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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.”

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.”

The volume of real estate trading in sales contracts at the Department of Real Estate Registration at the Ministry of Justice during the period from Aug. 31 to Sep. 04, 2025 reached QR 394,349,422. Total sales contracts for residential units in the Real Estate Bulletin for the period from Aug. 31 to Sep. 04, 2025, is QR 124,490,727. The weekly bulletin issued by the Department shows that the list of real estate properties traded for sale includes empty land, houses, residential buildings, commercial-residential buildings and shops, commercial buildings, residential units. Sales were concentrated in Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Daayen, Al Shamal, Umm Slal, Al Khor and Al Thakhira, municipalities, and in, The Pearl Island, Lusail 69, Al Kharayej, Ghar Thuaileb, Zones.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index edged up 0.03% at the start of Monday's session, adding 3.27 points to reach 11,134 compared to the previous close.The slight rise was driven by gains in four sectors: Industrials (+0.31%), Telecoms (+0.28%), Insurance (+0.02%), and Banks and Financial Services (+0.02%). In contrast, losses were recorded in Transportation (-0.39%), Consumer Goods and Services (-0.17%), and Real Estate (-0.03%). As of 10:00 am, trading volume stood at 14.203 million shares, with a turnover of QR 36.290 million across 2,600 transactions.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday witnessed more than 62% of its traded constituents end in the red, leading its key barometer to lose as much as 43 points and capitalisation melt in excess of QR2bn. The industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.39% to 11,099.21 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,181 points. The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 5%. The Gulf funds’ lower net buying also had its effect on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.19bn or 0.33% to QR662.66bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Arab individuals’ weakened bullish grip made its impact on the main market, which saw as many as 1,760 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR5,028 trade across seven deals. The foreign institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The foreign retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Share Index by 0.28% and the All Islamic Index by 0.52% in the main market. The industrials sector index declined 0.51%, realty (0.5%), consumer goods and services (0.36%), banks and financial services (0.28%) and transport (0.24%); while insurance and telecom gained 0.64% and 0.17% respectively. Major shakers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Baladna, Meeza, Inma Holding, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Widam Food, Ezdan and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Al Khaleej Takaful, Mannai Corporation, Al Mahhar Holding, Beema and Qatar Insurance were among the gainers in the main market. The Gulf institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR1.99mn compared to QR11.81mn the previous day. The local individual investors’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.46mn against QR11.65mn on September 3. The Arab retail investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR5.24mn compared to QR10.86mn on Wednesday. However, the domestic funds’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR9.07mn against QR8.63mn the previous day. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.04mn compared with net sellers of QR0.66mn on September 3. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR2.92mn against QR0.77mn on Wednesday. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking shrank markedly to QR26.72mn compared to QR43.06mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session. The main market saw a 5% jump in trade volumes to 140.8mn shares and 6% in value to QR426.98mn but on 34% shrinkage in deals to 20,093. In the venture market, a total of 0.08mn equities valued at QR0.22mn changed hands across 22 transactions.

Qatar saw a robust 114% year-on-year increase in residential transactions in the second quarter (Q2), indicating growing confidence among investors on resilient performance across the country’s real estate sector, according to Knight Frank, a global property consultancy.In its latest Qatar real estate market review, Knight Frank said both transaction volumes and values in the residential sector posted strong year-on-year growth.There were 1,844 residential sales in Q2-2025, totalling QR9.23bn, representing a 114% increase compared with the same period last year."Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the 2022 FIFA World Cup," said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East and North Africa, Knight Frank.Doha, Al Daayen and Al Wakra were among the best-performing municipalities: Doha alone recorded QR3.85bn of transactions, up 126% year-on-year, while Al Daayen and Al Wakra posted increases of 164% and 127%, respectively.In terms of property values, the apartment sector led the way, with average sales prices increasing by 3.5% year-on-year to QR13,270 per sq m, the report said.The most expensive apartments were located in Lusail’s Waterfront district (QR15,131 per sq m) and Viva Bahriya on The Pearl Island (QR14,987 per sq m).At the other end of the market, Porto Arabia registered the lowest average apartment price at QR11,696 per sq m, offering relatively accessible options in a prime waterfront setting.Villas saw a slight dip in values, with average prices down 4% year-on-year to QR6,745 per sq m. Among the key districts, Abu Hamour recorded the highest average villa price at QR8,434 per sq m, while Al Wukair remained the most affordable option at QR5,667 per sq m.The residential land segment also experienced robust growth during Q2-2015, Knight Frank said.Renewed investor interest in land plots, driven by good long-term development prospects and relative affordability in emerging areas, delivered sales totalling QR2.16bn across 598 deals, up 85% year-on-year.Significant gains were observed in Umm Salal, where volumes increased by 218%, followed by Doha (134%) and Al Wakra (102%)."The increase in transaction volumes, rising apartment values, and strong land sales activity suggest growing confidence among investors and end-users," it said.While challenges such as high interest rates and legacy oversupply remain, it said Q2 has seen a positive shift in Qatar’s residential market dynamics.As the flow of new stock slows and infrastructure investments continue, particularly in Lusail and surrounding zones, "we anticipate a gradual recovery in the medium term, notwithstanding any potential impact from the regional tensions in late June, which may yet materialise in the data over the summer months," it said.Longer term, with plans underway by the authorities to submit a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, there may yet be further national infrastructure investment, which will sustain economic growth over the medium to long term and inject additional positive momentum into the economy.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Tuesday gained eight points as the telecom, real estate and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand. The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.07% to 11,183.57 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,204 points. The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.79%. The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1bn or 0.15 to QR668.34bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Gulf individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across 12 deals. The domestic institutions turned net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.07% and the All Share Index by 0.09%; while the All Islamic Index fell 0.02% in the main market. The telecom sector index gained 0.26%, realty (0.24%), banks and financial services (0.2%) and insurance (0.05%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.63%, transport (0.02%) and industrials (0.01%). Major movers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Estithmar Holding and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Doha Bank, Meeza and Industries Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR10.76mn compared to QR2.07mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.91mn against net sellers of QR1.76mn on Monday. The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.15mn compared with net sellers of QR3.2mn on September 1. However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.75mn against net buyers of QR1.21mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR6.07mn compared to QR1.26mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR5.64mn on September 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.4mn compared QR1.45mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. The main market saw a 19% slump in trade volumes to 85.68mn shares and 6% in value to QR260.95mn but on 1% jump in deals to 14,534. In the venture market, a total of 0.21mn equities valued at QR0.56mn changed hands across 41 transactions.

The third edition of the annual Qatar Real Estate Forum will see the participation of Saudi Arabia with several government entities involved in the real estate sector, in a step aimed at promoting integration and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.While addressing a press conference on Tuesday, engineer Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, president of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) said Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honour at the event to realise a strategic partnership with Qatar.Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the forum will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) in conjunction with the Cityscape Qatar.Organised by Aqarat the event will address pivotal issues to foster the sector's growth. The first topic focuses on the Government’s Role in the sector highlighting legislation and policies that ensure a safe and stimulating investment environment.The second topic will be dedicated to Real Estate Technology (PropTech) showcasing the latest digital solutions aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency. The third topic will address the Investor's Journey offering key guidance to enable investors to maximise available opportunities and streamline procedures. In its fourth topic, the forum will showcase Major and Promising Projects that open new horizons for development and progress in Qatar.Aqarat president noted that this edition builds on the success of previous ones and embodies the ongoing efforts to solidify Qatar's position as a leading real estate and investment destination.The forum serves as an annual platform for investors, experts and real estate developers to explore promising opportunities in the Qatari real estate market, enhance confidence in the sector and foster collaboration among various stakeholders thereby supporting the development path aligned with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Obaidli explained that Aqarat has developed a comprehensive and integrated media plan for this edition in addition to launching the forum's official website.The press conference also featured the signing of official sponsorship agreements. Qatar Investment Authority is the official sponsor. Qatari Diar, Barwa Real Estate Company, United Development Company and Qetaifan Projects are platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors are Al Waab City and GMG Holding. Lesha Bank is media sponsor. Qatar Living and Ain Riyadh are media partners.