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United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has won three awards at the ‘Middle East Enterprise AI & Analytics Summit 2025’, held in Doha with participation from leading national and international technology organisations.The recognition highlights UDC’s role in advancing smart urban services and its use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to support sustainable city ecosystems across its destinations.UDC received the ‘Excellence in Digital & Innovation Award 2025’ for its intelligent facilities management, maintenance, and operations ecosystem at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island.The project introduced an automated operations model powered by a unified Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform that supports real-time monitoring, automated dispatching through a 24/7 contact centre, and an omnichannel AI assistant. The ecosystem has transformed maintenance and service operations into a data-driven, paperless model that improves transparency, efficiency, and service quality.The company also won the ‘Best Cloud Transformation Project 2025’ for unifying its enterprise operations within a secure and agile cloud environment. Through its ‘Cloud-First’ strategy, UDC migrated core processes to a modern digital infrastructure that supports advanced analytics, automation, and next-generation technologies. This transformation strengthens UDC’s digital ecosystem and enhances operational efficiency across its business.Azeem Aziz, head of Digital Solutions at UDC, received the ‘Best Customer Experience Leader 2025 Award’ for leading the development of The Pearl Island Super App, which enhances smart living and service experiences. The app centralises resident and visitor services, such as payments, bookings, maintenance requests, and community updates, into a single platform supported by an omnichannel AI assistant.UDC is one of Qatar’s leading public shareholding companies and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island. It is committed to developing distinguished destinations that embody modern, sustainable living through pioneering real estate, commercial, and hospitality projects that support national economic growth and reinforce Qatar’s position as a premier destination for living, business, and investment.

United Development Company (UDC) is placing digital transformation and sustainability at the heart of its development strategy, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.“Technology is not a support function at UDC – it is at the core of how we deliver value,” UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview on the occasion of the ‘Qatar Real Estate Forum’, which will run until October 14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).He said, “From planning and construction to sales and community management, every stage of our operations is digitally enabled.” As the forum’s ‘Platinum Sponsor’, al-Jaidah stated that UDC is expected to highlight its smart infrastructure systems that optimise energy, water, and waste management, alongside advanced project management platforms that provide real-time oversight of delivery schedules and budgets.According to al-Jaidah, UDC has invested in digital platforms that make the investor and resident journey seamless. Virtual property tours and customer service apps already allow investors and residents to access information, complete transactions, and receive support from anywhere in the world, he noted.“At the same time, our customer relationship management systems capture preferences and interactions, enabling us to provide a more tailored and responsive experience. Looking ahead, we are moving towards a comprehensive digital listing platform that will feature full property availability on our mobile app and portal. It will be enriched with 3D maps, VR/AR-enabled walkthroughs, street views, and even live reservation capabilities,” al-Jaidah explained.Al-Jaidah further pointed out that these enhancements will empower both local and international buyers to explore and reserve properties without an onsite visit, reinforcing UDC’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and customer-centric service.“Behind the scenes, our customer relationship management systems capture preferences and behaviours, enabling us to offer highly tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all interactions.“The result is a more empowered investor, faster decision-making, and enhanced customer experience that reflects the premium standard of our destinations. In essence, technology is helping us bridge geography, simplify choices, and strengthen trust,” he said.Asked about sustainable development and smart cities, al-Jaidah stated that UDC is integrating smart and sustainable city concepts into its current and future projects: “Sustainability and smart-city thinking are built into every stage of our projects. We are embedding efficient transport networks, renewable energy adoption, smart metering, and automated waste systems to reduce emissions and optimise resources.”He said, “On Gewan Island, energy-efficient building designs and smart infrastructure are reducing consumption, while The Pearl Island incorporates district-cooling networks, comprehensive recycling programmes, and pedestrian-friendly planning that promote greener, healthier lifestyles.“Our goal is clear: to deliver destinations that combine world-class luxury with environmental responsibility, ensuring residents and visitors experience communities that are sustainable, liveable, and inspiring.”Citing challenges that developers face when balancing luxury real estate with environmental responsibility, and how UDC is addressing this, al-Jaidah said: “The real challenge is the perception that luxury and sustainability are at odds. At UDC, we see them as complementary.”He added: “Our unique strength lies in delivering and operating luxury and exclusivity as cost-competitively as possible without ever compromising on quality. We achieve this by applying the classic framework of cost, quality, and delivery, ensuring that each project strikes the right balance that investors and residents can trust. This balance is what allows UDC to deliver destinations that are both aspirational and sustainable.”

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."

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.”

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.