QNA
Doha
The second Qatar Real Estate Forum, set to begin on Sunday, aims to enhance Qatar’s investment appeal by providing a global platform for investors and real estate developers, according to Eng. Khalid bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, chairman of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority.
The forum will enable stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and gain insights into the legal, procedural, and regulatory frameworks governing Qatar’s real estate sector.
Al Obaidli told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the forum seeks to promote growth, innovation, and collaboration within the sector. It serves as a meeting point where participants can discuss challenges, share ideas, and establish partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as with international companies.
This year’s forum, held in partnership with the globally recognized Cityscape, features a government pavilion where attendees can learn about real estate investment regulations. Major Qatari companies like Qatari Diar, United Development Company, Barwa Real Estate Company, Ezdan Company, Msheireb Properties, Qetaifan Projects Company, and Al Waab Real Estate Company will showcase investment opportunities in Qatar.
Throughout the forum, several initiatives and plans will be unveiled to push the real estate sector forward, focusing on infrastructure improvements and attracting new investments. Al Obaidli highlighted the forum’s role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, which is essential for supporting these initiatives.
A key focus will be enhancing public-private partnerships. Al Obaidli explained that this year’s forum will feature discussions on how the private sector can play a greater role in driving real estate growth. New initiatives from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority will be introduced to encourage collaboration between public entities and private companies.
The forum will focus on enhancing transparency in Qatar’s real estate market, which Al Obaidli emphasized is crucial for building investor confidence. Discussions will cover digitizing real estate operations to improve efficiency and comply with international standards. The forum will also examine strategies to meet the growing demand for affordable housing while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
Green building practices and environmentally friendly development are central to the forum’s agenda. Al Obaidli noted that adopting advanced technology in infrastructure development and managing risks related to global economic fluctuations will also be key topics. Participants will gain insights into the latest real estate market trends shaping Qatar’s future.
The Real Estate Regulatory Authority is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the real estate sector. Al Obaidli highlighted the authority’s efforts to create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and growth for SMEs. By providing a framework that encourages small businesses, the authority aims to create a vibrant ecosystem in Qatar’s real estate market.
Additionally, the authority is focused on ensuring that both investors and tenants in Qatar’s real estate market are protected through clear regulations. Al Obaidli pointed out that maintaining a transparent and secure market is key to attracting both local and foreign investors.
One of the core goals of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority is to attract foreign investment to Qatar’s real estate market. Al Obaidli explained that regulating and monitoring off-plan sales is one of the authority’s most important initiatives for safeguarding investor rights and making the market more appealing to international investors.
The authority also licenses and monitors real estate companies to ensure transparency and security across the sector. This oversight builds investor confidence, making Qatar a more attractive destination for foreign investment.
Al Obaidli acknowledged that Qatar’s real estate market faces challenges, particularly regarding meeting the needs of developers and investors. To address these concerns, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority regularly engages with stakeholders, including developers and government entities, to identify obstacles and develop solutions. These efforts are part of the authority’s strategy to support the sector’s continued growth and development.
Environmental sustainability is a priority for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Al Obaidli noted that the authority has launched initiatives to encourage sustainable real estate development, including awards for developers who implement environmentally friendly practices. These initiatives align with Qatar’s broader national goals for sustainability and aim to motivate developers and investors to prioritize green building.
Al Obaidli expressed optimism about Qatar’s real estate market following the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which boosted the market’s global profile. He noted that the Real Estate Regulatory Authority is collaborating with developers to create integrated real estate projects that incorporate smart city technologies and sustainability principles. These projects are part of a broader effort to position Qatar as a leader in real estate innovation and sustainable urban development.
