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Life Style / Travel

Qatari Diar: Boosting tourism through shaping the future of global real estate

Published: 13 Jun 2024 - 12:47 pm | Last Updated: 13 Jun 2024 - 12:57 pm
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The Peninsula

A Brief History and Global Presence

Qatari Diar Real Estate Company, established in 2005 by the Qatar Investment Authority, has swiftly risen to prominence in the global real estate market. Situated on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Gulf near Doha, Qatari Diar has continually pushed the boundaries of sustainable and innovative development. With a shared capital of $8.1 billion and a portfolio encompassing 50 projects across 20 countries, valued at approximately $35 billion, the company has established a formidable global presence.

A Vision for Global Real Estate

 Qatari Diar's unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and cultural heritage is vividly illustrated in its diverse portfolio of landmark projects. From the groundbreaking smart city of Lusail to the luxurious Chelsea Barracks and the iconic Southbank Place, Qatari Diar is reshaping the global real estate landscape with visionary developments that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. These projects not only highlight the company’s innovative approach but also its dedication to creating lasting legacies in some of the world’s most prestigious locations.

Commitment to Excellence and Sustainability

Distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, Qatari Diar’s projects set new standards in urban development. Lusail City, for instance, is a testament to Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development, integrating advanced technologies to create a smart city that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing residents' quality of life. Similarly, The St. Regis Cairo and CityGate New Cairo blend luxury with cultural and historical richness, providing an unparalleled living experience.

Global Impact and Innovation

Internationally, Qatari Diar's projects like SeaPearl Istanbul, Chelsea Barracks, and Southbank Place demonstrate the company’s ability to adapt its innovative strategies to diverse cultural contexts, redefining luxury living and contributing to the social and economic vitality of their respective cities. Qatari Diar’s visionary approach to real estate development is setting industry benchmarks. By integrating sustainability, innovation, and cultural heritage into its projects, the company is not only enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors but also creating enduring legacies for future generations. As Qatari Diar expands its global presence, it continues to shape the future of real estate with its forward-thinking developments and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Lusail City: Qatar's Model for Sustainable Urban Development

Vision and Foundation

Established in 2005, Lusail City represents a monumental stride toward realizing Qatar's 2030 vision. The city is designed to serve as a paragon of sustainable development, incorporating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance its status as a leading smart city. Beyond a mere real estate venture, Lusail is envisioned as a self-sustaining urban environment that will house over 200,000 residents, create 170,000 jobs, and attract around 80,000 visitors daily.

Strategic Location and Design

Strategically located near Doha’s international airport and major highways, Lusail City ensures excellent accessibility. The city’s design seamlessly blends modernity with historical significance, positioned near the fort established by Qatar’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, in the late 19th century. This blend underscores the city’s commitment to honoring Qatar's rich heritage while embracing futuristic advancements.

Smart City Innovations

As the region’s first large-scale smart and eco-friendly city, Lusail integrates cutting-edge technology to improve residents' quality of life. Essential services can be managed via mobile and computer platforms, while intelligent systems and sensors facilitate e-education, electronic health monitoring, and automated weather predictions, minimizing traditional transportation reliance.

Sustainability Initiatives

The city's design significantly reduces CO2 emissions, saving one million tons annually through extensive underground facilities for utilities, cooling, and waste management. This ensures efficient resource use and minimal environmental impact, reflecting Lusail’s role as a model for sustainable urban development.

Environmental Sustainability

Lusail City adheres to the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) standards, aiming to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30% compared to traditional buildings. Key initiatives include district cooling plants and an automated waste collection network, reflecting the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Comprehensive Infrastructure and Transport

Lusail features an integrated public transport system connecting long-distance trains with an internal light rail network, reducing reliance on private vehicles and subsequently lowering carbon emissions. The city is equipped with comprehensive infrastructure, including widespread Wi-Fi and a fiber optic network to bolster communication and IT services.

Major Attractions in Lusail City

Lusail City boasts several major attractions designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike:

Crescent Park: A 275,000 sqm park inspired by the desert environment, promoting sustainability.

Lusail Marina Promenade: A 140,000 sqm urban waterfront area with pedestrian paths, water views, and marina access.

Al Maha Island: A tourism hotspot featuring Lusail Winter Wonderland, with over 50 rides and activities.

Place Vendôme: A luxury shopping destination with more than 580 stores inspired by classic French architecture.

Lusail Marina: A modern home for over 1,200 berths of boats and Yachts.

Meryal Waterpark: Boasting 36 water rides, including the world’s tallest water slide tower at 85 meters.

Downtown Lusail: The Heart of Modern Urbanism

Downtown Lusail is Doha’s new iconic uptown, the magnetic epicentre of Lusail, home to the city’s hustle and bustle. A paragon for uniquely modern and integrated lifestyle experiences, Downtown Lusail captivates the energy and vibrant spirit of Doha’s cosmopolitan urbanism in three flagship destinations: Lusail Boulevard, Al Sa’ad Plaza, and The Seef.

Lusail Boulevard

 Lusail Boulevard in Downtown Lusail brings to life a quintessential contemporary urbanism, seamlessly fused with Qatar’s rich cultural fabric. A dynamic, diverse, and unique shopping, commercial, and residential destination, Lusail Boulevard is where Downtown Lusail’s iconic experience is realized. Spanning over 1.3 kilometers, it features a range of mixed-use, upscale retail, offices, and premium residential units, all intricately designed and built to world-class quality standards in every detail. Its public realm, size, and buildings are modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées; an international experience brought to life by prestige retail, leisure, and cultural activities with a GFA of 250,000 sqm. The commercial district’s urban plan is meticulously designed for pedestrian street shopping and dining, facilitating mobility through its connection to underground car parking, which will provide 2,000 parking spaces.

Al Sa’ad Plaza

 Al Sa’ad Plaza is the grand, iconic centerpiece of Downtown Lusail, overlooking the coast at the end of Lusail Boulevard, and bound from the north and the south by The Seef. A proud beacon of Qatar’s urban upscale living, Al Sa’ad Plaza is the pounding heart of Downtown Lusail. Bold yet welcoming, the destination is Doha’s most impressively enlivened social and commercial meeting point. Al Sa’ad Plaza is a Doha landmark, and an exclusive address where connection, culture, and celebrations of the world come to life. Four iconic towers, of 50 and 70 floors in height, define Al Sa’ad Plaza premium district, a unique urban pedestrian realm with spectacular sea views. The four impressive landmark towers feature low-level podium buildings at their bases, creating a series of interconnected public spaces that will host a wide range of activities and venues.

The Seef

The glorious luxury waterfront development of Downtown Lusail, The Seef is a high-profile district under Lusail’s master plan, extending over 520,000 sqm of land. The pulse of Downtown Lusail, The Seef is a destination in and of itself, embodying the serene, natural, and harmonious energy of the Lusail city. Via its 2.3-kilometre pristine promenade, the destination permeates into the ebb and flow of the sea. Cutting through the Lusail coast, The Seef directly overlooks the city’s Qetaifan Islands crown jewels on one side, and Fox Hills on the other side. A tranquil escape both away from and within the Lusail City Centre, The Seef is home to luxurious contemporary living at its finest. The mixed-use development comprises 600,000 square meters of commercial, office, retail, hotel, residential, as well as entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations and outlets, stretching along its waterfront promenade. The Seef’s innovative design comes to life through themes that reflect and celebrate Qatari traditions, values, and aesthetic heritage.