NEW world-class venue and a programme packed with innovative features are the hallmarks of this year’s Project Qatar, which has grown exponentially both in terms of exhibitors and visitors over the past decade.

Organisers of the event promise it will be the best ever having attracted more than 2,100 participants from more than 50 countries, which will showcase their products and services over 41,500 sq m, covering the entire indoor and outdoor space at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) next month (May 12 to 15).

The 11th in the series of international construction technology and building materials exhibitions organised by IFP Qatar (International Fairs and Promotions), Project Qatar this year will feature 27 pavilions.

“Building on previous successes, we expect this year’s 11th edition to be our best exhibition to date. We are introducing exciting and technologically advanced features, including a specialised show planner, a B2B (business-to-business) matchmaking platform for which exhibitors and visitors can register on the Project Qatar website to match their respective profiles and areas of interest, which will lead to subsequent meetings,” says Rawad Sleem, project manager for Project Qatar.

Project Qatar attracts key buyers and industry leaders looking for up-to-date technology and state-of-the-art equipment available on the market. The event is now established as Qatar’s most important exhibition for highlighting the latest products and services needed for the country’s fast growing construction sector and has become a destination of choice for regional and international industry professionals.

This year’s event will be held concurrently with two specialised exhibitions: Qatar Stone-Tech and Heavy Max. In addition, it will host two specialised conferences organised by Advanced Conferences and Meetings: LightingTech Qatar and HVACTech Qatar, the inaugural events of the PQ Conferences Series. A third conference – Future Interiors Qatar – is scheduled to take place in September 2014.

“These additional events have expanded Project Qatar’s exhibition to showcase new products, technical equipment and technologies, delivering added value to visitors and exhibitors alike,” says Sleem.

Qatar Stone-Tech 2014, the third international stone and stone technology show, is organised in collaboration with Veronafiere, the organiser of the renowned Marmomacc held annually in Verona, Italy, and Confindustria Marmomacchine (Associazione Italiana Marmomacchine), the Italian association of manufacturers and users of machinery and equipment for natural stone processing.

Heavy Max 2014 is the leading international exhibition for construction equipment, plant, machinery and vehicles.

LightingTech Qatar 2014 is a specialised lighting conference targeting construction professionals and government officials in Qatar, while HVACTech Qatar 2014 is a forum dedicated to address the latest opportunities and challenges in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and cooling industries in Qatar.

Reviewing last year’s event, Sleem says: “Project Qatar 2013 surpassed all expectations, including the 2012 edition, thanks to an overwhelming response from both exhibitors and visitors.”

Project Qatar 2013 hosted 2,100 local and international exhibitors from 48 countries and received 45,162 visitors. The event featured over 3,000 brands and marked a 16 per cent record increase in surface area, and 45 per cent growth in international participation.