Qatar's real estate and development market in the spotlight at Cityscape Qatar 2013

Cityscape Qatar to be held on 27 - 29 May 2013 at Doha Exhibition Centre, will firmly place the spotlight on the Middle East's largest real estate market; as it attracts key real estate professionals, investors and development companies to Doha. The event is jointly organized by Informa Exhibitions and Q Media.

The first edition of Cityscape Qatar, which took place under the Patronage of His Excellency, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, was a phenomenal success; with 81 exhibitors, over 5000 visitors and delegations from over 58 countries, confirming Cityscape as a key player in driving growth in real estate investment and development across emerging markets.

"We had a significant participation in Cityscape Qatar last year, showcasing the group's size and capabilities. We were able to sign a number of major deals, MOUs and leasing contracts with anchor tenants. Large projects such as the award-winning Barwa Commercial Avenue and the iconic Barwa City, among other projects, seized a lot of attention. We are pleased to be participating again in Cityscape Qatar, as we continue to move further towards achieving the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030, by establishing a vibrant and prosperous Qatar, sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all its people," said Eng. Abdullah Abdulaziz Turki Al Subaie, Board Member & Group CEO, Barwa Real Estate Group.

Cityscape, as the only real estate event in Qatar, is a platform for governmental authorities, key investors and developers, consultants, architects, contractors and designers to drive progress in Qatar's real estate market. Cityscape is an ideal platform to introduce major projects and key developments to an international audience made up of investors and senior real estate professionals; exhibitors are given a great opportunity to build and maintain their presence in Qatar's real estate market.

The future of the real estate market in Qatar is promising due to the booming domestic economy from the oil revenues and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. Qatar's international profile is on the rise, with business expansion being the main contributing factor for the positive condition of the market. The General Secretariat for Development Planning, in its recent update on Qatar Economic Outlook for 2012-13, stated "construction activity is now accelerating and was a major contributor to growth in the second half of 2012. In 2013, construction will boost even further, expanding at a double-digit pace".

"The Qatari real estate sector is thriving due to its growing young population, rising number of households, and increasing business activity. Working in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to develop the real estate sector and to meet the development needed in the country's infrastructure prior to 2022 FIFA World Cup, this year's Cityscape Qatar will provide a platform for networking and business where industry professionals can meet to discuss the future of the Qatari real estate industry and formulate strategies for growth," said Atif Malik, Exhibition Manager.

Cityscape Qatar 2013 aims at creating the perfect environment for the promotion of real estate business as it is backed by top industry experts Barwa and Ezdan who share a common aim to foster the growth of business opportunities related to real estate. The event will highlight the various opportunities available in the real estate sector in Qatar.

"Cityscape Qatar 2013 will provide unique networking opportunities to meet and establish relationships with key players in the industry. Barwa Real Estate will demonstrate its unique development approach and innovation focusing on delivering world-class quality standards. The Qatari real estate sector remains strategic in fulfilling the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 as one of the key drivers towards diversifying the country's economy, there is a great benefit from such a platform to communicate with the infinite investment interests from the global business community," added Eng. Al Subaie.

Qatar Real Estate Summit, that will take place alongside Cityscape Qatar from 27-29 May 2013 at the Doha Exhibition Centre, is the ultimate industry event with over 100 of the world's top real estate developers, investors, and financiers gathering to discover the latest sector trends, new investment models and updates on major projects and upcoming regulations.

The Summit will address some critical topics such as Qatar's strategies to overcome the challenge of maintaining current growth rates, a complete overview of QConstruct, the new construction dispute resolution scheme, breaking into the Qatari market and making profit through PPP and BOT models and structuring REITs to increase finance and ensure long-term profitability.