Companies in the Middle East region’s construction segment are looking towards playing a major role in Qatar’s current construction boom, according to the IFP Group, organisers of Project Qatar, the leading construction show for Qatar and the GCC. IFP Group made the observation at a meeting to announce the launch of the eighth edition of Project Qatar that will be held from May 2 to 5, 2011 at the Doha Exhibition Centre.

Project Qatar 2011, which is being held under the patronage of Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, aims to provide a strategic platform for the construction industry’s key players to discuss current trends and issues; showcase products and services and reinforce business ties between buyers and sellers. More than 1,700 exhibitors from across 47 countries will be participating in the high-impact three day event, which will also include networking opportunities that have been designed to foster the formation of new partnerships and drive in more strategic opportunities to help bolster Qatar’s already flourishing construction industry.

According to the organisers, the major growth in the country’s construction sector is attributed to two leading factors; the announcement of Qatar as the host for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the able leadership of Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, who has exerted major efforts in the move to usher in progress and development.

Projects worth over $100bn
'All eyes are on Qatar as it sets out its preparations for the FIFA World Cup, with infrastructure projects amounting to over $100 billion over the next 12 years. Preparations for the World Cup will involve the development and creation of key infrastructure that can meet the demand of hosting one of the world’s most followed sporting events. This scale of construction projects are bound to attract the attention of construction companies from across the region wanting to take part in project opportunities created by the favourable market conditions. Project Qatar 2011 sets out to give the region a prime venue for industry players to meet, create and reinforce business ties,' said George Ayache, general manager, IFP Qatar.

Ayache: making Qatar a prime show destination

Michele Gebreal, project manager, Project Qatar 2011, said, 'Project Qatar continues to play a big part in advancing the role of key products and services in the region’s construction industry. Our aim is to become a strategic venue and platform for companies, government agencies and individuals to talk about the latest issues in the industry; facilitate the formation and consolidation of partnerships that can lead to the creation of important business and investment opportunities and act as a launching venue for new products and services. We look forward to seeing increased participation in this year’s edition and we believe that the event will help drive in key investment opportunities for the country’s growing construction segment.'

The IFP Group has revealed that exhibition space for the coming event has already been sold out, with the UAE taking the biggest section. Also being held simultaneously with Project Qatar are Heavy Max 2011, the international trade exhibition for heavy machinery; an exclusive dedicated green pavilion offering eco-solutions and ‘The Qatar Sustainability Conference 2011.’ Sponsors for Project Qatar 2011 include Orwood (Diamond Sponsor), Naffco (Gold Sponsor), BBK Holdings (Silver Sponsor) and Abuissa Holdings.