Project Qatar 2014 welcomed in its first day’s attendance different ministries, government sector officials, embassies, decision-makers and industry professionals in the construction sector. A number of high-profile dignitaries attended the opening ceremony including, His Excellency the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lapo Pistelli and Mr. Andrea Ferrari, Trade Commissioner of the Embassy of Italy in Qatar. Exhibitors and visitors alike are 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 in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, representing His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, officially inaugurated Project Qatar 2014 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Mr. Rashid Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi, Chairman, IFP Qatar, said: “We are honored by the support of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani. We would also like to express our gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Jassim Al Thani, 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.”
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.
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.”
Ayman Ladkani, Sales and Marketing Manager of United International Co., said: “We have had a very productive first day at Project Qatar. It is a unique platform in the region and we have been fortunate to hold many fruitful discussions involving potential deals from both local and international participants. Leading companies from across the globe are here at the QNCC and are ready to do business. It is an excellent indication of what is to come in the next few days ahead.”
An enthusiastic visitor attending Project Qatar noted that: “As a first time visitor to Project Qatar, it has totally exceeded my expectations. I am amazed at the size and diversity of the exhibition as well as the volume of industry professionals and businesspersons here. I am delighted to have been able to access such a diverse range of companies from across the globe as well as SMEs from the region, especially through the B2B matchmaking platform for which I registered on the Project Qatar website; it has allowed me to make appointments with several exhibitors that match my interests and work profile.”
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 takes place at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) from 12 – 15 May, 4:00pm – 10:00pm. The exhibition is also hosting two concurrent events – “Qatar StoneTech”, The 3rd International Stone & Stone Technology Show and “Heavy Max 2014”, The 11th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery, as well as hosting a new educational platform, the Project Qatar Conference Series, organized by Advanced Conferences & Meetings (ACM), that will include: “LightingTech Qatar” on 12 – 13 May, from 08:00am to 04:00pm, “HVACTech Qatar” on 14 – 15 May, from 08:00am to 04:00pm, and “Future Interiors Qatar”, scheduled for 8 and 9 September 2014.
ifpinfo
12 May