Cityscape Qatar 2026 Opens a New Chapter in Real Estate Investment

Doha, Qatar - Qatar’s Minister of Municipality, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, on 27 October opened Cityscape Qatar 2026 and the fourth Qatar Real Estate Forum at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), where more than 70 developers are presenting over 400 live projects.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who is also Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, is patron of both the three-day Cityscape Qatar exhibition and the forum. The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) is running the event in partnership with Informa Tharawat.

Last year’s Cityscape Qatar took place at the same venue from 14 to 16 October.

Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim and Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari were among the guests at this year’s opening ceremony.

Culture Minister Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani also attended, as did Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, who is both Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. Egypt was represented by Dr Mohamed Farid Saleh, its Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.

The exhibitors are drawn from Qatar and international markets, and new residential schemes are among the projects on display, according to the organisers. ‘Where Vision Meets Investment’ is the exhibition’s theme this year.

The Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is powered by Cityscape, is organised by Aqarat with Informa Tharawat and also carries the Prime Minister’s patronage. This edition is built around the theme ‘Stability as an Asset Class’.

In his welcome note for the forum, Aqarat’s president said its link-up with Cityscape Qatar this year widens participation and brings local and international stakeholders in the sector closer together.

The forum began with a keynote from the head of the regulator. His Excellency Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Malki, President of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority, said: “Investment seeks more than opportunities alone. It requires an environment built on stability, transparency and confidence. At Aqarat, we view regulation as a tool for development, creating the right balance between protecting rights and encouraging investment. As Qatar’s real estate sector continues to evolve, our focus remains on building a more resilient, competitive and forward-looking market that supports the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 and creates lasting value for future generations.”

Talk turned from policy to delivery in ‘From Vision to Groundwork: Qatar's Master Developers Take the Stage’, with senior developers discussing how the country’s urban plans are becoming projects on the ground.

The chief executive of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al-Thani, spoke about how smart, sustainable infrastructure in Lusail has drawn more real estate development to the city.

At Barwa Real Estate Group, Group CEO Eng. Ahmad Mohamad Al-Tayeb set out how the company has broadened its portfolio in response to changing market needs. Barwa now holds assets of more than $10.16 billion (QAR 37 billion) spread across about 40 projects, he said.

The forum also looked further ahead, at how coming technology may alter what property is worth and how it performs. That question ran through ‘Reading the Region: The Future of Real Estate Investment’, one of the forum’s keynotes.

Nikki Greenberg, CEO of Real Estate of the Future, said: “Real estate assets are part of a much larger, interconnected ecosystem, impacted by the resilience of the ecosystem around them. That is where technology becomes increasingly important. Smart infrastructure doesn't just make our buildings more technologically advanced; it can make them more predictable, more efficient, more resilient and ultimately more investable.”

Residential and mixed-use schemes made up much of the line-up on the exhibition floor. JMJ Group Holding presented The Grove at Qetaifan Island North, a waterfront project whose architecture and interiors were designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Shelter Development brought Lusail Marina Heights, a residential project in Lusail, while Qetaifan Projects showed the wider Qetaifan Island North destination and its residential, hospitality and leisure components.

United Development Company (UDC) launched a new residential development at The Pearl Island, made up of family homes that the company said give residents more space and privacy.

UDC also marketed homes at The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, including Crystal Residence apartments, which are on a limited-time sales offer.

Alexander Heuff, Group Director of Cityscape, said: “A new project can capture attention, but the real value comes from understanding what is behind it. Cityscape Qatar gives buyers and investors the opportunity to meet developers directly, ask questions and compare what is being offered. Alongside the insights shared at the Forum, these conversations help turn interest into a clearer understanding of the opportunities available and the decisions needed to move forward.”

On its second day, the programme shifts to the practical side of investing in property, covering valuation and financing as well as new ownership and investment models, the organisers said.

Visitors have two more days to tour the developments and meet the teams behind them, the organisers added. Registration is free, and the exhibition closes on 29 October.