate sector in Yemen. This project is destined to aid Yemen's development by becoming a major investors' destination aimed at fulfilling the Yemeni population's growing needs and serving business-people and travellers from around the globe.

Al Yemania Al Qatariah is overseeing the development of the project, a joint venture between Qatari Diar and Yemen's General Holding Corporation for Real Estate & Investment Development (Shibam Holding). Qatari Diar has appointed the "Consolidated Contractors Company LTD" (CCC), one of the largest international engineering and construction firms in North Africa and the Arab world, as the main contractor to carry out the design and construction of the first phase of the project.