Cityscape Qatar 2013 gets under way

Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, chairman Qatar Chamber,  opening the exhibition. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil

By Joseph Varghese/Staff ReporterCityscape Qatar 2013, held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani, was opened by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, chairman Qatar Chamber, by cutting the ceremonial ribbon at Doha Exhibition Centre yesterday. He also delivered the inaugural address and highlighted the importance of the real estate sector in realising the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Nearly 100 exhibitors and over 7,000 professionals and investors from around the world are participating in Cityscape Qatar 2013. Along with the exhibition there is also a conference named Qatar Real Estate Summit. The three-day exhibition will get over by tomorrow.The visitors at the exhibition included most influential decision-makers and investors in real estate and infrastructure development in Qatar, the Middle East  and from across the globe. The exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of projects and developments from countries such as Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Portugal, Turkey, UAE, UK and Qatar. On the first day of the exhibition many major projects were announced by leading Qatari project developers.  Barwa Real Estate Group unveiled several ground breaking projects. The Mall of Qatar (MOQ) officially hosted media and members of the public at their exhibition stand and unveiled an interactive model of the mall. Ezdan Holding group announced new projects such as the Al Shamal Complex and Al Rayyan Towers.“Cityscape Qatar 2013 has brought together key industry leaders and companies from around the globe to support the vision for real estate growth in Qatar to an international audience, highlighting iconic architecture, revolutionary developments and unparalleled investment opportunities. We have built a reputation worldwide for being crucial to successful development programmes and participants have the opportunity to hear from the most sought after speakers in the industry,”  said Deep Marwaha, group director, Informa  Exhibitions. Taking place alongside the Cityscape exhibition is the Qatar Real Estate Summit: “Rising to the Challenge: Transparency, Investment Models and Strategic Partnerships” with presentations from some of the foremost minds in real estate.In the afternoon, a series of panel discussions took place  where participants had the opportunity to listen to some  key people in real estate development locally, regionally and internationally.