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Qatar's real estate sector resilient, says minister
Qatar's real estate sector resilient, says minister

Qatar Tribune

time21-05-2025

  • Business
  • Qatar Tribune

Qatar's real estate sector resilient, says minister

QNA Doha Minister of Municipality and Chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah emphasised that real estate remains among the resilient economic sectors despite the challenges, considering that understanding local culture and consumer behaviour is the basis for successful real estate investment. During his participation in a high-level panel of discussion on 'Global Real Estate Horizons: Navigating Growth and Demand' at Qatar Economic Forum 2025, the minister noted that 'real estate is not measured solely by quantity, but also by quality and location'. He considered real estate investment to be viewed as owning a work of art, requiring knowledge of when, where, and how to invest. He added that real estate is affected by the economy, but it remains a means of protecting wealth and hedging against currency fluctuations. 'Even when interest rates rise, people don't stop living there, which drives growth in the rental market,' he emphasized, adding that demand for real estate remains strong despite the challenges. He pointed to the massive tourism project in the Simaisma area, which includes an entertainment city called the Land of Legends in Qatar. He pointed out that the IMD World Smart Cities Ranking placed Qatar first in infrastructure, stressing that this constitutes a strong foundation for expanding the tourism sector, particularly family tourism, in line with the country's vision. The minister addressed the international real estate investment market, saying that capital is available, but it must be directed selectively and thoughtfully. He noted that cross-border investments registered a 57 percent increase in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting investor caution, not a lack of capital. He discussed global real estate transaction figures, noting that it showed signs of recovery. The value of transactions in the United States reached $93 billion (up 37 percent), in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa $55 billion (up 41 percent), and in Asia $36 billion, which was up 20 percent compared to 2024. He highlighted that artificial intelligence represents an exceptional breakthrough, noting that the Middle East is best prepared to invest in it, thanks to the availability of modern infrastructure, the world's cheapest energy, and advanced data systems. In response to questions from the audience about regional competition in the entertainment and tourism sectors, he stressed that Gulf countries do not view each other as competitors, but rather as a single, integrated system, adding that Gulf states complement each other. He noted that, when they build, they do not create one amusement park next to another. Rather, they look at what has been achieved and build on it. He cited the tourism coordination council, and that all of them benefit from the boom in Saudi Arabia. He also stressed that Dubai was a partner, not a competitor. A tourist visits Qatar, then heads to Dubai or Saudi Arabia, and this was complementary. He pointed out that Qatar was one of the safest countries in the world, with high-quality schools. Qatar is building on these values to provide a different and safer lifestyle, and this is what Qatar is showcasing in its smart cities. Concluding his remarks, the minister addressed Qatar National Vision 2030, saying that the country's urban intersections are among the most prepared globally for the use of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the Gulf countries, particularly Qatar, have a unique opportunity to lead the use of artificial intelligence in urban planning and smart cities, enhancing the sustainability of development and accelerating its pace.

Real estate future lies in adapting to AI, data centre sustainability
Real estate future lies in adapting to AI, data centre sustainability

Qatar Tribune

time21-05-2025

  • Business
  • Qatar Tribune

Real estate future lies in adapting to AI, data centre sustainability

QNA DOHA Participants in the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, powered by Bloomberg, discussed the future of the real estate sector amid global economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing patterns of investment and residential demand. During a panel discussion titled 'Global Real Estate Horizons: Navigating Growth and Demand,' participants emphasized that real estate will remain a key pillar of global investment. However, its success will depend on investors' ability to adapt to transformations and shift flexibly toward emerging sectors such as healthcare, data centers, and sustainable energy. In this context, CEO of Related Companies Jeff T. Blau said that venture capital is still available but needs to be allocated more selectively. He noted that cross-border investments dropped by 57 percent in Q1 2025, reflecting global caution. However, he also pointed to signs of clear recovery in major markets. Blau added that in the US alone, real estate transactions reached USD 93 billion in Q1 2025, a 37 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the figure reached USD 55 billion, a 41 percent increase. In Asia, it stood at USD 36 billion, up by 20 percent. He said that investing in data centers and modern office spaces has become a priority driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, but warned that this opportunity is time-sensitive and must be seized wisely. For his part, CapitaLand Investment Group CEO Chee Koon Lee said that regional integration among Arabian Gulf countries is a key attraction, noting that tourists often travel between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai as a single destination. Lee also stressed that the real estate environment in the Gulf, especially in terms of safety, quality of education, and infrastructure, constitutes a long-term draw. He added that Gulf nations possess advanced digital infrastructure.

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