Photos by Abdul Basit © The Peninsula
Doha: The 17th edition of Project Qatar, the International Trade Exhibition for Construction Material and Technology, has kicked off at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) today, October 4, 2021.
Qatar’s largest construction show is the first in-person major event in the country with the easing of restrictions associated to Covid-19, welcoming major local and international construction companies, and industry professionals to Doha again. The event will continue until Thursday, October 7, 2021.
The event held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of The State of Qatar, was inaugurated HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Acting Minister of Finance.
Project Qatar 2021 kicked off with more than 150 exhibitors from Qatar and 11 other leading countries with the aim of connecting leading global industry players to high-ranking decision makers as well as key pioneers in the local market. It is also host to The Future Project Qatar Conference, Heavy Max Exhibition, and CPD trainings and workshops, which are all taking place concurrently at DECC.
The Minister and other officials at the inauguration.
Haidar Mshaimesh, General Manager, IFP Qatar, remarked: “We are proud of leading the reopening of major events and exhibitions in Qatar with Project Qatar 2021. The opportunities for the construction market continue to attract various stakeholders from around the world and Project Qatar is well-positioned to provide the platform for them to connect and network throughout the event and beyond. We are confident that this event will bring about renewed interest for sector players to share best practices and innovative solutions that support the economic development of the country.”
Eng. Yousef Al-Emadi, Director of Projects Affairs at the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’, the strategic partner of the exhibition, said: “Being part of ‘Project Qatar’ in 2021 strengthens our communication with various private sector companies involved in the implementation of the country’s major projects. We believe the exhibition serves as an important opportunity for us to meet with consultants and contractors who will play a vital role to achieving our future projects.”
Eng. Eisa Al-Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer, of Qatar Primary Materials Company and Abdelkrim Boukhaf, Senior Vice President - Regional Solutions and Services of Siemens also delivered keynote speeches discussing the potentials of the industry and how the sector can benefit from it.
For his part, Ali Al Kuwari, Vice President – Marine & Industrial Equipment, Milaha added: “Exhibiting in Project Qatar is offering us opportunities to highlight our leading services and products, meet and network with many local and international exhibitors, and form partnerships to strengthen our brand. “
A panel discussion was also held exploring the future of construction in the country. The session focused on equipping local and foreign businesses with knowledge on the benefits and incentives offered by the Qatar market, as well as how they can enhance their collaboration.
Marwan Dimas, Group’s Marketing and Communications Director, Elegancia Group, commented: “The fact that Project Qatar is taking place under the present circumstances demonstrates the resiliency of the national economy and various local industries, including the construction and contracting sector, which is a pride by itself. We are taking the opportunity of exhibiting here to launch several new services. “
Meanwhile, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Trainings for professionals also took off today with industry professionals taking advantage of the learning opportunity free of charge. Several other workshops are set to take place throughout the four days on various topics such as asset management, funding, financing, and insurance, all of which will be led by experts from a variety of fields.
Qatar’s construction sector is deeply engaged in various leading projects as the country prepares for the upcoming global sporting event FIFA World Cup in 2022, as well as several ongoing infrastructure developments in line with Qatar Vision 2030.
