Project Qatar 2013, the 10th anniversary edition of the show surpassed all expectations, including its previous edition in 2012, thanks to an overwhelming response from both exhibitors and visitors. This year, Project Qatar hosted 2,100 local and international exhibitors from 50 countries housed in a 62,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor exhibition space.
Once again, the show was held under the auspices of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. HE the Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani inaugurated the show joined by government officials, ambassadors, trade ministers, companies and project managers from around the globe.
According to local newspapers, more than 45,000 people visited Project Qatar 2013 during its four day run. An exceptional opening day, on 6 May saw the presence of 11,265 visitors.
Key local exhibitors included Platinum Sponsors UrbaCon General Contracting (UCC) and Stadia Sports and Leisure Solutions. Key regional and international exhibitors included Gold Sponsors Emirates Steel and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (MATRADE). Al Sraiya Holding Group was Project Qatar’s Integrity Sponsor this year.
The exhibition was split into four distinct sectors: Construction Technology, Building Materials, Equipment, and Environmental Technology. Project Qatar 2013 delivered several back-by-demand concurrent events, including Heavy Max 2013, the international exhibition for innovative heavy machinery; Qatar Stone-Tech 2013 featuring a comprehensive range of stone technologies, equipment and products; and Energy Qatar 2013, the most comprehensive energy exhibition showcasing the latest products and technologies in electricity, power generation and distribution, and alternative energy solutions.
On the second day of the exhibition, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the organizers of Project Qatar, IFP Qatar held a special Gala Dinner to honor its loyal exhibitors who participated in the show for 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6 years. A total of 72 companies received awards.
Several key local businesses and business leaders were awarded, including Rashid Al-Sraiya Al-Kaabi, Chairman of IFP Qatar and of Qatar’s influential Al Sraiya Group, established in 1975 to serve infrastructural development in Qatar. Three Qatari companies were awarded for a decade of deal-making and participation since Project Qatar’s very first show: Industrial Equipment & Services Co. (IESCO), Qatar Trading Company W.L.L, and Qatari Industrial Equipment WLL
On this occasion, IFP Group Chairman and CEO Albert Aoun spoke of the group’s deep roots in the region and the show’s success. “The ability to keep rising to higher levels has always been the event’s strength,” Aoun said. “In its 10th anniversary, Project Qatar is still supporting Qatar’s growth by connecting thousands of investors with business opportunities, facilitating the engagement of foreign companies in the lucrative local markets, and boosting public private partnerships.”
Concurrently with Project Qatar 2013, a conference was held on Wednesday 8 May at Doha Intercontinental Hotel to discuss Qatar’s mega projects in the green and sustainability sector. More than 100 exhibitors participating in Project Qatar were present at the conference.
According to the organizers, this sustainability conference was intended to pave the way to one of the biggest sustainability shows and conferences in the Middle East, the Green Building Expo 2014 (GBE) organized by the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) and IFP Qatar.
Talking about the much anticipated Green Building Expo, Dr. Al Horr said “The exhibition is a platform for stakeholders in the built environment to share knowledge, exchange ideas, learn about latest technologies and do business. GORD organizes the expo in collaboration with IFP Qatar and it will be the region’s biggest conference and exhibition for sustainable solutions in the built environment which will take place January 28 to 30 at the Doha Exhibition Center."
Representatives of Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Qatar’s Future City, Lusail, also provided in depth briefings on needs and opportunities surrounding mega projects launched by Ashghal and the Lusail City company.
At the end of the conference, the attendees were reminded that for any construction company to operate in Qatar, it should follow the green and sustainability rules of the country. And the Green Building Expo 2014 becomes a must attend event to anyone who wants to get familiar to the environment of the green and sustainable technology and market in Qatar.
Project Qatar 2013 closed on Thursday 9 May.
All exhibitors interviewed by ifpinfo expressed their deep satisfaction of the show. They were all happy about the visitor turnout, the number of inquiries they had, and the deals they negotiated or closed during the exhibition. Most exhibitors said they will participate again next year as they cannot bear the consequences of their absence in a construction market that is growing exponentially. No exact number was provided, but exhibitors spoke about several hundred millions of USD deals achieved in 4 days.
ifpinfo
10 May
