On its third day, Project Qatar has really picked up the pace and momentum as more number of visitors started to flock in to explore the latest technologies and solutions displayed at the event.
Leading construction technology and building material companies exhibiting at Project Qatar said they are seeing increasing number of footfalls at their stalls as the event progresses towards its fag end.
Mohammed Raza, projects sales manager, Alsahoo, an exclusive dealer and distributor of Auatherm polypropylene pipes, said, “We are getting some good leads as many engineers and construction professionals are coming here, and visiting our stall. They seem interested as they want to know more about products and quality.” He said it is may be because Qatar has many good and upcoming projects. “There are many big projects that have good designs and they want to specify some good products. So people are coming to us to know more about our products, especially Aquatherm blue pipes for chiller system,” said Raza.
Talking about the importance of Project Qatar, he said, “This is one of the best events for the construction industry and this event is really giving use leads to meet several people, consultants and engineers. It is giving us good opportunity to talk to our prospective customers and convey to them the difference between quality and products,” Raza added.
For visitors also, the show provides a unique opportunity to take a glimpse of the world’s latest technologies, products and solutions under the one roof. Dr Khalil Al Said, a researcher at Qatar Solar Technologies, but who was visiting the show on his personal capacity, said, “I have come here to look for building integrated solar systems and to have a general look at what is new there. What are the new construction materials, new solutions or technologies available there? What solutions are there for green buildings?”
Sharing his experience about the show, he said it has been a good experience for him because he is seeing a lot diversification in the country portfolio. “I am also very satisfied with Qatari and local participations. There are lot many local companies are exhibiting this year than previous years. I see there are many local companies, which are producing different types of products and materials here. I am seeing so many local companies for the first time. I am astonished to know that so much production is happening in Qatar,” said Dr Al Said.
Another visitor who had especially come from Saudi Arabia to attend the show said this is his first visit to Project Qatar and he is highly impressed by it. “My first reaction to the show is very positive because I got to meet a number of concrete companies. There are many companies from Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, China and India,” said Engineer Mohammed Alahmadi.
Setting aside the repercussions of the weakening oil price on the construction sector, Project Qatar provides an added opportunity for businesses to find their market locally and abroad, as a number of companies and delegates from all over the world attend this tradeshow. Despite the reduced pace of construction on many regional project, a high level of enthusiasm was visible while interacting with the visitors and exhibitors at Project Qatar. Behind the optimism, of course, is the hope that the tradeshow would continue to bring more business for their companies.
Anton Barry who represents a roofing company with a presence in Qatar, said the oil price is definitely impacting the construction sector, but “in the long term it’s going to be okay.” According to him, once the industry gets over this little slump in the market, things will started get better. “People are really aware of what’s going on around and they are little cautious right now. So the decision-making is becoming a bit slower at the moment,” added Barry.
The events such as Project Qatar have greater importance because it doesn’t only bring together the latest technologies and solutions at one place, but also creates a knowledge platform by way of inviting industry experts and speakers at its concurrent events. On such event, Future BIM Implementation Qatar, that starts today at the InterContinental Hotel– The City (read more on page 4), will be discussing latest developments in the BIM sector. Another such event is Lighting Tech Qatar. Covering sustainable and smart lighting technologies, the event featured presentations from industry experts and was concluded yesterday.
PQ News
12 May
