Held under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar, Project Qatar has wrapped up a successful 16th edition, held between April 29 and May 1. The event attracted 14,520 attendees from the local and international construction industries to the exhibition and conference, themed “The Future of Construction in Qatar”.
The three-day exhibition and conference brought together attendees from across the construction sector – from project managers to architects and designers, to property developers, equipment and material suppliers across the full spectrum of project sectors including infrastructure, building construction, property development, interior fit out and facilities, and all industry professionals.
The 2019 edition was the most comprehensive to date and featured more than 500 exhibitors from 33 different countries including 342 international exhibitors, in four exhibition halls.
On each of the three days, the Project Qatar Conference, certified by CPD, provided a thought leadership platform to the local, regional, and international construction community. The conference discussed opportunities for foreign and local companies in the local market, technology, and innovation in energy, and Qatar’s smart cities with lively discussions, interaction, and dialogue with the high-profile speakers. Future innovation and smart technology was a core theme of this year’s conference. The impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on design, building, and construction is significant and the market is benefitting from new technologies and innovative approaches.
Three days of presentations and panel discussions included Facilitating Procedures for Foreign Investors within the Qatari Market by Qatar Financial Centre; 2019 Qatar Construction Outlook by Ventures ONSITE; Smartest and Most Sustainable City in Qatar: Msheireb Properties; Smart Cities – The Parsos Way by Parsons International; and Smart Buildings for a Greener Behavior with Qatar Green Building Council.
The theme of innovation and newer technologies in construction and building facilities also reflected strongly throughout the exhibition, where the dedicated product zones featured for the first time “Smart District” serving Qatar’s Smart Nation Program and showcasing innovations & smart applications in building, energy, and transportation. The dedicated zones also featured the long-running Heavy Max, and Qatar Stone Tech.
Over 16 successful years, the Project Qatar exhibition has continued to attract the biggest global players in the construction market and provide unparalleled opportunities to secure deals with decision makers in the Qatari market.
Speaking on behalf of the event organizers, IFP Qatar, Mr. Haidar Mshaimesh, Acting General Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have delivered an event where the government and private sectors in Qatar, and international exhibitors and visitors, have responded so enthusiastically. Qatar continues to flourish ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, and toward delivering the Qatar National Vision 2030. It is an exciting time to be established in the Qatari market. We have also witnessed how the drive towards sustainability and hosting a major sports event is pushing innovation across the wider construction industry in Qatar. We are confident that our exhibitors, speakers, and visitors benefited this year and will return to Project Qatar in 2020.”
Speaking for first-time Silver Sponsor, Milano Kitchens & Closets Qatar, Mr. Khaled Ghanem, General Manager, said: “Project Qatar 2019 exceeded our expectations. We welcomed prospective clients to our booth to present our specialized, exceptionally high-quality products and we are confident our participation will lead to further business opportunities. It was also a good opportunity to gain market insights to inform our planning for H2, 2019.”
On behalf of yet another first-time Silver Sponsor, QTerminals, Mr. Abdulhadi Fahad Alhajri, Chief Support Officer said: “As the operator of Hamad Port, QTerminals is seeing first hand Qatar’s success in maintaining the pace of its infrastructure development heading towards the FIFA World Cup 2022. We are proud that within a short period of time, Hamad Port has established a global shipping network to ensure a stable and reliable supply chain, as an important contribution to supporting the construction sector.”
Qatar has become the focus for many global construction companies in light of the country’s rapid infrastructure development, which reflected in the increased international participation and number of international pavilions this year – 15 countries showcased products and services from individual companies.
The importance of skills development in the industry to keep pace with this growth was brought into focus with a successful professional development program, certified by CPD London, IMA, and ASTM International. The training sessions, offered free of charge throughout the event, were well attended, providing a platform for experts in the Qatari market to keep their skills and knowledge up to date for construction industry professionals.
Considered Qatar’s largest exhibition for construction materials, equipment, and technology, Project Qatar is also the longest established event where global and local construction firms can showcase their latest services, products, and equipment, deepen their market presence, and forge new business relations with countries of all sizes.
One of the new features of this year’s event was the Project Qatar giveaway draw with prizes provided by exhibitors. RAMACO Trading & Contracting Co. W.L.L., Construction Solutions Sponsor, presented two grand prizes; two months’ rent free in a RAMACO villa and three months’ rent-free in an apartment. IMALCO presented one visitor with the prize of a premium safety kit, and National Paints Co. W.L.L. presented three visitors with complete sets and toolboxes.
Mr. Zaki Shoheib, General Manager of Al-Ta’adhod Group Trading & Contracting, Associate Sponsor, summed up the event’s success: “Project Qatar 2019 has continued to grow over the past 16 years and each edition encourages greater market participation for those who take part. The 16th edition has revealed opportunities for small and large companies in Qatar to advance in the industry and contribute to key projects. It has opened doors to discuss challenges and solutions with construction, business, and government leaders. We thank the organizers for their efforts this year and are proud to have participated as a sponsor. We eagerly look forward to the next edition.”
Project Qatar, Qatar’s premier exhibition specializing in construction and all related industries, was organized by IFP Qatar in cooperation with the Qatar National Tourism Council. For further information, visit http://www.projectqatar.com
