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Qatar National Convention Centre officially opens its doors

· Venue of choice for global scale events including the 20th World Petroleum Conference

· Hailed as the 21st century model of urban planning

· Exceeds gold certification standards of the U.S. Green Building Council
3 December 2011 (Doha, Qatar): The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, opens its doors on December 4 with the first day of the 20^th World Petroleum Congress, officials said at a press conference this morning. Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, Vice President of Capital Projects at Qatar Foundation and Engineer Ali Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of ASTAD Project Management, revealed the inspiration and details behind construction of the sustainable and environmentally- friendly building, highlighting unique aspects of its facilities and technologies.

Engineer Saad, foreseeing Qatar's rising prominence in the international arena after winning the 2022 bid, hosting such world class events as the Asian Cup 2011, the Pan Arab Games 2011, and the World Postal Congress 2011, mobilized his construction plans for a building that will accommodate future high profile events in Doha. Successfully bringing together scientists and researchers from around the world, "the Centre will further Qatar Foundation 's goal to enhance education, science and technology, and community development on a global scale," said Engineer Saad. "Its sheer size, sensational spaces over three levels, and high-tech solutions will undoubtedly set new standards for international competition, placing Doha in the lead."

After extensive architectural planning with renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the Centre is now ready for business for those seeking cutting edge facilities in a world-class venue. "The construction of the QNCC and its advanced facilities will undoubtedly continue Qatar's legacy of educational and scientific achievement by offering a place where the world's best minds can come together," said Engineer Al Khalifa.

Additionally, the Centre successfully meets the standards for gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), a global building-rating framework.

"Sustainability was our focus when developing the construction plans. The building operates efficiently with over 3,500 square meters of solar panels that provide 12.5 percent of QNCC's energy needs while still offering the latest in communication technology," said Engineer Saad.

To test out what the building has in store, the Centre has already hosted a number of successful soft launch events, including the World Innovation Summit for Education, The Hague International United Nations, the Qatar Foundation Annual Research Forum, and the Arab Expatriate Scientists Symposium.

The Qatar National Convention Centre provides the latest in communications technology with spacious foyers, luxury lounges, and the best in hospitality, placing Doha on the map as a premiere destination for conferences and events in the future.

Furthermore, "our team at QNCC is ready to launch QF's mission to achieve one of the most dynamic, knowledge-based economies in the world by offering our first-class venue as a hub for international collaboration amongst leading specialists and delegates. QNCC is supporting Qatar Foundation on its journey to enhance education, science and technology, and community development, and our facilities will catalyze that process on a global scale," Engineer Saad said.

Located alongside elite universities and research institutions in Education City, QNCC is furthering Qatar Foundation 's mission to turn Qatar into one of the most vibrant economies in the world by becoming the convention venue of the future, culminating values of education, research, and technology into a global hub for ideas and innovation.

-Ends-

Mohamed Al Qabany
Mobile: +(974) 6617 1071
Office: +(974) 4466 9437
Fax: +(974) 4466 9438
Email: malqabany@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2011