Under the Patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, HE Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al-Thani officially inaugurated Project Qatar 2015, the 12th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, during an Opening Ceremony held on Monday at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, stated: "Project Qatar remains a very important exhibition in the country, and continues to play a pivotal role in the enhancement of trade and commerce. Companies from 40 countries are participating in the exhibition this year, which speaks to the significance of Project Qatar not only to Qatar but also for the Middle East." Commenting on the driving force behind the continuous growth of Project Qatar, Albert Aoun, Owner of IFP Group, stated: "By bringing together a huge cluster of local, regional and international companies to Doha year after year, Project Qatar has established its role in bringing about new technologies and experiences, creating partnerships and boosting commercial trade. In this regard, the success of the exhibition is not only due to the efforts of the organizers, but also to our amazing partners who have so generously assisted us in putting together this memorable event, but most of all, to the support of the Government of Qatar, without which Project Qatar would not be experiencing the extraordinary growth it has seen over the years." This year, the exhibition - which will unfold from 4 - 7 May - gathers 1130 exhibitors, representing over 2,000 companies and brands and 21 pavilions from 40 countries. Covering 41,500 sqm of exhibition space, Project Qatar 2015 stretches across 7 halls and an outside area for heavy machinery, and an estimated footfall of 50,000 visitors by the end of the show.

 IFP Qatar LLC, in collaboration with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, has introduced this year the Project Qatar Workshop Series. Shedding light on commercial and educational aspects of Qatar’s construction market. The first day of the workshops kicked off with three sessions: "The ISO 9001 revision in more detail" & "ISO 14001: 2015 Revision and Transition" by the British Standards Institution Group Middle East WLL (BSI), "Main Issues facing construction companies – a banking perspective" by Qatar Development Bank, and "An overview of the GCC Building Materials Industry" & "Manufacturing Investments Opportunities in Qatar" by the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC). The following days will include several other topics conducted by large governmental and semi-governmental entities, including the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), and Hamad medical Corporation (HMC).

Given the success of previous years, the Project Qatar Business Intelligence Series will again return in 2015 with 6 specialized conferences, during Project Qatar and throughout the year. "Qatar Stone Tech 2015," the 4th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, and "Heavy Max 2015," the 12th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery, will again unfold concurrently to the exhibition, reflecting rising demand for construction technology and building materials.

First-time and returning exhibitors and visitors alike will also benefit from an improved B2B matchmaking platform this year, enabling attendees with similar professional interests to connect readily. In order to further enhance the exhibition experience, Project Qatar 2015 features an improved mobile app, serving to provide detailed insight into the event, including the exhibitors’ list, the sponsors, the floor plan and the visitors' registration form.

Considering that Qatar's construction sector boosts a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects - worth an estimated $200bn - it will retain its appeal to industry professionals and policy makers worldwide. Through its focus on the latest technology, and as a gateway to the Gulf, Project Qatar will remain integral to the country’s vibrant economy, advancing its development.