Doha: HE Minister of Municipality and Chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah emphasized that the real estate sector remains one of the most resilient economic sectors despite facing several challenges. He stressed the importance of understanding local culture and consumer behavior as the foundation for successful real estate investment during his participation in a high-level panel discussion entitled "Global Real Estate Horizons: Navigating Growth and Demand" at the Qatar Economic Forum 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency pointed out that real estate should not only be assessed by quantity but also by the quality and location of properties. He compared real estate investment to owning a piece of art, emphasizing the necessity of knowing the right timing and location for investment. Despite economic fluctuations, he noted that real estate remains a reliable means of wealth protection and a hedge against currency fluctuations. He also highlighted that even when interest rates rise, the demand for rental properties continues to grow, showcasing the sector's resilience.
His Excellency drew attention to a significant tourism project in the Simaisma area, which includes an entertainment city known as the Land of Legends in Qatar. He also mentioned that Qatar secured the top spot in the IMD World Smart Cities Ranking for infrastructure, which forms a strong basis for expanding family tourism in line with the country's long-term vision.
In discussing the international real estate investment market, the Minister indicated that while capital is available, it requires careful and selective direction. He mentioned a 57 percent increase in cross-border investments in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a cautious approach by investors rather than a shortage of capital.
He shared global real estate transaction figures, indicating signs of recovery. The transaction values reached $93 billion in the United States (a 37 percent increase), $55 billion in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (a 41 percent increase), and $36 billion in Asia, marking a 20 percent rise compared to 2024.
Highlighting the role of artificial intelligence, he noted that the Middle East is well-positioned to capitalize on it due to modern infrastructure, affordable energy, and advanced data systems.
Addressing regional competition in the entertainment and tourism sectors, he asserted that Gulf countries see themselves as a unified system rather than competitors. He explained that they take a complementary approach, citing the tourism coordination council and benefiting from the tourism boom in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that Qatar and Dubai are partners, enhancing each other's tourism offerings.
The Minister also underscored Qatar's status as one of the safest countries with high-quality educational institutions. Qatar is leveraging these attributes to promote a unique and safer lifestyle, particularly in its smart cities.
Concluding his speech, HE the Minister highlighted Qatar National Vision 2030, stating that the country's urban areas are well-prepared for integrating artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the Gulf countries, especially Qatar, have a distinct opportunity to lead in using AI for urban planning and smart cities, thus enhancing development sustainability and accelerating progress.