DOHA: The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), under the Qatar Foundation, has set a new benchmark in global venue design. Qatar has already become a major destination for conferences.
QNCC is destined to become one of Middle East's largest convention and exhibition venues. QNCC General Manager, Paul D'Arcy recently attended one of Europe's largest meeting exhibitions that attracted some of the world's most influential convention decision makers.
"Interest levels were high as many clients said they were delighted to be made aware of the world-class facilities, ease of access, the supporting infrastructure and the heritage and cultural experiences that Qatar has to offer," said D'Arcy.
Qatar's dynamic economy and vibrant business climate is attributed to its strength in oil and gas production and the burgeoning finance, technology, communications, sports, healthcare and construction sectors. Through the Qatar Foundation, development of Doha's Education City is part of this vision to position Qatar as a centre of excellence in higher education, research and science and as an important contributor to world knowledge and leadership.
John Folks, Chair-Elect of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and President and Principal of Minding Your Business Inc, said Microsoft's headquartering their Middle East operation at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) in Doha meant that it would open key opportunities to do business together there.
EADS, ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Shell and Total are among companies who have already committed to invest $300m in R&D activities at QSTP.
Director of Meeting and Exhibits for the American Association for Cancer Research, Linda Still stated that they organise several international meetings each year and were very interested in the advanced level of biomedical research to be undertaken at the new 'all-digital' Sidra Medical and Research Centre, in particular the proposed M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre to be located at Education City.
"It is invigorating to be part of such a progressive, innovative and exciting city that has a strong focus of maintaining the Qatari culture and traditions," said D'Arcy.
Opening in 2011, QNCC will feature a multi-purpose hall for 4000 seated theatre style, a 2300-seat lyric style three tiered auditorium and an additional 57 flexible meeting rooms to accommodate a wide range of events. The $1.2 bn center will include 40,000 sqm of exhibition space over nine halls, that will be adaptable to seat 10,000 for a conference or banquet. QNCC is proudly managed by AEG Ogden, one of the largest facility and entertainment management specialists in the world.
"With this amount of professional knowledge and expertise, this spectacular venue will incorporate cutting-edge technology and communications with the flexibility to meet the demands of global conference and exhibition organisers," concluded D'Arcy.
Of 140 countries analysed in 2008, Qatar is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, ahead of France, UK and The United States of America in the annual Global Peace Index (GPI).
© The Peninsula 2009
