DOHA: Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the 20th edition of Project Qatar was inaugurated by the Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari in Doha on Monday.
Organised by IFP Qatar with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the four-day international trade exhibition specialising in construction technology and building materials will continue till May 30 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Featuring 130 Qatari firms and 120 international companies from 25 countries, the milestone edition of Qatar's largest and longest running construction exhibitions opened to a large crowd.
The inauguration was graced by several distinguished guests and official delegations including Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi and a large number of prominent business leaders.
Additionally, the ceremony garnered global attention with the presence of over 60 ambassadors from participating countries and heads of diplomatic missions in Qatar, along with dozens of international trade delegations who visited the event.
In light of the impressive turnout at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, IFP Qatar General Manager Haidar Mshaimesh expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust bestowed upon the exhibition by esteemed leaders in Qatar and various global sectors and markets.
Mshaimesh said, "The construction market in Qatar is on the brink of a transformative era with the aim to fulfil the Qatar National Vision 2030. This new chapter emphasises the development of industrial and social infrastructure projects, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies and elements of smart cities into construction endeavours.”
He said, "Over the past 19 years, Project Qatar has consistently kept pace with market trends and requirements, building a rich legacy and playing a pivotal role in this sector. As we embark on this new phase, Project Qatar will remain at the forefront, leading the way in facilitating commercial exchanges between Qatar and the global community. It will also continue to serve as a direct conduit for the sharing and exchange of products, services, and expertise. The presence of esteemed dignitaries at today's opening ceremony underscores the exhibition's value and prominence.”
Mshaimesh said, "The 20th edition of Project Qatar marks a significant transformation in terms of sectoral diversity. Emerging sectors such as smart manufacturing, sustainable construction, and digital innovation account for a significant portion of the participation. As Qatar seeks to attract foreign investment and expertise to support its ambitious infrastructure ongoing and planned projects, the event focuses on strengthening partnerships between Qatari and international companies, attracting exhibitors and visitors from key markets worldwide, and facilitating cross-border collaborations and joint ventures.”
Pointing out that the composition of exhibitors at Project Qatar has evolved over the years to reflect changes in the construction industry and broader economic trends, he said, "While the event has traditionally featured a wide range of sectors related to construction and building materials, there has been a notable shift towards incorporating new technologies, sustainable solutions, and smart manufacturing practices in recent years.”
Mshaimesh said, "The 20th edition of Project Qatar has attracted a large number of exhibitors offering green building solutions, renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient products, and sustainable construction practices. As smart manufacturing gains momentum globally, exhibitors specializing in Industry 4.0 technologies, automation solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and digital manufacturing processes are prominent in this year's line-up at Project Qatar.”
Project Qatar is the largest and most prominent trade exhibition specializing in construction technology and building materials in Qatar. It plays a major role in promoting growth and innovation, serving as a dynamic platform to forge partnerships and collaborations between Qatari companies and their international counterparts.
The event also facilitates networking, business matchmaking, and knowledge exchange within the construction industry. This is particularly important given the rapid growth of Qatar's construction sector. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the Qatar Construction Market size is estimated at $62.95 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $97.42 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.13 percent during the forecast period.
Project Qatar has attracted this year around 250 exhibitors, including 120 international companies from 25 different countries, four of which are participating with national pavilions, along with 130 Qatari companies, including major governmental and semi-governmental entities and leading private sector companies.
The list of sponsors and partners for the event this year includes the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ashghal, the strategic partners, Qatar Tourism, the destination partner, Qatari Diar, the property development partner, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Al Sraiya Holding Group, the platinum sponsor, Nask Chemical Solutions, the industrial sponsor, Imar Group, Aamal, and Sahand Industrial Group, the gold sponsors, QTerminals, the silver sponsor, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the official sustainability partner, Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), the industrial consulting sponsor, Oriental Trading Company (OTC), the integrity sponsor, Gulf Crafts, the innovative branding sponsor, as well as a large number of print and digital media partners.
The 20th edition of Project Qatar marks a significant moment in the evolution of the construction industry's premier trade exhibition in Qatar. As the biggest and longest-running trade exhibition specializing in construction in the country, this milestone signifies two decades of unparalleled innovation, collaboration, and progress.
Project Qatar has consistently set the benchmark for excellence, serving as a dynamic platform for industry professionals to showcase cutting-edge technologies, exchange knowledge, and forge strategic partnerships. With each passing year, the exhibition has grown in scope and significance, attracting exhibitors and visitors from across the globe.
Along with the exhibition, the four-day conference will cover key issues related to the construction, industrial, sustainability, and environmental sectors. The first day’s sessions focus on the most significant current and future projects in Qatar and the investment opportunities available within them, featuring speakers from Ashghal, the Ministry of Transport, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority.
The second day, under the title "Towards a Climate-Resilient Future", will be held in partnership with GORD, covering sustainability and climate change issues. It will conclude with the "Eco Champions" awards ceremony in which GORD will honour the pioneers of eco-innovation and community resilience in Qatar in order to highlight their pivotal role in shaping a greener future.
The third day under the title "Towards Smart Manufacturing" will be held in collaboration with GOIC. It will focus on the recent developments in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, exploring the latest trends of Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to the organisers, IFP Qatar will host an awards ceremony where it will honour local and international companies in recognition of their vital role in ensuring the continued success of Project Qatar year after year.