Project Qatar 17th Edition Marks the First-ever International Trade Exhibition and Conference in Qatar since the COVID-19 Pandemic began

IFP Qatar has announced the return of Project Qatar, the nation’s largest and most prominent construction exhibition for its 17^th edition which will be held in partnership with the Public Works Authority in Qatar ‘Ashghal’ from 4 to 7 October at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event will be the first major in-person international trade exhibition and conference in Qatar since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made during a press conference held today (Monday, September 27, 2021) at Intercontinental Doha – The City, in the presence of key partners and sponsors of the event.

With more than 50 International exhibitors from 10 different countries, and 150 exhibitors in total, Project Qatar 2021 is well-positioned to welcome industry professionals from around the world as Qatar’s construction market, valued at USD 42.19 billion in 2020, continues to drive growth with leading projects in line with FIFA World 2022 and Qatar National Vision 2030. Industry experts report that the Qatari construction market will reach USD 76.98 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate of 10.54 per cent for the period 2021-2026.

Haidar Mshaimesh, General Manager, IFP Qatar, said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of Project Qatar as the first major in-person international exhibition to kick off in 2021. The State of Qatar’s easing of restrictions and the reopening of the country to visitors from around the world indicate the gradual return to normalcy in terms of various economic activities across the country, and construction is a vital aspect to realizing the development projects of various sectors such tourism and hospitality, transportation, and infrastructure, among others.”

Mshaimesh added: “Amidst the global challenges, Qatar has remained committed to meeting its national and international goals of providing world-class development and we are confident that the return of Project Qatar this year will drive the momentum towards the achievement of these goals, as we continue our role of facilitating the meeting of investors, suppliers, and buyers in Qatar. We look forward to meeting leading exhibitors and visitors from around the world bringing their innovative solutions for the sector.”

Eng. Yousef Al-Emadi, Director of Projects Affairs at the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’, the strategic partner of the exhibition, commented: “The Public Works Authority will be participating at Project Qatar for the fifth year in a row through our dedicated booth where we will showcase the Authority’s achievements in infrastructure projects and plans for the important future projects. Our strategic partnership with Project Qatar is in line with our vision to enhance communication and partnership with various private sector companies to facilitate the implementation of projects in the country. We look forward to making the event an opportunity to communicate with a wide number of consultants, contractors and suppliers and explore areas of cooperation.”

Commenting on the German participation in the event, Miss Kathrin Lemke, the Trade and Investment Consultant and Government Relations Specialist in the German Industry and Commerce Office in Qatar (AHK), said: “Returning this year for the 15^th time, the German pavilion has been an integral part of Project Qatar since its inception. Our participation is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, which underlines the importance of Qatar’s dynamic construction industry and its opportunities for German companies, even after the World Cup.”

This year’s event is also supported and sponsored by several government entities such as Qatar Primary Materials Company, Milaha and QTerminals, as well as the sponsorship of several major private sector companies such as Al Sraiya Holding Group, Al Jaber Group, and Elegancia Group, among others.

Mohamed Al-Mahmoud, Head of Human Resources and Administrative Affairs at Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), stated: “We are pleased to sponsor and participate in the 17^th edition of Project Qatar, given the major role that this exhibition plays in promoting local products and the role of the Qatari industry in the national economy.” He added that the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for QPMC to showcase its leading products to visitors and business owners and invited them to come to the company’s pavilion to learn more about how their products and its important contribution to meeting the needs of the local market.

Project Qatar’s 17^th edition will feature special functions and product zones, including “The New Future of Construction” Conference, the Heavy Max Showcase, the Wholesale Market, and a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified professional trainings and workshops. The 4-day multi-themed conference will be focusing on green and sustainable building, smart cities, and supply Chain and Logistics, and highlighting the opportunities available for foreign investors in the Qatari market, while at the same time serving as a venue for discussion on leading trends and explore the future of the Qatari market.

Day 3 of the conference titled “Smart City Qatar” will cover the latest trends and solutions for smarter cities, including the role of Artificial Intelligence, 5G and other technologies that will shape the future of construction. In this regard, Mr. Adrian Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, Smart District Sponsor of this year’s edition said: “Qatar is one of the leading countries in the race to build the cities of the future, and therefore we at Siemens are excited to present our vision for smart districts and participate in Project Qatar. We focus on sustainability, innovation and safety, and work with our customers and partners to co-create infrastructure that enhances the way people live and work and supports Qatar’s development for generations to come.”

Industry professionals will have the opportunity to avail the CPD trainings and several other workshops free of charge, which will run throughout the four days of the event. The workshops will focus on leading best practices and innovation aimed at improving the sector especially in areas of asset management, funding, financing, and insurance.

With 16 years of history in providing the platform for Qatar’s construction sector to converge and chart the course for the industry’s future, Project Qatar has maintained its position as the premier trade show. It has paved the way for top decisionmakers in Qatar and the world’s leading construction companies and industry professionals to forge their partnerships and secure agreements and contributed to the efforts towards achieving national economic growth.