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United Development Company (UDC) is sharpening its strategic focus to bolster investor confidence and drive economic diversification in Qatar’s real estate sector, ahead of the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, scheduled on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).“We have refined our mission, vision, and value promise, not as a departure from our strengths, but as a necessary shift to align with the opportunities and challenges ahead. Investor confidence comes from knowing that a company is not only resilient today but also prepared for the future,” UDC President and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He said: “At UDC, we are applying our strategic choices to make that confidence tangible while delivering projects with consistency, diversifying our offerings to serve different market segments, and embedding sustainability and innovation into everything we do.”As the forum’s Platinum Sponsor, al-Jaidah emphasised that UDC is leveraging its strategic choices to deliver consistent project execution, diversify its offerings, and embed sustainability and innovation across its portfolio.“The message to investors is clear: UDC is future-ready,” al-Jaidah stressed, adding that the company is “building with long-term value in mind, and in doing so, reinforcing Qatar’s reputation as a stable and attractive real estate market, even in a shifting global economy.”Al-Jaidah emphasised Qatar’s political stability, sustained economic growth, and a clear legal framework that supports foreign ownership as key factors driving investment.“Within this landscape, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island have become more than real estate projects; they are destinations that embody Qatar’s ambition for world-class urban living,” he pointed out.He said, “What sets them apart is the combination of iconic architecture, premium lifestyle amenities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, all anchored by an unrivalled waterfront setting. Investors are drawn not only to the strength of the assets, such as rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, but also to the quality of life these communities provide.“Ultimately, The Pearl and Gewan are proof of concept that in Qatar, investment in place-making can deliver both financial returns and vibrant, sustainable communities. That is the true appeal of investing with UDC.”Al-Jaidah underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming sector challenges: “Real estate is too complex to be solved in silos. At UDC, we work hand-in-hand with government agencies, financial institutions, contractors, and community representatives to ensure alignment from concept to completion.”He added that trust is built through transparent communication and consistent delivery. “We reinforce this with joint initiatives, regular engagement sessions, and shared performance metrics, so that stakeholders see themselves as partners in success, not just participants in a project,” he stressed.Speaking on market trends, al-Jaidah said Qatar’s luxury real estate segment remains “remarkably resilient,” where rents for premium apartments continue rising, particularly in prime districts like The Pearl and West Bay.Citing published data, al-Jaidah said residential sales are also seeing renewed momentum. “In Q1 2025, transaction volumes rose by 13.2% quarter-over-quarter, with sales values in areas such as The Pearl and Al Qassar jumping by over 50%,” he continued.He further said, “These trends reflect a growing appetite for mixed-use, sustainable, and tech-enabled living. In response, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are positioned not just to keep pace with these shifts, but to lead them.”Asked about UDC’s strategic priorities for the next five years, and how the Qatar Real Estate Forum help advance those goals, al-Jaidah said: “At UDC, we are committed to creating inspiring destinations that provide lasting value and exceptional experiences. This is achieved through our focus on cost competitiveness, excellence and innovation, ensuring our projects meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.”He added: “The Qatar Real Estate Forum is an ideal platform to advance these goals. It allows us to engage directly with policymakers, investors, and peers, share our outlook for The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, and build partnerships that accelerate progress. For UDC, it’s about turning vision into action by creating destinations that not only inspire but also deliver lasting value for Qatar and beyond."

Al Mahhar Holding Company, a public shareholding company providing specialised services and products to the energy and infrastructure sectors, has been included in the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series, providing increased visibility to global institutional investors.Inclusion in the FTSE Russell indices marks an important milestone for Al Mahhar, reflecting the company’s alignment with international eligibility and free-float criteria."Inclusion in the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series is a recognition of Al Mahhar's progress as a listed company and our adherence to international standards of transparency and governance," said Fahad Alfardan, chairman of Al Mahhar Holding.It (the inclusion in FTSE) supports the company's visibility with international institutional investors and reflects the growing relevance of Qatari companies in global benchmarks, he said."As we continue to build on our strategy, we view this development as an important step in strengthening Al Mahhar's presence in the capital market," Alfardan said.Through its portfolio of operating companies, Al Mahhar Holding supports key national industries with technical expertise and integrated solutions that contribute to Qatar’s economic development.

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) has been ranked ninth regionally in the transport and logistics category on Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 list, which features 126 companies and institutions.This recognition highlights GWC’s role in promoting sustainable development practices and supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives across the region.GWC Group Managing Director Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “We are proud to be recognised by Forbes Middle East for the third year in a row. This honour reflects our steadfast commitment to integrating ESG principles into our business model and highlights our ongoing efforts to provide sustainable logistics and supply chain solutions to our diverse clientele, in line with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”GWC’s Group Acting CEO Matthew Kearns stated: “Sustainability is a cornerstone for driving positive change, promoting responsible practices, and contributing to development. We achieve this by leveraging our capabilities, investing in the communities where we operate, strengthening governance, protecting the environment, and managing risks effectively.”He added: “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to adopting responsible initiatives and taking a proactive approach to sustainability. It further strengthens GWC’s position as a leader in ESG practices, demonstrated through a wide range of initiatives such as beach clean-ups, tree planting, wastewater treatment, energy conservation and emissions reduction, paperless processes, vehicle route optimisation, reduce-reuse-recycle initiatives, and resource consumption optimisation.”GWC’s Biobin initiative processed nearly 100 tonnes of food waste from its sites last year, transforming close to 40 tonnes into premium, nutrient-rich compost – enough to cover the equivalent of 14 FIFA football pitches.As part of the initiative, the recycled compost is donated to local agricultural projects including Education City Micro Farm, a community garden run by agriculture company Hadiqa that offers educational workshops for children in Doha, teaching them about gardening to create a more self-sufficient future.Forbes Middle East highlighted that the company has reduced Scope-1 carbon emissions by 3% and Scope-2 emissions by 0.2% compared with 2023 levels in 2024 and recycled more than 162,000m³ of treated wastewater at GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, achieving a 6% year-on-year reduction in water consumption in the same year.In 2024, GWC also recycled over 2,200 tons of waste, with a bold target of cutting waste by 20% by 2030. The company remains committed to minimising landfill dependency and promoting sustainable solutions.In September 2024, GWC joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, aligning itself with over 23,000 companies from some 166 countries worldwide committed to promoting responsible business practices and SDGs.

United Development Company (UDC) is positioning its development philosophy as a cornerstone for engaging in critical discussions at the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah said the company’s role in the forum goes beyond showcasing its developments. “Our priority is to contribute strategic insights and proven practices that demonstrate how real estate can deliver lasting economic and social value,” al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that UDC, a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s forum, will share lessons from the company’s experience in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and integrated community living, demonstrating how these principles are being embedded into new projects that support Qatar’s growth.“Equally important, through high-level discussions and bilateral engagements, we aim to help shape the dialogue into concrete outcomes, whether that is in the form of creating tangible investment opportunities, forging innovative partnerships, or offering practical insights that can help inform future policy directions. In this way, UDC directly supports the forum’s ambition to move from vision to measurable impact,” he emphasised.Asked how does UDC’s vision align with the strategic goals of the forum’s third edition, al-Jaidah explained that the company’s vision “is to be the regional leader in real estate development and management,” which is guided by UDC’s ‘Value Promise and Strategic Choices’ of putting customers and communities first, driving cost competitiveness, pursuing operational excellence, and advancing growth through innovation.He continued: “This aligns closely with the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is focused on reinforcing investor confidence and showcasing the strength and efficiency of Qatar’s real estate system. The forum’s emphasis on transparency, streamlined policies, and the integration of digital platforms mirrors our own commitment to operational excellence and innovation. And its role as a hub for public–private dialogue reflects our belief in trust-based partnerships that create long-term value.“Through developments like The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, we demonstrate how this vision translates into secure investments, vibrant communities, and resilient growth, outcomes that are directly in line with both the forum’s objectives and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Al-Jaidah also underscored how UDC supports the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, saying the company’s developments “are not merely real estate projects.”“They are transformative platforms that bring Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars to life with economic diversification, social development, environmental sustainability, and human capital advancement. Within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, we see our role as crafting destinations that attract investment, embody innovation, and elevate quality of life,” al-Jaidah explained.He added: “At The Pearl Island, we have set a global benchmark with the Largest Pneumatic Waste Management Network, while on Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk is one of the region’s largest outdoor air-conditioned retail promenades, an innovation that enhances comfort, elevates community experiences, and adds distinctive value for investors and residents alike. These initiatives reflect our ‘Customer and Community First’ approach, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class living and investment opportunities.”

Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, has signed joint cooperation and strategic partnership agreements with both Saudi Netlink and EgyptSat, separately, for the purpose of providing joint satellite services across both their customer base located in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and spread across the Middle East and North Africa region.In its statement, Es'hailSat said that these partnerships allow the customers of these companies to leverage the combined satellite services of the companies as well as the ground infrastructure that brings with it the latest technologies in satellite communications and VSAT technology."Es'hailSat is delighted to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Netlink that combines the satellite and ground segment strength of both companies in the best interest of all our customers," said President and CEO of Es'hailSat Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari.On signing the agreement with EgyptSat, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari said, "We are witnessing a rapid growth of the economies in the Middle East and North Africa region, together with global sporting events, and this has led to growing demand from our commercial, government and defense customers." In order to best serve these and remain competitive in the global landscape, we welcome this partnership with EgyptSat and believe that when it comes to our satellite services, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.These partnerships stand to benefit a diverse set of customers across applications such as VSAT communications, enterprise connectivity, telecommunications, and other digital services.Both Saudi Netlink and EgyptSat will extend their cooperation with Es'hailSat into areas such as training, pricing, and collaborating with each other as preferred partners.Es'hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, incorporated in 2010, provides satellite, broadcast, teleport, and managed services. Strategically located in Doha, Qatar, its coverage extends across the Middle East and North Africa, delivering critical communication solutions to broadcasters, telecommunications providers, enterprises, and government entities.The two satellites, Es'hail-1 and Es'hail-2, are co-located at the 25.5°/26°E orbital position. Complementing this orbital infrastructure is a 50,000 sqm Tier-4 certified teleport facility, enabling the delivery of reliable, secure, and high-performance connectivity services.

Leading logistics services provider Gulf Warehousing Company has been named the ‘National Winner for Qatar’ in the wastewater treatment sector for its sewage water treatment plant in the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park.The award was announced as part of the 15th edition of the annual MEED Projects Awards, held in collaboration with Mashreq Bank. This recognition qualifies the company for the regional stage, where the MENA winners will be announced on November 19.GWC Group Managing Director Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “We are honoured to receive the MEED Projects Award at the national level, standing alongside a distinguished lineup of leading infrastructure projects across the Middle East and North Africa.“This prestigious recognition underscores the quality of our project and the dedicated efforts invested in developing sustainable infrastructure that supports Qatar’s development journey in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.”He added: “This award not only celebrates our contribution to national development but also highlights the strategic importance of the Sewage Treatment Plant in the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park. It marks a milestone in our ongoing commitment to upholding the highest sustainability standards, safeguarding the environment, and advancing sustainable development and support to the small and medium enterprises.”The Sewage Treatment Plant at GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park adheres to world-class standards for water treatment and sustainability best practices, effectively generating TSE Water (Treated Sewage Effluent) to irrigate plants and trees.Using TSE water for irrigation can improve soil fertility, reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, and conserve water resources, which promotes sustainable agricultural practices and aligns with Qatar’s sustainable development goals.The plant treats 456 cubic meters of water daily, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for irrigation systems. The recycled water is used to irrigate a total of 20,000 square meters of landscaped areas, including trees, shrubs, and grass.GWC Acting Group CEO Matthew Kearns stated: “This is the second award in just a few months for the Sewage Treatment Plant at the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, following its recognition in November 2024 as the ‘Best Water Recycling Initiative’ at the Tarsheed Energy Efficiency Forum, organised by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) as part of its National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed).“This achievement clearly highlights the project’s significance and serves as a strong motivation for GWC to continue advancing sustainable infrastructure, driving growth-oriented projects, and leading the development of the logistics services sector.”The annual MEED Projects Awards, in association with Mashreq, represent the pinnacle of recognition for the most outstanding projects across the Middle East and North Africa. The awards emphasise innovation, sustainability, and positive community impact, and have become a benchmark for excellence and achievement in the region.This year, some 87 projects across 17 categories were shortlisted following a thorough and impartial judging process that focused on engineering brilliance, technological innovation, sustainable practices, and the significant benefits these projects bring to society — reflecting the highest standards of quality, innovation, and impact.

United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar’s leading real estate development firms and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been awarded two accolades at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious honours in the real estate sector.The awards include Best Mixed-Use Development in Qatar for Gewan Island, along with Best Retail Architecture in Qatar, further underscoring the island’s excellence as a world-class urban development that blends innovation, quality, comfort, and sustainability.The achievement adds to a series of successes for Gewan Island, reaffirming its status as one of Qatar’s and the region’s most forward-thinking lifestyle destinations. The island introduces a new paradigm in luxury urban living through its modern master plan, which seamlessly integrates upscale residential communities with commercial, leisure, and hospitality offerings.Among its standout features are the upcoming Corinthia Hotel; Crystal Walk, a climatised outdoor pedestrian retail walkway; and a state-of-the-art nine-hole golf course, all designed to deliver a unique sports and leisure and hospitality experience amid lush green surroundings.Together, these elements establish Gewan Island as a vibrant destination that enhances well-being, strengthens connectivity, and inspires community engagement for residents and visitors alike.Yasser al-Jaidah, President and CEO of UDC, stated: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Arabian Property Awards, which reflects our unwavering commitment to developing integrated projects that uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.“Gewan Island’s success is not only a testament to its architectural and urban excellence but also to our broader vision of building vibrant communities that enrich lives and align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This achievement inspires us to continue pursuing innovation and excellence in all our future developments.”The Arabian Property Awards are part of the globally acclaimed International Property Awards programme, which celebrates excellence in real estate development and architecture. Winners are selected through a comprehensive judging process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts in urban planning, architecture, and design.The recognition further solidifies UDC’s role as a key contributor to shaping Qatar’s urban landscape and its ongoing efforts to deliver smart, sustainable, and future-ready developments that elevate the country's position as a regional hub for real estate excellence.

QIIB and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing co-operation in real estate development and financing, by enabling the bank to provide financing for purchase of plots in the Huzoom Lusail project in line with its financing terms and conditions. Huzoom is a key real estate development in Lusail City wholly-owned by Qatari Diar. The MoU was signed by QIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei and Qatari Diar Chief Executive Officer Ali Mohamed al-Ali in the presence of senior officials from both sides. The agreement represents an important step in supporting the significant urban development taking place in Lusail City, which has become one of the most prominent residential, commercial, and investment destinations in Qatar, attracting increasing interest from both individuals and companies. Huzoom Lusail project, is part of Lusail City, and is one of the ambitious developments that aligns with Qatar’s Vision 2030, and which aims to diversify the economy and boost investments in infrastructure and urban development. The MoU also reflects the commitment of both parties to build strategic partnerships that contribute to strengthening the real estate sector as a key pillar of the national economy. It further highlights QIIB’s commitment to financing major development projects and providing real estate solutions tailored to the needs of various customer segments, meeting their housing and investment aspirations. Al-Shaibei said: “We are delighted to sign this MoU with Qatari Diar, one of the leading real estate development companies in Qatar and the region. We are confident that this partnership will enhance the range of real estate financing options available to customers who are seeking to invest in the Huzoom Lusail Project. “At QIIB, real estate financing is a top priority, as it is a key driver of the country’s urban renaissance. We are always keen to provide the best real estate financing products with flexible terms, easy procedures, and extended repayment periods, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and in support of comprehensive economic development.” He noted: “QIIB has developed a wide range of real estate financing solutions that address the needs of both individuals and corporates. We consistently innovate in designing these solutions to ensure financial inclusion and accessibility for all customer segments. “Expanding such partnerships with leading institutions like Qatari Diar reflects our commitment to empowering our customers to seize investment opportunities in Qatar’s real estate market under the best possible terms and conditions.” He concluded: “We are confident that the Huzoom Lusail Project will be one of the most attractive developments for investors in the coming period, thanks to its prime location and integrated services. At QIIB, we remain committed to providing the best financing facilities that deliver added value to our clients and help them achieve their housing and investment ambitions.” Al-Ali stated: “We are pleased to sign this MoU with QIIB, an important step in our efforts to provide practical financing solutions for purchasing plots in the Huzoom Lusail project. This project is one of Qatari Diar’s landmark developments in Lusail City and will represent a significant addition to Qatar’s real estate sector, as it embodies an integrated model for developing urban communities that combine living, working, and leisure, in line with the comprehensive renaissance the country is witnessing. “We are confident that this partnership with QIIB will further enhance the project’s attractiveness and open new horizons for both local and international investments.” He added: “Through this cooperation with QIIB, we look forward to enabling customers to seize the investment opportunities offered by the project and benefit from the diverse real estate financing options provided by the bank.”

QTerminals has introduced hold cleaning services at Hamad Port for the vessels, a move that ensures faster turnaround time and higher operational efficiency.In this regard, QTerminals, a terminal operating company jointly established by Mwani Qatar (51% shareholding) and Milaha (49% shareholding), has signed an agreement with GAC in Qatar, a shipping and logistics service provider, for the professional hold cleaning services at the Hamad Port.This partnership enhances QTerminals’ services delivery, enabling vessel operators to benefit from improved readiness, faster turnaround times and higher operational efficiency.The signing ceremony at QTerminals’ head office in Doha was attended by Charles Meaby, managing director of Hamad Port; and Jacob Rubensson, GAC’s general manager in Qatar, as well as senior officials including Hussain Ahmad al-Maqeef, executive VP Commercial – Commercial Affairs Sector at Mwani Port Authority, and Abdulhadi Fahad A M al-Hajri, Business Development and Commercial Director at Hamad Port.Through this partnership, GAC’s expert team will clean the holds of dry bulk vessels after discharging a wide range of bulk commodities such as coal, pet coke, alumina, and cement to meet international standards.The service is designed for time-critical scenarios, ensuring vessels are promptly ready for their next cargo. This quick turnaround helps owners and operators meet load port schedules within the laycan period, reducing delays and saving costs.The introduction of this new service reinforces Hamad Port’s position as one of the region’s premier gateways and is expected to attract more vessels to Qatar and boost customer satisfaction.It also reflects QTerminals’ commitment to continuously expanding value-added services and supporting Qatar’s vision to become a leading maritime and logistics hub within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Dubai-based logistics company DP World Ltd is negotiating for a contract to operate a new container terminal that will increase the Montreal Port Authority’s capacity by more than 50%.The new Contrecoeur terminal will sit on the St. Lawrence River, just northeast of the city of Montreal, Canada’s second-largest urban area. Construction may start as soon as September on the project, which is expected to cost nearly C$1.6bn ($1.2bn) and has a target date for completion in 2029.“There’s a competitive process going on and we’re definitely in discussions,” DP World Canada Inc Chief Executive Officer Douglas Smith told Bloomberg News.DP World is one of the world’s largest opera-tors of container ports, and it has a strong link to Quebec — the Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec is among its largest financial partners. La Caisse holds stakes in several DP assets, including 45% of the Canadian subsidiary.The terminal project has been under consideration since the 1980s, when the port authority bought the land in Contrecoeur, and has been the subject of detailed planning for a dozen years. Costs ballooned and demand fluctuated, but the governments of Canada and Quebec now want to see it built as part of efforts to in-crease trade with Europe amid trade tensions with the US — committing more than half a billion dollars to the project.“It checks a lot of boxes,” Charles Emond, chief executive officer of La Caisse, said in an interview. “This is something that would be considered strategic in Quebec. We like infrastructure, we’re good in ports, we have expertise, we have the operator.”The Port of Montreal’s current capacity of 2.1mn containers annually may be fully reached by 2030, and the new terminal would be able to handle 1.15mn containers of volume.A spokesperson for DP World in Canada said that “while we see strong potential for developing logistics infrastructure in Montreal that drives economic growth and long-term value, we have no announcements to share at this time.” Prime Minister Mark Carney promoted the Contrecoeur terminal project this week during a press conference, along with a potential port expansion in Churchill, Manitoba, that might eventually be able to export liquefied natural gas.“The No. 1 focus of this government is to build that infrastructure, and particularly infrastructure that helps us deepen our partnership with our European partners,” Carney told reporters in Germany.The Montreal Port Authority has said the trade war with the US led companies to reassess ex-port markets in the first half of the year, with 22% more goods going to China during the period. Exports to Spain and northern Europe also rose.“The expansion of the Port of Montreal in Contrecoeur is a major strategic asset for in-creasing the resilience and fluidity of supply chains throughout Eastern Canada. In this perspective, we are currently in discussions with a private partner and investor, whose identity will remain confidential until an agreement is signed,” said Renee Larouche, director of communications with the Montreal Port Authority.Montreal is Canada’s biggest eastern container port and its second-largest overall, after Vancouver.

The Ministry of Municipality's Agricultural Affairs Department and the Agricultural Research Department, in co-operation with Mahaseel for Marketing and Agricultural Services, a subsidiary of Hassad Food Company, organised a guidance programme on 'Managing Plant Water Requirements: Principles of Irrigation Calculation and Determining Quantities'. The programme was held at the Agricultural Guidance Center affiliated with Hassad Food, with the participation of 34 agriculture engineers and local farm managers. It addressed the importance of understanding Qatar’s water resources and their current situation, reviewed the key challenges related to their management, and introduced the principles of determining plant water requirements and scientifically accurate and efficient methods for calculating irrigation quantities. The programme also presented a number of proposals, most notably: developing an electronic application for managing plant water requirements, enhancing the practical and applied aspects of training programmes, and collecting farm data under the supervision of the Ministry of Municipality to issue periodic recommendations on irrigation water quantities. These steps aim to improve the efficiency of water resource use in the country’s agricultural sector. An interactive test was conducted for participants to reinforce the acquired knowledge. They received certificates at the conclusion.