Cityscape Expo Showcases Qatar's New Age Real Estate

Doha, May 28 (QNA) - Qatar's quest to evolve into a post-modern, hi-tech state with a diversified economy, riding on private and public infrastructure development, took a step forward with the unveiling of mega real estate projects at the Cityscape Qatar 2013 exhibition here at the Doha Exhibition Centre. The second edition of the three-day expo, under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, and inaugurated by Qatar Chamber Chairman opened HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, here Monday. The expo has assembled the realty and construction sectors top decision-makers, stakeholders, investors and around 100 companies. Multi use projects and developments by exhibitors from Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Portugal, Turkey, UAE, UK and hosts Qatar are on display. Among the exhibitors are Qatari Diar, Ezdan Holding Group, Barwa Real Estate Company, the United Development Company-UDC, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development, The Wave-Oman, and Al Bandary Real Estate. Leading the marquee multi million dollar projects are three key developments in Qatar. The top project of QR 20 Billion (US $5.5Bn) called Oryx Island will showcase new age infrastructure wonders like floating hotels, state-of-the art villas and aqua park off the Doha coast. Qatar's largest developer Barwa Real Estate, in which Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has a stake, is developing this project which would accommodate around 25,000 guests and dock cruise ships at its facilities once complete. A 176,000 square meter residential development called Dara is the second project by Barwa which has a multi-national footprint, with projects in Istanbul, Turkey. Dara, being developed in Fox Hills, Lusail, comprises 53 buildings housing 1,000 apartments. This sustainable project with a 3-star GSAS rating is divided into two zones - residential and commercial which has integrated facilities like shopping outlets, day-care centres, fitness centres, restaurants and access to transportation. The location of this project is strategic since its within walking distance to the Lusail Stadium that will showcase the FIFA 2022 World Cup opening and finals. The third project is the Gulf Resort which will be spread over 250 hectares. When complete it will comprise three hotels, a shopping mall built around a natural harbour. Other key exhibitors from Qatar include Qatari Diar and United Development Company (UDC) which created Qatar's largest urban development off West Bay's waterfront called The Pearl-Qatar comprising high-end residential accommodation, retail, hospitality and three world-class marinas. The Pearl-Qatar, UDCs leading project and one of the largest urban developments in Qatar. Qatari Diar's flagship project is Lusail City - is the largest single development to be undertaken in the State of Qatar. It is developed by Lusail Real Estate Development Company on behalf of Qatari Diar. More than 200,000 residents will live in Lusail's scenic surroundings, with 170,000 people expected to work in the city's different districts, and 80,000 expected to visit its entertainment and recreation facilities. One of Qatar's major realty Ezdan Holding has showcased three projects - The Shamal, Rayan Towers and Al Wakra Mall. The Shamal project includes a boutique hotel with 220 rooms, 180 luxury villas and 170 luxury apartments. Another key project unveiled on the first day is the Mall of Qatar (MOQ) that will house 400 shopping outlets, five department stores and a hypermarket. The MOQ will have parking space for 7,000 vehicles. (QNA)