Aqarat and Cityscape host 2nd Qatar Real Estate Forum

Under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the 2nd Qatar Real Estate Forum was inaugurated today under the theme ‘Aqarat’s Future. Hosted by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in partnership with Cityscape, the event will run for three days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

This edition aims to catalyse growth, innovation and strategic partnerships in Qatar’s real estate sector by capitalising on the country’s flourishing economic landscape, propelled by significant infrastructure advancements. The year’s agenda focuses on enhancing transparency, digitising processes and aligning with global best practices to bolster investor confidence and streamline real estate transactions.

In his opening address, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality, emphasised the transformative impact of Qatar’s infrastructure investments on its real estate sector. He explained: “Qatar’s global leadership in security, health standards and quality of life, as well as many other positive indicators, stem from the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, coupled with the State’s substantial infrastructure investments and progressive legislation. This has created an environment that is highly attractive to investors.”

He added that the real estate sector is a prime beneficiary of Qatar’s infrastructure boom and economic growth, saying: “Qatar stands as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, with real estate transactions surpassing QAR 27 billion in 2023 and the first half of 2024.”

HE the Minister of Municipality underscored RERA’s pivotal role in fostering a resilient and sustainable real estate ecosystem. By prioritising transparency and innovation, RERA aims to cement Qatar’s position as a global real estate investment hub while facilitating a streamlined investor journey, providing comprehensive support from their initial stages of exploring potential investments to property acquisition.

“RERA is spearheading several initiatives to optimise the investor experience,” HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, continued. “These include developing a national real estate sector plan, implementing new legislation, elevating service standards to ensure excellence, enhance quality and performance, and launching advanced digital solutions, such as the real estate platform.”

The Qatar Real Estate Forum serves as a unique platform for industry stakeholders to discuss challenges and exchange ideas within the real estate sector while facilitating partnerships between public and private entities and major international corporations.

This year’s forum features an impressive lineup of 29 speakers participating in panel discussions, complemented by seven speakers conducting workshops. These sessions will address a range of key topics, including enhancing transparency in the real estate market; leveraging advanced technology to improve infrastructure development; addressing the growing demand for affordable housing; promoting green building practices; managing risks associated with global economic fluctuations and exploring the latest real estate market trends.

The 2024 edition boasts 60 exhibitors, comprising 56% local and 44% international participants. The exhibition will feature pavilions from leading Qatari real estate firms, highlighting investment opportunities within the country. Additionally, a dedicated government pavilion houses relevant authorities, providing investors with comprehensive information on procedures, laws, and regulations governing real estate investment in Qatar.