Doha, 15 February 2015

Since its inception in 2004, Project Qatar - the International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition - has developed remarkably; in 2014, it hosted an astounding 2100 companies and 48,953 visitors from 47 countries at the state-of-the-art Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), compared to just over 322 companies from 22 countries in its founding year. Within a decade, Project Qatar has established itself as a highly sought-after exhibition in Qatar, the region and worldwide.

In light of its persistent success, Project Qatar 2015, the 12th edition of the show, has received an unparalleled level of contributions from a wide range of sponsors and numerous supporting bodies, comprising private and public sector entities alike. Scheduled to unfold from 4 - 7 May at the QNCC, Project Qatar will once again gather thousands of professional visitors, industry buyers and decision makers, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with leading exhibitors from around the globe, enabling them to expand their business further.

This year, notable sponsors include Al Sraiya Group, Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), Emirates Steel, Tadmur Holding, Hensel Phelps, QD-SBG Construction and Bitumode Qatar. Serving as the sole Integrity sponsor of Project Qatar 2015, Al Sraiya Group has been providing integrated and diversified services to Qatar's construction industry since 1975.

Diamond Sponsor Qatar Primary Materials Company (QPMC), which provides quality, reliable and efficient solutions for the transport, storage and delivery of key primary materials in Qatar, is also contributing to this year's Project Qatar exhibition.

Emirates Steel, which - since its founding in 1998 - has established itself as an efficient and competitive producer of finished steel products, Hensel Phelps, one of the largest general contractors and construction managers in the United States, and Tadmur Holding, a high performing diversified conglomerate involved in industrial, retail, leisure and likewise developments, act as Gold Sponsors of Project Qatar 2015.

Silver Sponsor Bitumode, a regional manufacturer of various products for the construction industry and member of Modern Waterproofing Group, and QD-SBG Construction, a leading civil and building construction company offering diversified general contracting and design-build services, represent yet another of this year's many vital supporters.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Vice Chariman of Al Sraiya Holding Group, Rashid Nasser Sraiya Al Kaabi said: "As one of the leading construction Groups in Qatar, we feel it is important for us to contribute to an event such as Project Qatar because of the purpose it fulfills in exploring new ventures. Qatar's construction industry is continuously booming and therefore it is essential for both regional and international agents, dealers and buyers to network in a suitable, professional environment. We will be looking forward to the exhibition, and expect it to be yet again, a success." 

Similarly, HE Saeed Ghumran Al Romaithi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel, noted: "We are delighted to take part in this major event as Gold Sponsor as we believe it will provide us with an excellent venue to promote our steel, mainly heavy sections, sheet piles, rebar and wire rod. ‎Despite the global concerns on plunging oil prices, we anticipate that Qatar will proceed undeterred with its expansion program, especially that the Qatari Government has recently forecast a real GDP growth of 7.7 per cent for 2015".  

Likewise, Mr. Kirk Hazen Vice President of Hensel Phelps, said: "We at Hensel Phelps understand the need in sponsoring and attending successful exhibitions like Project Qatar, to further enhance our industries' markets, reputation, and future growth. Qatar is one of our leading interests for being a part of something special. A country with a thoroughly planned vision, comprehensive designs, and a welcoming atmosphere for all business sectors".

Project Qatar is additionally privileged to benefit from the generous contributions of numerous local, regional and international supporting bodies, including China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Dubai Exports, Egypt Expo and Convention Authority, Enterprise Greece, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting, Italian Trade Agency, Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, the Saudi Export Development Authority, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, UBIFRANCE as well as UK Trade and Investment. The support of these and other entities across sectors speaks to the international significance of Qatar's construction and building materials sector, which remains central to Qatar's long-standing, rapid as well as continued economic development.

The Qatar Chamber of Commerce, committed to providing unique services to the Qatari private sector, has not only been integral to the success of Project Qatar, but serves as a critical contributor to the Qatar National Vision 2030. "We are pleased to support Project Qatar this year. Being the voice of Private Sector, Qatar Chamber plays an important role in seeking and developing successful opportunities to all business sectors in Qatar, more importantly the SME sector. We believe that Project Qatar Exhibition, with its solid and successful global reputation, is highly contributing to this objective", said Remy Rowhani, CEO of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Given an estimated $200bn of infrastructure investments over the next decade, demand for construction materials will be substantial, translating into abundant opportunities for industry stakeholders. "Qatar StoneTech 2015" - the 4th International Stone and Stone Technology Show - held under Project Qatar 2015 at the QNCC, responds to these developments. As the demand for heavy equipment and machinery, too, is expected to increase, approximately to $37.9m by 2015, "Heavy Max 2015" - the 12th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery - will be held in conjunction with Project Qatar 2015 and Qatar StoneTech 2015. Both exhibitions will enable industry stakeholders to showcase their products, strengthen their networks and expand their operations both in Qatar and abroad.

With 87% of the remaining work on Qatar's top 20 infrastructure projects yet to be awarded, Project Qatar and the exhibitions and conferences held concurrently and throughout the year, are going to further increase their value to industry stakeholders in and beyond Qatar.

-Ends-

About IFP Qatar Ltd.
IFP Qatar Ltd. is a member of IFP Group (International Fairs & Promotions), the leading exhibition and event organizer in the Middle East with a dominant footprint and a rich portfolio of B2B and B2C exhibitions, conferences and other events. With a proven proficiency in providing excellence for more than 33 years, our portfolio consists of more than 40 shows annually and more than 450 events to date.

For more information, please visit www.ifpqatar.com / www.projectqatar.com or call us on +974 4432 9900.

Media Contact:
Abdallah Mallo
Weber Shandwick
Tel: +974 6656 2447
Email: amallo@webershandwick.com

© Press Release 2015