May 08, 2017: Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, Project Qatar 2017, the 14th edition of the International Trade Exhibition for Construction Technology, Building Materials, Equipment and Environmental Technology, has inaugurated today (Monday, May 8, 2017) with more than 16,000 visitors expected to enter the halls of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center until May 11, 2017.

The Minister of Commerce and Economy H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, and top-ranking officials and foreign dignitaries inaugurated the country’s largest construction event, which continues to gain support from prominent countries through their various embassies which will have their respective country pavilions including France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, China, Turkey, Kuwait, and Pakistan. A total of 516 exhibitors from 33 countries will showcase their innovative product and services complementing Qatar’s huge ongoing infrastructure development. The country’s bid to diversify its economy from oil and gas has led to major construction developments particularly for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022. 

George Ayache, General Manager, IFP Qatar, said: “Project Qatar 2017 takes off once again to a grand start with multiple engagements for the construction sector. From workshops to conferences and exhibitions, these various platforms enable the sector to get the latest innovation and sustainability efforts by leading construction companies in the world. As Qatar bids to become a global hub for major events, it pays great attention to the sustainability of buildings and facilities and these concerns play a major role in the further growth of the sector. We expect to witness major deals and new project launches within the four days.”

The first day also witnessed several workshop sessions and the start of the Accessible Qatar Conference. The workshop featured four key topics: ‘Cooperating to Advance Construction Codes in the Gulf Region’ 

by Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President, Business Development, International Code Council (ICC); ‘Quality Assessment - Strategic Approach’ by Muhammed Farooque, CEO – Managing Director of Excelledia; ‘The “World Best Practice” Paradox’ by Samer Deaïbess, Management Systems Consultant of EGS; and ‘LEED and Water Saving-Success in Building Design’ by Joe Azzarello, Senior Sustainability Engineer of Kohler Co.

The Accessible Qatar Conference aims to raise awareness on the issue of accessibility in buildings and infrastructure to influence project developers in including accessibility in the construction of facilities and venues. The two-day conference will cover accessibility in various sectors such as tourism, architectural design, implementation sports, work environment and inclusive urban development. The most accessible venues in Qatar will also be awarded during the “Accessible Qatar Awards” on May 9, 2017.

Other event features include a Live Demo Theater and a B2B Matchmaking event. Some of the event’s main sponsors and partners include the Qatar Tourism Authority as Strategic Partner; Manateq as Economic Zones Partner, NBK Automobiles, as Official Transportation Partner, Al Sraiya Group and Palmera as Platinum Sponsors; QD-CPC Industries, a subsidiary of QDSBG as Gold Sponsors; and Ali Abdul Sattar Business Group, BITUMODE Qatar Waterproofing Factory, Qatar uPVC as Silver Sponsors.