Msheireb Properties to Participate in World Urban Forum 12, Highlighting Qatar’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development

DOHA, 31 October 2024 — Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, announced its participation in the World Urban Forum 12 (WUF12) in Cairo, Egypt — the world’s foremost gathering of global leaders on urbanisation. Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, will deliver a keynote speech at the forum’s Business and Foundations Assembly.

The World Urban Forum, convened by UN-Habitat, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanisation. Established in 2001, it provides a unique platform for the exchange of ideas, best practices, and policies related to the future of cities. The forum addresses key challenges facing urban environments, including housing, climate change, and urban governance, making it a vital space for collaboration among governments, private sector leaders, civil society, and urban planning experts. With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, the WUF plays a critical role in shaping sustainable and inclusive urban policies that affect billions of lives globally.

This year’s theme, “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities,” aligns closely with Msheireb Properties’ mission and vision to change the way people think about urban living and improve overall quality of life inspired by Qatar’s unique heritage.

Eng. Ali Al-Kuwari will deliver his address to the Business and Foundations Assembly on November 4, 2024, presenting the company’s vision for sustainable urban development and highlighting Msheireb Downtown Doha as a pioneering model for future cities. He will also participate in the Business and Foundations Roundtable on November 6th under the theme “Unity in Action – Fostering Effective Partnerships for Our Common Goals,” where he will showcase Msheireb’s experience in building strategic partnerships with public and private sectors and academic institutions that have contributed to achieving the vision of a sustainable city.

“We are honoured to contribute to this global dialogue on sustainable urbanisation,” said Eng. Ali Al Kuwari. “At Msheireb Properties, we believe that the future of our cities lies in harmonising cutting-edge technology with cultural heritage. Our participation in WUF12 represents an opportunity to share our experiences and learn from urban innovators worldwide as we collectively work towards creating more sustainable, liveable cities.”

Dr. Amira Al-Hassan, Head of Mission of UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) to GCC and Kuwait, commented on Msheireb Properties’ participation: “We are delighted to welcome Eng. Al Kuwari and Msheireb Properties to WUF12. Their innovative approach to sustainable urban development, as exemplified by Msheireb Downtown Doha, embodies UN-Habitat’s mission. This kind of private sector leadership is crucial in our collective efforts to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.”

Msheireb Properties joined an influential panel at WUF12, alongside ELIXR’s CEO Catalina Valentino (UK), urban economist Ivan Turok (South Africa), ADB’s Satoshi Ishii (Japan), development specialist Hanan Dowidar (Egypt), and engineering expert Elizabeth Petheo (USA). This global platform offers Msheireb Properties an opportunity to showcase its groundbreaking sustainable development, Msheireb Downtown Doha, demonstrating Qatar’s leadership in creating smart, sustainable urban communities on the international stage.

Msheireb Downtown Doha, the flagship project of Msheireb Properties, is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project and has the highest concentration of LEED-certified buildings worldwide. This innovative development serves as a blueprint for sustainable urban living, blending traditional Qatari architecture with modern, smart city technologies.

 

Qatar’s MICE Sector Set to Unite Industries and Drive Economic Growth

Doha, Qatar29 October 2024 – In a further display of Qatar’s evolution into a MICE sector powerhouse, Visit Qatar, the official tourism platform promoting the country as a premier travel destination, hosted a workshop with multiple players from the sector on October 6, 2024. And with the objective of providing local stakeholders with the necessary tools to better position Qatar as a premier destination for business events, Qatar Tourism, the government entity responsible for planning, regulating, and promoting the tourism industry, is ramping up its efforts to support the local MICE industry to meet international standards and demand. It recently made a splash at Global Exhibitions Day (GED), launched by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, with HE Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, in attendance.

As reported by The Peninsula, Al Kharji stated that Qatar’s MICE industry is “supported by well-advanced infrastructure, a business-friendly ecosystem, and state-of-the-art venues,” all of which provide options for the country to continue developing and consolidating in the sector.

The latest edition of GED, under the theme Exhibitions are Catalysts to Sustainable Futures, aimed to showcase the “universal impact of exhibitions across multiple industries to drive progress, facilitate economic growth, connect people, and foster sustainability in business.”

And the MICE sector will have another strong showing this November 20 at Barahat Msheireb as The Business Year hosts the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference 2024: Investing in the Future.

The Business Year is a global media group that has been providing investors, businesses, and governments with first-hand insights into the world’s most dynamic markets for over 15 years. The event will be held in collaboration with Msheireb Properties, which is dedicated to transforming living spaces in a way that enriches the quality of life, and this collaboration further underscores its commitment to transforming Qatar into a vibrant hub for investment and innovation.

At the event, Eng. Irene Vidal, CEO of FMM, will share her expertise on the facility management industry, providing attendees with valuable insights on the development of this sector during the conference’s second panel, which will be on the topic of innovation and sustainability. Additionally, Enbat Holdings, which will be the event’s Sustainability Partner, will leverage its capacities as a leading Qatari vegan company to reduce the conference’s environmental footprint.

The Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the event’s Innovation Sponsor, will also provide insights into the development of Qatar as a hub for R&D efforts across multiple economic sectors, further showcasing how events such as the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference can foster discussions among different industries, create synergies, and support Qatar’s economic growth.

In addition to these key partners, Mohamed Bin Hamad Holding, one of Qatar’s most significant family-led companies with activities in a variety of sectors, will also be present at the event as one of its sponsors, a testament to the capacity and reach the Qatari MICE industry has to uplift the country’s many stakeholders.

These key figures, along with high-level representatives from across the Qatari economy and the GCC—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and the UAE are set to be represented—will gather in one place to explore how innovation, investment, and sustainability all intersect to establish the best way forward for economic development in the region. Discussing key elements from an international perspective will also allow attendees to comprehend how cross-border collaboration and coordination will be a major benefit not only for Qatar, but for each one of its regional partners.

The Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference 2024: Investing in the Future will also serve as an introduction to The Business Year’s upcoming tenth annual economic report on the local economy, The Business Year: Qatar 2025. With a focus on Qatar’s third National Development Strategy, the event will deepen the business ecosystem’s understanding of where the current opportunities lie, invoke new ways to foster collaboration, and help attendees discover the best ways to build a sustainable future.

Msheireb Properties celebrates at Qatar Tourism Awards across multiple categories for second consecutive year

Doha, Qatar, 28 October 2024 — Msheireb Properties, the leading sustainable real estate developer in Qatar, announced winning several prestigious awards at the Qatar Tourism Awards 2024, presented by Qatar Tourism and UNWTO, for the second consecutive year. Msheireb Downtown Doha and Msheireb Museums won multiple awards that confirm their excellence in sustainable tourism and heritage preservation, reflecting their distinction as outstanding destinations for living, working, and leisure in Qatar. In the hospitality sector, Msheireb Properties’ hotels received several awards, including Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Mandarin Oriental Doha, and Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel.

The Qatar Tourism Awards recognise innovation and excellence in the nation’s tourism sector, aiming to raise awareness of Qatar as a world-class tourism and leisure destination. These awards highlight standout experiences and commend the efforts of key players who enrich the visitor journey, enabling Qatar’s growth as a hub for cultural and environmental tourism.

Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, expressed his excitement about the company’s strong performance at the awards: “We’re honoured to see our contributions to Qatar’s dynamic tourism landscape acknowledged once again. The Qatar Tourism Awards celebrate the very best of the industry, and it’s a special distinction for us to be recognised among them. We’d also like to congratulate all the other winners—last night’s ceremony truly showcased the depth of talent that makes Qatar a leading regional and global destination.”

Msheireb Properties’ developments earned multiple prestigious recognitions this year: Msheireb Downtown Doha was named Leading Sustainable Attraction, while Msheireb Museums received the Iconic Local Attraction award. The company’s hospitality portfolio achieved remarkable success, with Mandarin Oriental Doha winning Outstanding 5-Star Hotel, and Zulal Wellness Resort securing two awards: Exceptional Resort Experience and Exceptional Spa Experience through its Chiva-Som, Hua Hin facility. Adding to these achievements, Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel was recognized as the Outstanding 3-Star Hotel.

Eng. Al Kuwari added: “Msheireb Downtown is rapidly becoming a must-visit locale for travelers seeking a unique cultural journey—one that blends modern innovation with authentic Qatari heritage. It’s a privilege to have revitalised Doha’s historical core while supporting Qatar’s sustainable urban living goals as outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

As a key cultural and tourist destination, Msheireb Downtown Doha contributes to the growth of Qatar’s tourism sector by promoting cultural exchange, nurturing social interaction, and championing sustainability. The project embodies the nation’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

Eng. Al Kuwari concluded: “These awards reflect the hard work of our entire team. We remain dedicated to preserving Qatar’s rich cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of sustainable development. By leveraging innovative technologies and creating meaningful cultural experiences, we’ll continue to attract diverse visitors and solidify Msheireb Downtown Doha as a vital cultural hub for years to come.”

Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine Host Fifth Science Café on Precision Medicine

Event Highlights Groundbreaking Advances in Personalised HealthcareDoha, Qatar – 15 October 2024 – Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with Sidra Medicine, hosted the fifth session of the Science Café series on 14 October 2024 at Bin Jelmood House. Titled “Unveiling the Wonders of Precision Medicine,” the event offered valuable insights into the transformative potential of personalised care, which tailors healthcare solutions based on a patient’s genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle.

Mr. Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, expressed his pride in the ongoing collaboration with Sidra Medicine, saying, “The Science Café series continues to serve as an essential platform for discussing the future of healthcare and creating accessible opportunities for members of our community to gather knowledge and insights that can improve their lives. Today’s session supports our museum’s mission of sharing remarkable stories of transformation. By convening experts, researchers, and the public, we are facilitating a knowledge exchange that could pave the way for healthier futures.”

Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer, who also spoke about Sidra Medicine’s Precision Medicine Program said: “The latest Science Café session on Unlocking the Power of Genomic Information, puts the spotlight on Qatar’s innovative programs to bring genomic research into healthcare. Sidra Medicine is leading this effort to personalize diagnosis and treatment for our young patients. Our milestones in genomic screening, clinical trials and whole-genome sequencing continue to push boundaries in standard-of-care, to develop best in class management for pediatric precision health in Qatar and the region.”

The session featured presentations from leading experts in the field of precision medicine. Dr. Khalid Fakhroo spoke about Sidra Medicine’s precision medicine programme, while Dr. Khalid Hussain discussed the potential for precision medicine to tackle complex diseases through the use of genomic testing. Additionally, Dr. Said Ismail highlighted the power of genomic data to unlock remarkable improvements in patient outcomes.

Sidra Medicine’s Chief of Endocrinology, Prof. Khalid Hussain, presentation on “Personalising Care through Genomic Insights” featured updates on the targeted therapies used for children with obesity. Prof. Hussain shared a patient story about the successful treatment protocol of a young infant who was genetically predisposed to obesity, whose life was dramatically changed by the care she received at the hospital.

Dr. Sahar Da’as, Research Manager at Sidra Medicine, who leads the Science Café series said, “Platforms like our Science Café series have been a wonderful opportunity to engage with the community on a wide range of topics that previously would have been inaccessible. We are grateful to Msheireb Museums for being a fantastic partner in helping us highlight the depth and the wealth of the scientific and research programmes in Qatar, that make precision medicine a reality for children and families.”

The event included an engaging panel discussion and an interactive Q&A session that allowed participants to explore how precision medicine is shaping the future of healthcare, making treatments more effective and tailored to the individual. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit information booths and learn more about ongoing research projects and their implications for future healthcare models.

Msheireb Museums and Sidra Medicine remain committed to continuing the Science Café series, bringing experts, patients, and the wider community together to explore and discuss critical health issues. This collaboration demonstrates the shared vision of both organisations to elevate the conversation around healthcare and drive change in fields like precision medicine and beyond.