Tribune News Network
Doha
IFP Qatar General Manager Haidar Meshaimesh has revealed that the company’s 2024 exhibition calendar features an exciting line-up of events, as part of its strategic plan outlined earlier this year, with a clear objective of providing high-level of international excellence within Qatar’s exhibitions and conferenceslandscape.
Since its inception in 2004, IFP proved to be a leading exhibition and event organiser with over 35 years of experience and a rich portfolio of world-class B2B and B2C events across various sectors. This year’s array of exhibitions spans across three pivotal sectors, including social responsibility, construction, and hospitality, enhancing the company’s contribution to local economy and solidifying Qatar’s position as a premier global hub in the vibrant Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.
Meshaimesh highlighted that IFP Qatar to be responsible for organising the second edition of Qatar CSR Summit in partnership with Qatar University and Mubadara for Social Impact. The highly anticipated event will take place from April 30 to May 2 at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) under the theme of ‘The Future of CSR in a Circular Economy’. An initiative by Mubadara for Social Impact, the upcoming Qatar CSR Summit 2024 comes as part of the 11th Qatar CSR National Program. Alongside the conference and exhibition, the event will also include the annual Qatar CSR National Report and the prestigious Qatar CSR Awards; a special program that aims to honor organizations and individuals for embracing the principles of corporate responsibility in their business philosophy and operations to achieve positive impact on their stakeholders and adopt innovative sustainable solutions to pressing social challenges.
He noted that Qatar market witnesses a remarkable increase in the number of companies embracing CSR initiatives which is a form of voluntary corporate self-regulation, that is primarily concerned with adhering to high ethical standards to reduce business and legal risk by taking responsibility for corporate actions.
CSR underpins a pillar of national sustainability strategy, an area where Qatar shines as a standout amongst emerging markets. Qatari companies are leading a rapid transformation in the landscape of corporate social responsibility transitioning from mere charitable contributions to a broader, more inclusive scope of comprehensive social responsibility initiatives, aiming at serving the community, addressing environmental issues, and enhancing sustainability.
Meshaimesh underscored the increasing significance of the private sector as a key player in Qatar’s developmental trajectory, further reinforcing companies’ commitment to initiatives in both social responsibility and sustainability.
The active engagement of corporations significantly enhances the strength and value of their brands, expanding their market share and boosting their sales. This realization is now more apparent to companies than ever before.
However, the need for conferences and exhibitions to address the shifts, indicators, and future prospects of the social responsibility sector remains crucial. This highlights the significant importance of Qatar CSR Summit especially given its substantial and wide-ranging participation.
Meshaimesh pointed out that IFP is set to launch Project Qatar Exhibition dedicated to international construction technology and building materials from May 27- 30 at Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC). The 20th anniversary of Project Qatar Exhibition marks a significant milestone for the event, which has become the biggest trade exhibition in Qatar and one of the most prominent exhibitions for construction and building materials in the Gulf region.
Over the past two decades, Project Qatar has established itself as a platform for international and local companies to showcase their latest products, technologies, and services to a diverse audience of industry professionals, investors, and decision-makers. Since its debut in 2004, Project Qatar has played a vital role in fostering business partnerships and facilitating knowledge-sharing among industry experts.
The event has consistently attracted a wide range of exhibitors from various sectors, including building materials, construction equipment, MEP services, and architectural design. It has also served as a platform for government bodies to showcase their infrastructure development plans and initiatives, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest industry trends, regulations, and policies.
He added that Project Qatar is one of the region’s most renowned and best-attended construction exhibitions, connecting Qatar and GCC’s top buyers with suppliers from around the world.
The event attracts key influencers and industry leaders looking for the most up-to-date technology and state-of-the-art equipment available on the market. Remarkably, Qatar’s post-2022 FIFA World Cup projects market has witnessed an unprecedented surge, with the latest data from MEED Projects index revealing an impressive total projects’ value of $126.6 billion, comprising $67.1 billion in projects currently underway and an additional $59.5 billion in pre-execution phases, spanning various sectors including construction, energy, electricity, water, and transportation. Moreover, the robust growth trajectory of ongoing and planned projects in the local market has seen a significant increase to $217.18 billion by the end of 2023, signifying substantial progress from the $203.29 billion recorded in 2022.
He also anticipated resurgence in Qatar’s projects market, driven by the momentum of major tenders with a total value of up to QR76.2 billion intended to be implemented for the year 2024 by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), and the country’s health sector represented by the Ministry of Public Health, the Hamad Medical Corporation, the Primary Health Care Corporation, and Naufar, in addition to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Ashghal’s 116 tenders will have a value of QR59 billion, while the 279 offered by Kahramaa amount to QR8.9 billion.
The health sector plans to launch a total of 1710 public tenders with a value of about QR7 billion, while the Ministry of Education and Higher Education revealed 297 tenders with a total value of QR1.3 billion and the Ministry of Municipality revealed 145 public tenders.
Meshaimesh announced that the 9th edition of Qatar Hospitality Exhibition, organised by IFP Qatar, will take place at Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC) from November 12 - 14, 2024. The exhibition promises a multifaceted experience, blending insightful conferences, training programmes, and competitions, along with a business matchmaking program bringing together key players in the industry to market their products and services to potential buyers and investors.
The event provides a valuable opportunity for local and international companies interested in Qatar’s hospitality sector to explore new business prospects. Hospitality Qatar offers a platform for suppliers in the hospitality industry to connect with key decision makers and buyers from top hotels, restaurants, and F&B outlets in Qatar.
The exhibition features leading suppliers of equipment, technology, and services for the hospitality industry, providing a unique opportunity for networking and business development. Classified as one of the most reputable hospitality exhibitions in the Gulf region, HQ 2024 provides an unparalleled opportunity to take part in Qatar’s economic boom, enabling exhibitors to become major players in the country’s exponentially growing hospitality and franchise investment market.
He also highlighted that Doha has been designated as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, further establishing Qatar’s leading position in worldwide tourism. Qatar Tourism has announced a remarkable increase in tourism, welcoming over four million visitors in 2023, marking a five-year high, complemented by the unveiling of an impressive line-up of over 80 unique year-round events for 2024. According to a research from global property consultancy firm Knight Frank, Qatar’s hospitality market will achieve a record growth in the number of hotel rooms rising from 39,233 rooms to over 56,000 hotel rooms by 2025, with additional investments totalling $7 billion.
