- Haidar Mshaimesh: Enhancing partnership opportunities between Qatari companies and their international counterparts
- Hernán Lombardi: Argentina participates with a delegation of emerging tech companies
- Bassem Kalila: Nile Property Expo offers competitive deals on Egyptian projects
- Supporting young talents and next-generation innovators in collaboration with Qatar University
- A strong participation from 70 speakers and experts representing the public and private sectors at the conference
Under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Project Qatar 2025, the country’s longest running international trade exhibition, kicked off. Organized by IFP Qatar with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the exhibition is taking place from May 26 to 29 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) under the theme “Innovation & Sustainability: Qatar’s Path to 2030,” with the participation of 200 local and international companies. The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries and official delegations, including H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Thani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Aamal Company and Vice Chairman of Al Faisal Holding, as well as H.E. Mr. Hernán Lombardi, Minister of Economic Development of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, alongside ambassadors from the participating countries.
Commenting on the large turnout at DECC, Haidar Mshaimesh, General Manager of IFP Qatar, expressed the company’s pride in the trust that industry leaders and markets, both within Qatar and internationally, place in the exhibition. He said: “Qatar’s construction market is entering a new era, driven by the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. This phase shifts the focus toward the development of the country’s industrial and social infrastructure, while integrating advanced technologies and smart city solutions into the sector. For the past two decades, Project Qatar has kept pace with market demands and trends. Building on its rich legacy and established position, the exhibition is poised to lead this new phase in the Qatari market, continuing to play a pioneering role in facilitating trade exchange between Qatar and the rest of the world, while serving as a platform for the exchange of goods, services, and expertise. The distinguished presence we welcomed at today’s opening ceremony stands as a clear testament to the exhibition’s value and prominent status.”
Mshaimesh, noted that the 21st edition of Project Qatar marks a major shift in sectoral diversity, with emerging sectors such as smart manufacturing, sustainable construction, and digital innovation in the construction industry now taking centre stage—reflecting Qatar’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and expertise to support ongoing and future projects. Project Qatar aims to enhance partnerships between Qatari and international companies through strategic collaboration with global organizations, drawing exhibitors and visitors from key international markets and facilitating cross-border cooperation and joint ventures. He emphasized that the exhibition’s evolving composition has kept pace with shifts in the construction industry and broader economic trends; while it once primarily attracted companies linked to construction and building materials, over the past 20 years it has expanded to incorporate sectors tied to advanced technology, sustainable solutions, and smart manufacturing practices. This year’s edition features a dedicated “Qatar Smart Manufacturing Exhibition,” which serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge Industry 4.0 (4IR) technologies, supporting the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030, aimed at localizing manufacturing, enhancing self-sufficiency, and attracting global industrial partnerships. Exhibitors will showcase innovations in automation, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart logistics, sustainable production systems, and digital industrial transformation, all contributing to Qatar’s ambition to strengthen its local manufacturing sector and integrate advanced technology across industrial projects in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Prominent governmental and semi-governmental entities, as well as leading private sector companies are at the forefront of participation in Project Qatar. The list of the event’s sponsors and partners includes the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Official Partner, the Public Works Authority, the Strategic Partner, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Government Partners, Qatar Tourism, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), the Sustainability Partners, Al Sraiya Holding Group, the Platinum Sponsor, Aamal, QTerminals, and GETP Group, the Gold Sponsors, DHL, the Logistics Partner, Reda Chemicals, the Silver Sponsor, Mosanada, the Bronze Sponsor, LG, the Smart Solutions Sponsor, Istidama, the Environmental Solutions Partner, and Gulf Crafts, the Innovative Branding Sponsor, alongside several media and digital media partners.
On the international front, Argentina Republic is participating as the country of honour under the umbrella of Qatar’s Years of Culture initiative. Launched in 2012 by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Years of Culture initiative reflects Qatar’s strategic vision to foster intercultural dialogue, promote peace, and deepen mutual understanding through cultural collaboration. Commenting on Argentina’s participation, H.E. Hernán Lombardi, Minister of Economic Development of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, which is leading the delegation, said: “Argentina is participating with a delegation of emerging tech companies in search of exciting opportunities for cooperation, not only in culture but also across the economy, trade, and investment. These initiatives will further strengthen ties between Qatar and Argentina, fostering deeper connections between our nations and people.”
Also on the international front, Project Qatar is hosting this year the Nile Property Expo, the most prominent international real estate investment exhibition focused on the Egyptian market that is held annually outside Egypt. This year marks the 15th edition of the expo, making its debut in Doha. Dr. Bassem Kalila, Chairman of Expo Republic, the organizing company, said, “The company adopts a global marketing strategy to highlight major opportunities and key projects in the Egyptian market. During the Nile Property Expo, several flagship developments will be promoted, including the New Administrative Capital, the largest regional business hub in North Africa and the Middle East, and New Alamein, set to become Egypt’s premier investment destination, as well as projects in Mostakbal City in New Cairo and developments along the North Coast.” He added that a select group of Egypt’s leading real estate developers will participate in the exhibition, offering highly competitive deals with a focus on project quality, timely delivery, and flexible payment plans.
In line with this year’s theme, “Innovation & Sustainability: Qatar’s Path to 2030,” Project Qatar presents a comprehensive and dynamic conference agenda spanning four days. The program includes a diverse lineup of interventions, panel discussions, and workshops, bringing together over 70 experts and speakers from both the public and private sectors.
The conference agenda’s first day highlights several highly significant sessions, including a session showcasing Ashghal’s modern methods of construction journey; a session on BIM implementation in Qatar infrastructure projects and the path towards AI-driven smart cities; a panel discussion on harnessing AI for innovation and efficiency in construction; and concluding with an exclusive session by the International Labour Organization (ILO) focused on advancing decent work and sustainability in Qatar.
On the second day, sessions will delve into innovative manufacturing for a sustainable future, covering topics such as streamlining supply chains, revolutionizing quality control with AI-powered vision systems, Carbon Capture (CCS) technology for maritime industry, the clean heat revolution for industry, and more.
On the third day of the conference, an exclusive session will highlight the Qatar–Argentina Years of Culture initiative, featuring key representatives from Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires. This session will explore critical topics including energy efficiency AI-agent, unlocking satellite intelligence for safer cities and critical Infrastructure, sustainable low-tech water filters, and more. Additionally, an exclusive session in partnership with UNESCO will address the green economy and the skills for green economy in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.
The conference will conclude on its fourth day with a strong focus on nurturing young talents and next generation of innovators. The first session, held in partnership with Qatar University, will showcase projects by a select group of students and emerging talents, including elevating sustainable air quality monitoring, reimagining AI, future packaging concepts, smart waste management, and more. The second session, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, will provide a platform for Qatari startups to present their innovations in enterprise technology, streamlining real estate operations and finances, as well as transforming spaces with AI and immersive technology, and more.
