ASIF IQBAL

DOHA QATAR is expected to invest $17 billion in tourism infrastructure over five years, a new report has said on Wednesday.

With the third largest hotel project pipeline in the region, Qatar has remained a prime destination for the world’s biggest construction companies, engineering specialists and real estate developers as the country continues to invest aggressively in major development projects, according to a report released by Drake & Scull International (DSI).

“With at least 19 hotels and around 5,544 hotel rooms under construction and in the planning stage, Qatar has the third largest pipeline of hotels in the region,” the DSI report said.

The report pointed out that in 2012 alone, more than 2,100 rooms are expected to enter the Qatari hospitality market.

“The hospitality industry in Qatar will continue to grow vibrant and lucrative as the country positions itself as a major tourist, business and lifestyle destination, and an ideal venue for international conventions and sporting events,” said DSI Chief Executive Officer Khaldoun Tabari.

He said the construction of key hospitality amenities was crucial in realising Qatar’s vision to be a world-class host.

According to Tabari, the aggressive investments in hospitality projects across Qatar are a strong reflection of the energetic pace of growth in construction activities in the industry.

Specialised expertise in hospitality projects will be crucial in enhancing the business potential of engineering and construction companies looking to capitalise on the real estate and construction boom in Qatar, he said.

Commenting on the opportunities that his company sees in this construction boom, Tabari said DSI Qatar was equipped to adapt to the increasing complexities and dynamics of the Qatari market. “This gives us a considerable edge in providing worldclass services that will help ensure the consistently high quality of hospitality development projects in the country,” he said.

He said DSI Qatar, through its civil, mechanical electrical and plumbing (MEP), rail and water and power divisions has a strong relationship with government entities and major property developers such as Qatari Diar among others. Moreover, the company policies and procedures strictly adhere to international quality standards and safety norms.