Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Minister of Economy and Trade Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al-Thani on Monday inaugurated Project Qatar 2014 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).
The four-day event welcomed in its first day attendees from different ministries, government sector officials, embassies, decision-makers and industry professionals in the construction sector who were delighted at the prospect of meeting industry leaders to discuss over $200 billion worth of projects that are in the pipeline to be completed in Qatar ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Speaking as he toured the exhibition, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim said Project Qatar is one of the biggest specialized exhibitions in the region, noting that participation is growing every year with over 2,100 companies from 47 countries taking part in the current edition.
He added that the increasing interest in the event is a result of the announced future projects in Qatar whether in the infrastructure sector or other areas.
In turn, Rashid bin Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, chairman of organizing company International Fairs and Promotions (IFP Qatar), hailed the support of HE the premier and expressed his gratitude to HE minister of economy and commerce “for the privilege to inaugurate Project Qatar 2014 and we also deeply thank the Qatari government, our esteemed exhibitors and sponsors for their unlimited support and generosity since the inception of Project Qatar in 2004.” Al Kaabi added that early public reaction highlighted the importance of the exhibition for Qatar’s construction industry with particular comment on the diverse range and professionalism of exhibitors, products and services.
For his part, Rawad Sleem, project manager of Project Qatar, said: “The initial opening numbers have exceeded 11,500 visitors, and are likely to exceed 45,000 visitors by the end of the exhibition. Moreover, we are thrilled to hear early positive feedback from participants exploring new partnerships and discussing potential lucrative business deals. Industry professionals such as architects, contractors, consultants, designers, construction professionals, as well as government officials and regulators, project owners and project managers, are able to connect and discuss the most innovative projects, high-profile case studies and solutions from across the regional and international markets.” Meanwhile, Albert Aoun, chairman of IFP Group and organizer of Project Qatar, said: “Project Qatar is the largest building and construction industry event in Qatar which continues to expand and grow each year. We are hoping to break all records this year in terms of visitors’ numbers and value of contracts awarded; exhibitors and visitors who have attended previous iterations of Project Qatar have already commented on the success of the event so far; appreciating the efforts of widening our scope to include the additional exhibitions and conferences at this year’s edition.” Project Qatar 2014 is being held at QNCC from May 12-15 and opening hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The exhibition is also hosting two concurrent events; Qatar StoneTech, the 3rd International Stone and Stone Technology Show, and Heavy Max 2014, the 11th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery.
It also hosts a new educational platform, the Project Qatar Conference Series, organized by Advanced Conferences and Meetings (ACM), that will include LightingTech Qatar on May 12-13 from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m., HVACTech Qatar on May 14-15 from 08:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m., and Future Interiors Qatar, scheduled for September 8-9.
IFP Qatar is a member of IFP Group, a leading exhibition and event organizer in the Middle East with a rich portfolio of more than 40 shows annually and more than 450 events for more than 33 years in business.
Source : Qatar News Agency
