Is It Time to Consider Building New Offices in Doha?
For almost a decade, Qatar’s office real estate market has been shaped by oversupply. A major development boom significantly expands office stock in Doha, first in West Bay and later in Lusail, creating a market where supply outpaces organic demand. Before this era of rapid expansion, office space in Doha was spread across areas such as Old Salata, Al Sadd, and along Grand Hamad Street, which traditionally served as the city’s central business district. The rise of West Bay’s landmark commercial towers along the Corniche marks a major turning point. Government entities and private companies are increasingly relocating to this new business hub, leaving much of the older office stock incentral Doha underutilised or vacant. A Market Defined by Oversupply The scale of new development quickly outpaces demand. When global oil prices fell in 2015, market momentum weakened, and the combination of growing supply and softer demand ledto a sharp correction in rental levels. At the same time, many older office buildings in central Doha face growing challenges. These assets no longer meet the expectations of modern occupiers, particularly those seeking efficient layouts, advanced infrastructure, and stronger brand positioning. As a result, functional obsolescence becomes a serious issue, and many older properties experience prolonged vacancy. As the extent of oversupply becomes clearer, developers begin to delay or abandon plans for new office projects. In Lusail, several plots originally designated for office development are instead converted into residential schemes, as apartments present a stronger and more reliable business case in a market where office rents remain under pressure. Prime Office Demand Is Now Tightening Over the past two years, however, market conditions have begun to shift. While older and secondary office stock continues to struggle, demand becomes increasingly concentrated in prime Grade A space across West Bay, Lusail, and Msheireb Downtown. Increased take-up by government-related occupiers helps push availability in these premium locations below 10 per cent. This tightening is particularly significant for larger occupiers. With much of the remaining pipeline in Lusail Towers and along Lusail Boulevard already reserved, the number of options for businesses seeking more than 5,000 square metres of high-quality office space is rapidly shrinking. That change raises a serious question for Qatar’s commercial real estate sector: after years of caution, is Doha reaching the point where new office development becomes viable again? The Business Case Is Strengthening — But Timing Matters The case for new office development in Doha is certainly becoming stronger. Prime space is tightening, demand for modern Grade A offices remains resilient, and upward pressure on rents is beginning to emerge. That said, current rental levels still do not fully justify the high cost of construction. For developers, this means that while the fundamentals are improving, the numbers are not yet entirely straightforward. The next few years may prove decisive. In the absence of a meaningful future pipeline, a well-positioned office development delivered within four to five years could enter the market at exactly the right moment. Such a move, however, still carries an element of speculation and risk, particularly if broader economic conditions or occupier trends change. A New Cycle for Doha’s Commercial Marke What appears increasingly clear is that Doha’s office development cycle is likely to re-emerge, shaped by evolving occupier requirements and a more mature commercial landscape. The city is no longer simply dealing with oversupply in broad terms. Instead, the market is becoming more segmented. Older, less efficient buildings continue to struggle, while prime, future-ready office space in the right locations becomes increasingly scarce. That distinction matters. It suggests that the next wave of office development in Doha is unlikely to resemble the last. Future projects will need to be carefully positioned, aligned with tenant expectations, and designed with flexibility, quality, sustainability, and long-term demand in mind. The more interesting question now is no longer whether new office development will return to Doha. It is who moves first. By Johnny ArcherMember of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Partner at Cushman & Wakefield Qatar. Archer has worked in the Middle East since 2013 and leads Cushman & Wakefield’s Consulting and Research department in Qatar.
Just Real Estate and Al Jazeera Finance “Tamweel” Partner to Make Property Ownership More Accessible in Qatar
Sharia-compliant home loans introduced with flexible terms and benefits Collaboration expands real estate financing options for buyers across all sectors Innovative financing initiative set to further strengthen Qatar’s real estate market Doha, Qatar – 18 March 2025: Just Real Estate (JRE), one of the leading real estate firms in Qatar, has signed a strategic agreement with Al Jazeera Finance “Tamweel” to introduce flexible and Sharia-compliant residential real estate financing solutions. The signing ceremony, held at JRE’s main office in Al Shoumoukh Towers, was attended by Eng. Nasser Al Ansari, Chairman and CEO of Just Real Estate, and Amer Aljaberi, CEO of Al Jazeera Finance “Tamweel,” marking a significant step towards increasing accessibility to property investment and ownership for the people of Qatar. Through this collaboration, individuals seeking to purchase villas and apartments will benefit from inclusive financial solutions designed to meet a wide range of needs. The new financing option is available to all resident nationalities in Qatar, offering flexibility without being limited to any particular bank. Customers will have access to a grace period of up to three months and a maximum financing tenor of 15 years, The facility will also include life insurance coverage for death and disability, further ensuring financial security for property owners. By extending this financing option to employees in private, government, and semi-government sectors, the partnership aims to make homeownership a reality for a wider range of buyers. Commenting on the partnership, Eng. Nasser Al Ansari, Chairman and CEO of Just Real Estate, emphasized the significance of the agreement in driving growth within Qatar’s property market: “Our partnership with Al Jazeera Finance ‘Tamweel’ is a major step toward making property ownership more accessible in Qatar. By providing flexible and Sharia-compliant financing solutions, we are empowering individuals to invest in their future with confidence while contributing to the continued development of Qatar’s thriving real estate sector.” Mr. Amer Aljaberi, CEO of Al Jazeera Finance “Tamweel,” commented on the collaboration, stating that the agreement aligns with the company’s strategy to support Qatar’s vital and growing real estate sector. He emphasized Al Jazeera Finance’s commitment to enhancing ownership opportunities for clients while offering exclusive benefits tailored for its partners at Just Real Estate. He added: “Our collaboration with Just Real Estate strengthens the expertise of both companies in providing flexible, high-quality financial solutions that meet our customers’ needs and align with market demands.” Mr. Aljaberi further noted that this agreement represents a significant step in Al Jazeera Finance’s continued expansion strategy, contributing to the development of a more advanced financial environment that supports the real estate sector and promotes continued growth in the industry. This new partnership further strengthens Just Real Estate’s position as a trusted leader in the real estate industry—committed to delivering tailored property solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of buyers and investors.
Ministry of Justice Hosts Industry-First Session on Real Estate Brokerage Developments, Facilitated by Property Finder, bringing together brokerages and market stakeholders
17 March 2025, Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Saeed bin Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, convened a groundbreaking meeting with key stakeholders in the real estate sector. This first-of-its-kind initiative brought together representatives from Property Finder Qatar, real estate brokers and industry leaders to explore strategies to strengthen the role of real estate brokers in the home-seeking journey and advance Qatar’s real estate landscape. Distinguished profiles in attendance at the session included Mr. Amer Saeed Al-Ghafri, Director of the Real Estate Registration Department and Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Brokers Affairs Committee; Mr. Khaled Hassan Al-Mahshadi, Director of the Real Estate Brokerage Department of the Ministry of Justice; Eng. Khaled Al Saeh, Country Manager of Property Finder – Bahrain & Qatar; alongside representation from leading real estate companies in Qatar. The meeting addressed key issues related to brokerage licensing, including issuing and renewing licenses, regulatory controls and the privileges granted to brokers. Discussions also focused on streamlining procedures for real estate transactions, expediting reconciliation processes for violations referred to the Real Estate Prosecution, as well as reinforcing compliance with industry regulations and contract laws. During the meeting, participants reiterated the importance of updating the laws governing foreign partner powers and off-plan sales to align with the sector’s rapid expansion and urban development, in alignment with Qatar’s Vision 2030 which lays down a roadmap filled with opportunities for real estate investors. Its focus on economic diversification, infrastructural development, sustainability, and legal reforms creates a conducive environment for investment. The Ministry of Justice used the platform to emphasise the importance of transparency and accessibility, underscoring the need to provide industry professionals with easy access to market data and insights, available on the Ministry’s website, as well as across Property Finder. Attendees also explored best practices around expanding available market data by integration of insights across the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Internal Affairs platforms, to further empower brokers and drive industry progress. During the meeting, H.E. Mr. Saeed bin Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting all parties involved in the development of Qatar’s real estate sector. He also commended the partnership between the Ministry and The Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat, as well as with the private sector, stating “We are dedicated to establishing a robust legal and regulatory framework that enhances transparency, facilitates investment and ensures the sustainability of Qatar’s real estate market. By working closely with both public and private sector partners, we aim to create conducive environments for all stakeholders, including brokers and developers, to thrive.” Eng. Khaled Al-Saeh, Country Manager of Property Finder – Bahrain & Qatar, praised the Ministry’s initiative, stating, “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to participate in this dialogue, and actively contribute to this collaborative platform alongside government entities and the private sector. Our shared goal is to drive the real estate sector forward through innovative technology and providing data our users can trust, therefore we look forward to continued partnerships and similar initiatives in the future.” As the first meeting of its kind dedicated to real estate brokerage developments in Qatar, this initiative marks a significant step in the Ministry of Justice’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between public and private stakeholders. Through strategic partnerships and continuous engagement, the Ministry is committed to fostering a thriving and well-regulated real estate sector in Qatar.
Invest Qatar and Aqarat conclude a successful participation in MIPIM 2025
15 March 2025, Doha – Qatar: Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) have successfully concluded their participation in MIPIM 2025, the world’s premier real estate exhibition, held in Cannes, France. Through the Qatar Pavilion, global investors and industry leaders explored Qatar’s flourishing real estate sector, gaining insights into the country’s latest developments and diverse investment opportunities. The pavilion featured leading Qatari real estate developers, including the United Development Company (UDC) and Qetaifan Projects, showcasing innovative projects and Qatar’s commitment to sustainable, smart urban development. This participation aligns with the national real estate promotion strategy, which supports economic diversification and aims to attract foreign investment. MIPIM 2025 gathered over 20,000 delegates from more than 90 countries, including key decision-makers from the global real estate sector, government leaders and sovereign wealth funds managing a combined €4 trillion in assets under management (AUM).Qatar’s real estate market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, witnessing a 34% growth from 2015 to 2023 and a 50% increase in the number of issued building permits. The country’s strategic location, global connectivity and residency incentives, coupled with a resilient economy projected to reach $288 billion by 2027, continue to enhance Qatar’s appeal as a leading real estate investment destination. A transparent regulatory framework and ongoing investments in world-class infrastructure further solidify its position as a global real estate hub.
Msheireb Properties Announces 2025 Innovation in Design Awards in Partnership with Fast Company Middle East
Doha, Qatar – 17 February 2025: Msheireb Properties announced the 2025 Innovation in Design Awards, a prestigious initiative in partnership with Fast Company Middle East that champions creativity, innovation, and sustainability in design and architecture. With an expanded list of categories, the second annual awards will highlight groundbreaking contributions that align with Msheireb Properties’ vision of transforming urban living and advancing Qatar’s position as a global hub for innovation excellence. “The Innovation in Design Awards presented by Msheireb Properties was created to promote design thinking as a catalyst for positive change, spotlighting ideas that tackle individual, community, and global challenges. By expanding the award categories for our second season, we want to inspire even more trailblazers who are redefining the future of urban living,” said Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties. “Design is the ongoing story of human progress. And so, to celebrate the best of design is to recognise some of the most important human achievements. By honouring outstanding design work, these awards will not only acknowledge corporate achievements but also inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence,” said Ravi Raman, publisher of Fast Company Middle East. The Innovation in Design Awards were launched last year to recognise exemplary design-driven solutions, signalling Msheireb Properties’ plans to be an active player in shaping the future of design innovation in the Middle East. It was launched during the first Fast Company Innovation by Design Summit. This year’s winners will once again be crowned during the official awards ceremony on the sidelines of the Innovation by Design Summit on May 21 in Msheireb Downtown Doha. Last year’s winners included global brand consultancy Landor for human-centric design, cardiac diagnostic technology innovator Dr. Mario Garcia for technology-powered design, MAD Architects for sustainable design, and Pandora for luxury and lifestyle design. Entries for the 2025 awards are now open to designers, architects, and innovators from around the world. Winners will be selected based on criteria such as replicability, design thinking, and audience impact at individual, community, and global levels. The expanded award categories for 2025 include: To enter the 2025 Awards for Innovation in Design, please visit https://event.fastcompanyme.com/innovation-in-design-awards-2025/ while submissions close on 10 April 2025. This initiative is part of Msheireb Properties’ ongoing efforts to promote sustainable urban development and enhance quality of life through innovative and thoughtful design solutions. It reinforces Msheireb’s dedication to creating a brighter, more sustainable future while positioning Doha as a leading city for cultural and design excellence.
Msheireb Properties and UBS celebrate contract signing for new office in Msheireb Downtown Doha
Doha, Qatar – 21 January 2025: Msheireb Properties and UBS have jointly celebrated the contract signing for UBS’s new office in Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the smartest, most sustainable city districts in Qatar. The future location will house UBS’s wealth management business in Qatar, featuring a dedicated client area. Tarek Eido, CEO and Country Head of UBS Qatar, said: “The new office space in Doha is a testament to our business’ strength and our ambition to further grow in the region. Having brought together our combined teams in 2024, we are now setting the tone to move forward as one team, to provide our clients with the full range of our One Bank offering.” Msheireb Properties CEO Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Kuwari said: “We are delighted to host UBS in Msheireb Downtown Doha, further solidifying the district as a leading destination for global businesses. With its smart technology, sustainability features, and strategic location in the heart of Doha, Msheireb Downtown Doha provides an unmatched environment for companies to grow and thrive. We look forward to supporting UBS in its next phase of growth in Qatar.” UBS will be occupying a full floor in the Doha Design District 1, with the move expected to take place in the latter part of 2025. The building is located at the prominent junction of Al Khail Street and Abdulla Bin Thani street in Msheireb Downtown Doha. UBS will maintain its current office space in Burj Alfardan, Lusail City. Msheireb Downtown Doha has become a sought-after destination for business tenants, offering premier office spaces, cutting-edge infrastructure, world-class sustainability certifications, and a vibrant urban ecosystem that includes retail and cultural attractions. Designed to cultivate collaboration, the district brings together like-minded businesses and organizations in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Qatar’s Construction Sector Being Driven By Digitisation
The first edition of Web Summit Qatar 2024 connected investors, and innovators to forge strategic partnerships for the construction industry – a space that will only increase in the coming years.
