Balancing Economic Vitality With Ecological Resilience

With a unique mix of commercial & residential property management, Msheireb has carved out a name for itself in sustainability. What acted as the motivating factor?

Al Kuwari: Qatar National Vision 2030 laid the foundation of our approach, which emphasises environmental stewardship and economic diversification. We recognised early that sustainable design isn’t an option but a necessity for resilient urban ecosystems. We believe that cities must evolve to meet future challenges, and we saw an opportunity to redefine urban spaces by merging cultural identity with forward-thinking design.

Traditional Qatari elements such as wind towers and courtyards were reimagined using modern technology, ensuring energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints. This alignment of national goals and architectural innovation positioned us to lead in creating urban ecosystems that honour heritage while advancing sustainability.

The urgency of climate action further propelled our strategy. Cities consume over 70 percent of global energy, and we aimed to counter this through projects like Msheireb Downtown Doha. By adopting circular economy principles such as reusing materials, minimising waste, and prioritising renewable energy, we demonstrated that development need not come at the planet’s expense.

Our goal was not just to build structures but to inspire a shift in how urban spaces function, balancing economic vitality with ecological resilience.

Talk us through the various sustainability initiatives that Msheireb has taken since inception.

Al Kuwari: From the outset, our projects were designed to exceed global standards. Msheireb Downtown Doha became the world’s largest LEED-certified community, integrating solar energy, grey water recycling, and energy recovery systems. Buildings use 30 percent less energy through smart shading and IoT-enabled utilities.

We also prioritised waste reduction, repurposing 95 percent of construction materials and utilising non-potable water for landscaping. These measures reflect our focus on resource efficiency, ensuring every element of the development contributes to long-term environmental health. Collaboration has been equally critical.

Partnerships with organisations such as the Qatar Green Building Council led to programmes such as the Msheireb Green Program, which guides retail tenants in adopting eco-friendly operations. Public engagement initiatives, including workshops and markets, encourage dialogue around sustainability.

For example, the recently concluded Earthna Summit 2025, held at Msheireb Downtown Doha, brought together global sustainability leaders to explore the fusion of innovation and traditional knowledge in addressing environmental challenges, while the Earthna Village engaged the public with interactive exhibits showcasing indigenous practices and cultural heritage.

What are the growth drivers of the real estate sector in Qatar, given that NDS3 relies expressly on the sector?

Al Kuwari: The real estate sector in Qatar is positioned for continued growth, driven by several factors outlined in the Third National Development Strategy. Economic diversification stands as a primary driver – as our country reduces its dependence on hydrocarbons, the real estate sector provides the essential infrastructure needed to support emerging industries and economic clusters.

This transformation creates robust demand for commercial spaces, industrial facilities and mixed-use developments that accommodate diverse business activities. Population growth and urbanisation further fuel demand for residential and commercial properties. As more people gravitate toward urban centres, the need for quality housing, office spaces and community facilities increases substantially. At Msheireb Downtown Doha, our flagship project, we’re witnessing this demand first-hand, with commercial occupancy currently exceeding 94 percent, reflecting the district’s appeal to multinational businesses and institutions.

Our residential spaces are similarly performing strongly, with occupancy rates surpassing 80 percent, establishing the downtown as a highly sought- after address for both business operations and residential living in Doha. Qatar’s vision to become a premier global tourist destination is also driving significant development in hospitality and leisure real estate, encompassing hotels, resorts and entertainment complexes.

Additionally, the expansion of transportation networks, educational institutions and healthcare facilities enhances the appeal of real estate investments, creating opportunities for integrated developments that leverage these amenities to create vibrant, connected communities.

What role do you foresee Msheireb Properties playing in the heightened role that the sector is poised to play as per NDS3?

Al Kuwari: Msheireb Properties is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to the real estate sector’s enhanced role under NDS3. Our vision to be the pioneering national developer of sustainable and innovative projects inspired by Qatar’s unique heritage aligns perfectly with Qatar’s environmental and cultural ambitions. We will continue to develop and manage projects that incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs and green spaces that reduce environmental impact whilst creating beautiful, liveable environments. We are actively supporting economic diversification by creating spaces that cater to emerging industries and economic clusters. Our mixed-use developments provide ideal environments for business growth while offering residents convenient access to services and amenities. Msheireb Downtown Doha has rapidly established itself as a preferred destination for major institutions, with companies such as Qatar Airways, IWG, International Media Office, TikTok Studio, Snap Inc., Government Communications Office, Media City, HSBC, Vodafone, Google Cloud, Schneider Electric, and Ernst and Young Qatar, among others, choosing to locate their operations there. Social cohesion represents another area where Msheireb Properties exerts significant influence. Our projects are thoughtfully designed to foster community engagement and cultural pride.

By creating spaces that promote meaningful social interaction and provide facilities for cultural activities, we contribute to the cohesive social fabric of our communities. Barahat Msheireb and Msheireb Museums exemplify this approach, having become preferred venues for dialogues and conferences of both local and international significance. Moreover, innovation remains at the heart of our approach. We will continue to embrace cutting- edge technologies and sustainable building practices to deliver high- quality, efficient solutions that meet the demands of modern living and working.

Our commitment to innovation means we’re constantly looking forward, seeking new ways to enhance our developments and contribute to Qatar’s vision for the future.

With Aqarat coming into force, what impact will it have on the sector’s growth and development?

Al Kuwari: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority, or Aqarat, has established Qatar’s comprehensive real estate regulatory framework. By implementing clear regulations and standards, Aqarat enhances transparency, builds investor confidence and creates a more stable market environment. This regulatory clarity will attract local and international investment, accelerating growth across all real estate segments.

Aqarat will significantly contribute to boosting FDI inflows, aligning with NDS3’s ambitious goal to attract US$100 billion in cumulative foreign direct investment through transparent regulations and investor-friendly policies. Its advanced digital solutions for approvals and reduction of bureaucratic hurdles will expedite project delivery, supporting the country’s target of creating a world- class business environment.

For Msheireb Properties, Aqarat’s framework helps us maintain the highest standards in our developments while protecting the interests of our stakeholders. It levels the playing field, allowing us to compete fairly and focus on delivering value through innovation and quality. The increased regulatory certainty also enables more effective long-term planning and investment, supporting our commitment to developing projects that stand the test of time.

As far as the sector goes, which segment – residential, commercial or mixed use – has the largest growth prospects and where does Msheireb Properties figure in this, given its unique status?

Al Kuwari: All segments of Qatar’s real estate sector offer substantial growth potential, but mixed-use developments stand out as particularly promising. These integrated projects combine residential, commercial and recreational spaces, creating communities that support economic activity and social well-being. Mixed-use developments align perfectly with NDS3’s goals of sustainable urbanisation and economic diversification, and will continue to grow driven by three key factors:

• Tourism and urban liveability: NDS3 prioritises integrated communities that blend residential, commercial and cultural spaces, aligning precisely with the design philosophy of our flagship city, Msheireb Downtown Doha.
• Economic resilience: Mixed-use hubs support small and medium enterprises, innovation ecosystems and high–skilled employment, directly contributing to NDS3’s target of 4 percent annual non- hydrocarbon GDP growth.
• Sustainability: These developments reduce urban sprawl and carbon footprints, meeting NDS3’s environmental goals whilst creating more efficient, connected urban environments.

Msheireb Properties is a recognised trailblazer in mixed-use projects. Our developments, including Msheireb Downtown Doha and Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, showcase our ability to create holistic communities that meet the complex demands of modern urban life. Our expertise in this segment positions us to capitalise on the growing demand for integrated real estate solutions that support Qatar’s ambitious development vision.

Home to high–end commercial retail, Msheireb Properties now counts as an address of prestige in Doha. What are the advantages that these high–end retail outlets gain with Msheireb?

Al Kuwari: Msheireb Downtown Doha has become a magnet for global audiences and brands, making it a premier destination that offers retailers unmatched exposure to affluent shoppers, tourists, and residents. High-end brands benefit from proximity to landmarks such as the Mandarin Oriental and Msheireb Museums, which draw culturally engaged audiences.

Additionally, our LEED-certified infrastructure aligns with global ESG standards, allowing retailers to showcase their alignment with sustainability which is a key differentiator in today’s market. Beyond footfall, Msheireb’s standing as a hub for thought leadership adds unique value. We host major international and local conferences and events, such as the Earthna Summit, Arabian Gulf Cup, and Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, among others.

These events attract policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, creating networking opportunities for retailers and elevating their visibility. The combination of high-profile gatherings and year-round cultural programming ensures sustained engagement, positioning Msheireb not just as a retail space but as a dynamic platform for brands to connect with influential audiences.

Where do you see Msheireb Properties two years down the line– in terms of growth, employment generation, and bottom line growth?

Al Kuwari: Looking ahead to the next two years, I am confident that Msheireb Properties will continue its trajectory of growth across multiple dimensions. This growth will be underpinned by strong demand from both local and international markets as Qatar’s profile as a global business and tourism destination continues to rise.

Employment generation will remain a key focus area for us. We will continue to create opportunities for Qatari nationals and expatriates, while investing in comprehensive training and development programmes to build a skilled workforce capable of delivering our ambitious projects. We aim to contribute to creating more than 1,500 skilled jobs in sustainable construction, digital innovation and hospitality, supporting NDS3’s target of achieving a workforce where over 46 percent of employees are highly skilled.

On the financial front, we are focused on delivering sustainable bottom-line growth. By optimising our operations, embracing innovation and maintaining high standards of quality and service, we will enhance our profitability and ensure long-term value creation for all our stakeholders. Our approach is not simply about short-term gains, but about creating enduring value that supports Qatar’s national development goals while delivering returns that enable continued investment and growth.

If you look back, what would you re-do and how?

Al Kuwari: Looking back, I wish we had initiated the Msheireb Downtown Doha project even sooner. Beginning the development earlier would have amplified its reach, allowing us to address Qatar’s urban sustainability goals faster and set a precedent for regional markets.

While we’re proud of what’s been achieved, an accelerated timeline could have maximised benefits such as energy savings, community engagement, and cultural preservation, aligning more swiftly with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.