The Middle Eastern country of Qatar rests easy against its abundant oil and gas reserves that have steered the nation towards achieving the world’s highest GDP per capita—welcoming investment opportunities from across the globe. The country has equipped itself with a growth-intensive model that permits advancements in various sectors, in turncontributingto its market stability and lucrative business environment. With adedication towards the construction industry, Qatar’s construction projects market is valued at an estimated $75 billion. What’s more, projects awarded only in the first half of 2019, worth $4.5 billion, were more than half the total of projects awarded in 2018 as a whole, thereby successfully enhancing its scope of work in the future.Going forward, the construction segment is expected to further pick up pace in the current year and snowball by 2020-2021, considering the country will host the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup. Growing construction demand Qatar has put a strong foot forward by establishing a strong base for subsequent collaborations with construction firms. On display are ample avenues that can be tapped by countless sources, including the hundreds of future construction projects in the country—ranging from small $10 million boutique hotels to multi-billion-dollar master-planned projects. Of the upcoming projects worth $75 billion, the largest portion at 68 per cent is defined as being mixeduse. This means theseprojects are a combination of residential, commercial and retail and, therefore, cater to a large segment of firms who deliver on all major fronts. At $9 billion, a new city development around Hamad International Airport is the largest construction project in the pipeline and the expansion of the Al-Udeid Airbase is the second largest with a value of $1.8 billion. While these make it to the top two list of projects in Qatar, the four iconic towers project at the giant Lusail real-estate development stands third. Additionally, the country has mapped out a plan for the next couple of years with more than $23billion of future projects being identified in the design stage—indicating they are due to come out to contractors to bid over the next 24 months or so.Further,more than $46 billion worth of projects are in the study stage. Big 5 Construct Qatar returns In tune with the progressive market condition of the country’s construction industry and its National Vision 2030, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thaniextended his support to the second edition of The Big 5 Construct Qatar, held from September 23-25, 2019. The event witnessed over 150 exhibitors from around 20 countries. It was sponsored by: Qatar National Tourism Council (Strategic Partner); Qatar Free Zones Authority (Official Free Zone Sponsor); Al Darwish (Lanyard Sponsor); Al-Adekhar (Urban Landscape Sponsor); and FUSO (Transportation Sponsor). Renewed support this year, too,for the country’s premier construction event is seen against the backdrop of its successful launch in 2018, which facilitated business opportunities and international investments in Qatar’s construction sector.According to the latest MEED Projects report commissioned by the Big 5 Construct Qatar, the rapid increase in these projects is also attributed to the preparations for the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, along with the goals laid down in the National Vision 2030. On account of organising the event, Matt Denton, President, dmg events, said: “It is a great honour for The Big 5 Construct Qatar to receive once again the patronage of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. With a mission to support the expanding requirements of Qatar’s construction, transport and infrastructure sectors, the event is proud to serve its strategic objectives and National Vision 2030.” Opportune platform Backed by the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) as its strategic partner, the event offereda dedicated platform to international and regional construction players who were given the opportunity to meet facetoface andexplore business-related possibilities, while learning from other industry experts in Doha. Speaking at the event, Ahmed Al-Obaidliof QNTC said: “The business events sector is an important pillar of QNTC’s wider strategy to develop tourism in Qatar. We value the contribution of business event organisers such as dmg events (Doha) in attracting both international and regional business players to the country.” He went on to add that participating firms would be able witness first-hand the opportunities generated by Qatar’s mission to create world-class infrastructure for its citizens, residents and visitors. Having provided CPD certification to over 5,000 construction professionals in the 2018 launch edition, the event brought back over 35 popular free-to-attend continuing professional development (CPD) workshops. Further, as part of the Hosted Buyers Programme, in collaboration with the QNTC, buyers from 15 countries met Qatari manufacturers and SMEs during scheduled face-to-face appointments throughout the event. Exhibitors speak The second edition of the Big 5 Construct Qatar set the ball rolling for Qatar’s construction community to source thousands of latest products and solutions, to meet the country’s future project demands. Exhibitor Rahul Bhardwaj, Divisional Head-Off Highway Tyres (ASEAN, Middle East, Africa), Apollo Tyres (Middle East) FZE, said, “After establishing ourselves in major markets of the Middle East, we are now eyeing Qatar. We have been doing business in Qatar for the past eight to 10 years and are now focusing even more on increasing our market share. This is the first time we are participating in this exhibition and it will help us promote our brand in terms of visibility and highlight our range. We have recently introduced new sizes in various segments and that is what we are presenting to the market. In terms of the possibility to generate business, we are trying to tell the market that we have a new enhanced range and have brought in new changes as per the market demand so we expect to increase our business prospects.” Further, Sunil Uplap, Managing Director, Shubham Acqualink (India),said,“The exhibition will help us in getting in-depth exposure to these markets as The Big 5 has a strong network strength within the GCC. We expect to get a good amount of exposure through this and we are placing a lot of hope in the Qatar market. At the event, we are showcasing water storage tanks and sewage treatment plant, which are manufactured by us in India in technical collaboration with Kingspan Rhino of Australia and Korea-basedRothwell.” Symbiotic relationship There has been healthy investment in world-class museums and outdoor public spaces, new hotel infrastructure and an expansion of the Hamad International Airport in order to accommodate the increase in visitors to the state. As the event drew its curtains on the final day, it gave way for countries like India to capitalise and establish a stronger presence in Qatar, given the sea of opportunities it aims to send their way. Especially with the FIFA 2022 World Cup looming, the state of Doha is spending tensofbillionsofdollars on sporting, transport and tourist infrastructure to ensure the peninsula is ready in time for the massive influx of players, officials and supporters during the event. This calls for additional support from other countries for resources and investments, enabling the creation of a healthy profitable venture between Qatar and the world. BOX Project showcase Msheireb Projects Meshal Ali Al Abdulla, Officer- Msheireb Enrichment Centre, Msheireb Properties, commentingon the project and opportunities it brings, says: “Msheireb Properties’ mission is to change the way people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment. Msheireb Properties partnered with industry leaders and experts in order to align the architectural lessons of the past with the latest in eco-friendly technologies to realise a language that is relevant, enriching and truly Qatari. The new language will be used to create buildings of a shared DNA, reviving local heritage and culture through a unified architectural idiom. With Msheireb Downtown Doha, the company is developing a blueprint for sustainable urban regeneration and believes in sharing its knowledge and experience with the industry.” Katara Cultural Village Katara Cultural Village is the largest and the most multidimensional cultural project of Qatar. It is a place where people come together to experience the cultures of the world. With beautiful theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries and cutting-edge facilities, Katara aims to become a world leader for multicultural activities. In line with the goals set forward by the Qatar National Vision 2030, Katara serves as a guardian to the heritage and traditions of Qatar and endeavours to spread awareness about the importance of every culture and civilization and,to this end, hostsinternational, regional and local festivals, workshops, performances and exhibitions. National Museum of Qatar The National Museum of Qatar is dedicated to bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people. It actively gives voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture and demonstrates its extensive network of ties with other nations and people around the world. Designed as a vibrant and immersive space, diverse communities can come together and experience Qatar’s past, present and future. The complex form of the desert rose, found in Qatar’s arid desert regions, inspired the striking design of the new museum building, conceived by French architect Jean Nouvel. In addition to the unique architecture and stunning gallery spaces, visitors can enjoy a 220-seat auditorium, eat at two restaurants and experience a traditional food forum. For scholars and students, the museum offers a research centre and laboratories along with access to digital archives.