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Doha, Qatar, 15th March, 2017: Msheireb Mosque, located in the heritage quarter of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), has been awarded the prestigious ‘Abdullatif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture’ which honors mosques in the GCC for their sustainability and architectural features.

Msheireb Mosque has won the award, thanks to its adoption of new technologies and meticulously planned architectural features that helped it to surpass 122 other mosques nominated for the award. The design of the building is based on traditional Qatari mosques, which have for centuries used orientation, shading, natural ventilation and water to create comfortable environments for prayer and worship.

The building has received the Gold LEED accreditation for its effective energy conservation, along with the quality of its design. It incorporates a tailored daylight design, to create dynamic sun patches inspired by Qatari motifs within the main hall during prayer hours, and needs no artificial lighting during daytime hours. Embracing key principles of Islamic art, geometric patterns and designs, Msheireb Mosque fuses modernist ideas with a historically familiar arrangement of Islamic volumes, spaces and thresholds.

Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, Chief Executive Officer at Msheireb Properties, said, “We are honored to receive the ‘Abdullatif Alfozan Award for Mosque Architecture’ which recognises the architecture of the mosque and its sustainable features. The award underlines Msheireb Properties’ commitment towards sustainability and demonstrates our support of the main pillars of Qatar Vision 2030. It also demonstrates our success at combining new technology and traditional architectural language to create modern buildings that are sensitive to their surroundings and enhance the local landscape.”

Eng. Ibrahim Al Jida, Chief Executive Officer at Arab Engineering Bureau, the executive architectural and engineering office of the project said: “We are delighted to have won the Al Fozan award. Msheireb Mosque and its courtyard have been built to create an urban oasis, a peaceful place to pray away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby streets. Wherever possible, we have utilised the country’s unique environmental conditions, such as year-long sunshine, to create an aesthetically pleasing place of worship and at the same time conserves energy and resources.”

With its new design and architecture concept, Msheireb Mosque was inaugurated in Ramadan 2016. The mosque is located within Phase 1 of Msheireb Down Town, and spread over an area of 1,400 sqm. Easily accessible from around the Msheireb neighbourhood and the adjoining souq area, the mosque has prayer halls for both men and women and accommodates 600 worshippers. It also has a dedicated parking area and lifts from the basement.

 

Doha, Qatar – March 8, 2017 – MEEZA, Qatar’s prominent end-to-end Managed IT Services & Solutions Provider, has signed an operational contract with Msheireb Properties for the Smart City ICT package at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), the most pioneering smart city in the world. The signing ceremony, which took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2017 QITCOM Exhibition and Conference, appoints MEEZA as the Master System Integrator for the ICT Operations at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
This agreement, initially inked in 2014, has concluded phase one; which included the design and implementation stages, with the agreement is gearing in to its second phase for operations. Msheireb Properties will leverage MEEZA’s Smart Technologies and years-long expertise in building Smart Cities, towards developing the technological infrastructure for designing, managing and monitoring processes at MDD.

Commenting on the signing ceremony, Eng. Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, Chief Executive Officer at Msheireb Properties, said, “At Msheireb Properties our allegiance to preserving traditional architectural languages while leveraging advancement systems inspired us to revolutionize the urban experience. Extending our agreement with MEEZA into stage two is part of our pledge to remain steadfast in establishing Msheireb Downtown Doha as the pioneering Smart City urban development in Qatar and the world”.

He continues: “This revitalized community in the heart of Doha will be equipped with state-of-the-art smart city technology that integrates multiple information and communications systems that drive intelligent network connectivity and robust processing solutions in retail, commercial, leisure and residential spaces.”

Eng. Ahmad Al-Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer at MEEZA, said: “At MEEZA, we are pleased to shake hands with Msheireb Properties for operating the Smart City ICT package at MDD, through a momentous agreement that is set to redefine the standards of ‘Smart Living’ in Qatar. Backed by years of experience in the field and a plethora of certifications that reflect our high standards, we will spare no effort to help make Msheireb Downtown Doha the exemplary Smart City in Qatar and the entire region, as part of our solid commitment to the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the digital transformation of the country and its knowledge-based society.”

Msheireb Downtown Doha, the 30-hectare sustainable urban development will witness the launch of 40 smart services that are designed to help power the operations at the Smart City’s 100 major buildings covering several divisions for retail, transportation, and heritage, residential and commercial zones.

The one-of-a-kind ‘environmentally friendly’ project is LEED platinum and gold accredited, and will provide Qatar’s citizens, residents and tourists with a mixed use development where they can live, work, shop, dine, and get entertained.

MDD’s facilities include 10,000 parking spaces, a 2 kilometer tramway, and an interchange station for the Qatar Rail project. Popular destinations in the City are set to include the National Archive, Galleria Mall, msheireb museums, cinemas and Baharat Msheireb outdoor venue for entertainment and dining.

Meeza participated at the 2017 QITCOM Exhibition and Conference, Qatar’s biggest digital convention, as the event’s Pearl Sponsor. Held at the Qatar National Convention Center from March 6 to 8, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, QITCOM 2017 connected smart technology with international industry specialists, key government decision makers and entrepreneurs, to exchange ideas and collaborate towards the digital transformation of Qatar.

Doha, Qatar, 25, February, 2017: Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, has awarded Mawaqif Qatar (QDVP PQSC) a contract to operate and manage car parking at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), an urban regeneration project set in the heart of the city.

The deal, signed by Mr. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, Chief Executive Officer, Msheireb Properties and Mr. Gilles Guillochon, CEO of Mawaqif is an extremely important milestone, comprising the integration and future management of one of the world’s largest underground car parks in the world – providing over 10,000 car parking spaces over 6 basements to residents and visitors of Msheireb Downtown Doha.

Mawaqif Qatar will offer more than just parking space management at Msheireb Downtown Doha; car parks will not be standalone facilities, but part of the mobility chain, digitally integrated to enable MDD to become a smart city. Mawaqif Qatar’s mission is to bridge the gap between the cars and the smart city, delivering the highest standard of customer services. With a wealth of global experience behind them via Indigo of France and locally through their experience of managing and operating the country’s prime car parks, they have the proficiency to operate and maintain the parking facilities at MDD and to sustain reliable operating conditions based on high-end supervision digital solutions, using a remote management approach.

Mr. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties commenting on the agreement said, “Our partnership with one of the Middle East’s leading traffic and car park management companies is very important to us. It enables us to design and operate a 5-star car park, offering our community a first class parking and visitor experience. A project of this magnitude requires a specialised skill set, industry experience and innovative ideas to ensure it is perfectly managed. We are delighted to have partnered with Mawaqif Qatar for this hugely significant component of the MDD offering. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones, continuing to forge new partnerships to add value to the community, delivering the essential services to the people of Qatar, for the future of Qatar.”

Mr. Gilles Guillochon, CEO of Mawaqif said:”We are honoured to partner with Msheireb Properties and bring our specialized knowledge and expertise into this transformative development. We aim to enhance customer experiences, by ensuring a smooth flow of traffic with efficient systems, and well maintained parking areas. The visitor experience has always been a top priority for us, and we strive to deliver exceptional services, matching the vision of Msheireb Properties.”

Msheireb Properties aspires to transform the urban landscape, creating an iconic landmark that respects the environment and local surroundings, preserves cultural traditions, and enhances the quality of life for communities. The developer’s flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, that is now available for phase 1 leasing will offer a lively urban neighbourhood featuring premier office space, retail services, leisure facilities, luxurious townhouses, upscale apartments, hotels, museums, civic services, cultural offerings and entertainment areas.

Doha, 16, February, 2017: Msheireb Properties, developers of the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for education, science and community development, hosted a fun and engaging sports programme for all its employees, in support of Qatar National Sports Day.

All staff, including the company’s construction workers, and their families were invited to take part in host of entertaining activities and sports events which included jousting gladiator duels, basketball, table tennis, Zumba, yoga, inflatable sumo wrestling, tug of war, dart ball, and kabaddi. Held at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s Heritage Quarter, the day saw hundreds of employees come together to enjoy a little healthy competition to take home an array of trophies and prizes, which included sportswear and vouchers.

Commenting on the success of this year’s National Sports Day activities, Noora Al Rumaihi, ‎Manager of Communications and Public Relations at Msheireb Properties stated, “Our staff are an important asset to the company, their hard work and commitment enables us to reach our goals and deliver the vision we have for changing the lives of the local community. Therefore, it’s important that they are healthy, happy and have good relationships with their coworkers. We believe that team building days such as these not only help us operate like an inclusive family, but work towards inspiring our staff to think about their own health and fitness and work towards improving their wellbeing.”

Underlining the vision and objectives of Qatar’s National Sports Day, Msheireb Properties enabled employees to embrace the benefits of healthy lifestyle and constructed dedicated sports and games facilities on site and arrange for the transportation of all volunteers, workers and colleagues to ensure everyone could join in the celebrations and energise their fitness goals.

Qatar National Sports Day is a public holiday held on the second Tuesday of February every year. Since its inception in 2012, the day has aimed to promote sports and educate the residents of Qatar about the ways they can reduce health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. It’s also an opportunity to bring communities closer together based on the sporting principles of inclusion, unity and participation.

 

All staff, including the company’s construction workers, and their families were invited to take part in host of entertaining activities and sports events which included jousting gladiator duels, basketball, table tennis, Zumba, yoga, inflatable sumo wrestling, tug of war, dart ball, and kabaddi. Held at Msheireb Downtown Doha’s Heritage Quarter, the day saw hundreds of employees come together to enjoy a little healthy competition to take home an array of trophies and prizes, which included sportswear and vouchers.

Commenting on the success of this year’s National Sports Day activities, Noora Al Rumaihi, ‎Manager of Communications and Public Relations at Msheireb Properties stated, “Our staff are an important asset to the company, their hard work and commitment enables us to reach our goals and deliver the vision we have for changing the lives of the local community. Therefore, it’s important that they are healthy, happy and have good relationships with their coworkers. We believe that team building days such as these not only help us operate like an inclusive family, but work towards inspiring our staff to think about their own health and fitness and work towards improving their wellbeing.”

 

Underlining the vision and objectives of Qatar’s National Sports Day, Msheireb Properties enabled employees to embrace the benefits of healthy lifestyle and constructed dedicated sports and games facilities on site and arrange for the transportation of all volunteers, workers and colleagues to ensure everyone could join in the celebrations and energise their fitness goals.

Qatar National Sports Day is a public holiday held on the second Tuesday of February every year. Since its inception in 2012, the day has aimed to promote sports and educate the residents of Qatar about the ways they can reduce health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. It’s also an opportunity to bring communities closer together based on the sporting principles of inclusion, unity and participation.

 

Doha, Qatar: November 15, 2016: Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, and a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), was presented with two awards at the first annual Qatar Sustainability Awards on Monday, November 14.

Msheireb Mosque and the National Archive two iconic properties within Msheireb Downtown Doha, Msheireb Properties flagship urban regeneration project, were bestowed the honours due to their excellence in the successful execution of sustainability in master planning. Msheireb Mosque captured the prize in the religious building category, while the National Archive was the winner in the government buildings classification.

Qatar Sustainability Awards are officiated by Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) and aim to recognize the efforts, commitment, and contributions of individuals, institutions and organizations in furthering sustainable development and environmental protection in Qatar and beyond. A jury, comprised of senior sustainability and green building experts, practitioners and sustainability academics were charged with choosing the winners from a competitive list of nominees.

Accordingly, the Msheireb Mosque and the National Archive have been recently awarded LEED gold certification and platinum certification respectively, denoting excellence in green building strategies and practices. These two newly built structures have achieved maximum energy efficiency in construction and design, which restrict reliance on air-conditioning units via environmentally friendly applications. Their energy recovery air systems allow the precooling and regulation of indoor temperatures and their superior district cooling systems deliver chilled water through low energy consumption. Further energy mitigation features, include solar panelling that generate high levels of usable electricity in both buildings throughout the entire year.

“We are truly honoured to receive these awards. As a regional pioneer in sustainability, Msheireb Properties strives to consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership and initiative in the areas of sustainable master planning and design. As we move forward with our completion of Msheireb Downtown Doha, these awards reinforce our vision to continue to meet and exceed the highest international environmental standards in community development and urban regeneration projects,” said Mr. Ali Al Kuwari, Chief Officer – design and delivery, at Msheireb Properties.

When speaking of the practices of green building and sustainability in the business sectors, Ms. Noora Al-Rumaihi, Manager-Communication and Public Relations at Msheireb Properties said, “Often times companies believe that it’s not cost effective and routinely too inconvenient to function and build sustainably. Yet the truth is quite the opposite. Organizations should be encouraged to move beyond current methods and feel emboldened to look upon sustainability and conservation as fundamental aspects of societal development and business advancement.”

The Msheireb Mosque is located within Phase 1 of Msheireb Downtown Doha near the Msheireb Museums and is easily accessible from around the Msheireb neighbourhood and the adjoining souq area. The newly opened mosque can accommodate 600 worshippers, and houses dedicated prayer halls for both men and women. The National Archive is the storehouse of Qatar’s history and heritage and also serves as a facility for public assemblies. It is situated near the northeast corner of Msheireb Downtown Doha, overlooking Doha Bay and adjacent to the Eid Prayer Ground and Souq Waqif.

Msheireb Properties was celebrated at the Awards’ ceremony for their miraculous revitalization of the old commercial district of the city while still retaining and recapturing Qatar’s heritage and architectural traditions. The 31-hectare QAR 20 billion development aims to enrich the lives of both individuals and communities – encouraging more sustainable and environmentally responsible behaviour, while offering a better understanding of the local and regional heritage through its unique lifestyle and environment.

Doha, Qatar; November 04, 2016: For the fifth consecutive year, Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, is proud to announce that it has hosted the Annual Risk Management Forum in Doha at the Bait Bin Jelmood, in Msheireb Downtown Doha.

The theme of this year’s forum addressed ‘Walking on Shifting Sand: Managing Uncertainties in the Region’. The challenges of managing risks in the ever changing regional and global economic environment and conditions, including the proposed methods and approaches for tackling constant change and ways of risk mitigation adaptation.

Now in its fifth year, the risk management forum has a growing reputation for effectively predicting and confronting the most prevalent threats facing organizations and the global business community. The 2016 event was attended by a large cross-section of business and risk management experts from a variety of industries and backgrounds including, auditors, consultants, engineers, contractors, IT experts, oil & gas executives, project and program managers and real estate developers.

The diversity of delegates and guest speakers at this year’s affair added to lively schedule of activities which included discussions and lessons on a multitude of organizational threats. The panel of experts spoke on key risk management issues such as the future of risk management, risk culture building, risk leadership and business resilience modelling.

“I am truly proud of what we have achieved during the 5th Annual Risk Management Forum. Through the resolve and the vision of Msheireb Properties, we have built this platform into the premier risk management symposium in the Gulf and will continue to leverage best practices from a diversity of industry leaders to mitigate risk and to induce systemic standards across a full breadth of industries. In 2016, we boasted a cavalcade of world-class thought leaders and decision makers from a multitude of sectors,” said Mr. Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO Msheireb Properties.

“This year’s forum, also served to remind the international business community that it is only through proactive engagement and meticulous planning that tangible benchmarks and outcomes emerge that precipitate effective implementation of discursive risk management practices. I am delighted that it is the 5th Annual Risk Management Forum that stands as the testament to this business culture evolution,” he added.

Msheireb Properties’ mission is to support the wider aims of Qatar’s Economic Vision for 2030 by changing the way people think about urban living and improving their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment. Their projects improve the lives of both individuals and communities – encouraging more sustainable and environmentally responsible behaviour, and a greater understanding of local, regional, and international heritage and history through immersive experiences. The 5th Annual Risk Management Forum is representative of their continued commitment to enhancing the social and economical dynamism, cultural heritage and quality of life in Qatar.

Leading sustainability organisations and environmental advocates have stepped up their efforts to advance Qatar’s sustainability movement by supporting the Qatar Green Building Conference 2016 – The Action.

The second annual Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) conference will bring together leading environmentalists, academics, and sustainability experts to discuss Qatar’s sustainability agenda and its long-term sustainability objectives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030).

The conference, which takes place from 13th – 15th November at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), will tackle some of the key environmental and social sustainability challenges in Qatar and beyond, focusing on three overarching themes: ‘Future Sustainable Cities’, ‘Green Business is Good Business’ and ‘Sustainability as a Lifestyle’.

Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has this year signed up as the conference’s platinum sponsor. The real estate company’s projects are redefining urban living by encouraging social interaction, preservation of Qatar’s heritage and culture, and consideration for the environment.
Engineer Meshal Al Shamari, QGBC Director, said: “The Qatar Green Building Conference provides a unique platform for industry stakeholders to showcase their sustainability goals to a broader audience. The conference is designed to provide participants with a platform to debate topical sustainability issues while receiving invaluable insights from leading practitioners and members of academia.”

“It’s a privilege to welcome Msheireb Properties on board as our platinum sponsor. We have a shared mission to help Qatar realise its national sustainable development goals through strategic partnerships and comprehensive research endeavours. We welcome endorsements from other stakeholders to support the conference,” Eng Al Shamari added.

Mr. Abdulla Al-Mehshadi, Chief Executive Officer of Msheireb Properties, said: “We are both proud and emboldened to be sponsoring the Qatar Green Building Conference 2016. This platform symbolises a principal opportunity to align two Qatari organisations that are on the vanguard of technological advances in the establishment and revitalisation of urban centres and the modernisation of Qatar and to transform the way that people think about. Sustainability is at the core of Msheireb Downtown Doha, while leading cities in the conservation of energy and the materials utilized in design and execution. With Msheireb Downtown Doha, we were emboldened to establish a new architectural language guided by seven steps, which meld traditional Qatari architecture with modern sustainable aesthetics and techniques. These innovations are derived from our guiding principal and our pledge to leverage Qatar’s vibrant cultural heritage and renaissance to achieve historical heights in transformative architectural master planning.”

“Moreover, Msheireb Downtown Doha is leading in sustainability. The buildings have LEED gold and platinum certifications, making it the first project with largest number of buildings having LEED certifications in the world. Qatar Green Building Conference 2016 is distinctively illustrative of our resolve to continue to be leaders in sustainability and to share our expansive knowledge and expertise with decision makers, thought leaders and esteemed colleagues from the construction and architectural industries. We hold steadfast that it is not only our mandate to devise and create pioneering cities and to revitalize communities, but it is also our mandate to be visionaries to educate and also to inspire,” Mr. Al-Mehshadi concluded.

Qatar Green Building Conference has received endorsements from a number of prestigious organisations. These organisations include the British Standards Institutions; The Chartered Institute of Building; Engineers Australia; The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; Middle East Facility Management Association; The Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar; Architects Hub Qatar; Al Fazaa Volunteer; Climate Control Middle East Magazine; Qatar Construction Sites and GLAM Interior and Design magazine.
This year’s conference will coincide with the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22), which will address the global sustainability agenda.

QGBC is a member of QF and supports its mission to foster a progressive society as well as promote sustainable development. For more information about the conference, please visit: http://www.qatargbc.org/conference/home.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) announced today its relocation to Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD). New QFC firms will be able to operate from this new designation starting mid-2017. Existing firms can decide to migrate then, or starting 2018. This relocation will serve as a foundation for Qatar’s new financial city.

Unlike other financial zones in the region, this new financial city will be open to all businesses, local and international and will not be exclusively restricted to QFC licensed firms. As such, it will be closer to other international financial and business districts. The mixed-use development will comprise more than 100 buildings, with a combination of prime commercial and residential properties, retail, cultural and entertainment areas.

The inclusion of a number of national entities and government buildings within Msheireb Downtown Doha as a whole represents a significant step toward the realisation of deeper collaboration and economic integration. Msheireb Downtown Doha will encompass five heritage quarters and multiple geographic phases. Tenants will include major government buildings, heritage quarters, four heritages houses within Msheireb Museums, a school and the National Archive, as well as the recently opened Mosque. The result will be a lively urban neighbourhood, which as well as hosting the Qatar Financial Centre and its licensed firms, will also offer leisure facilities and a number of residences including townhouses, upscale apartments and hotels, all centred around a new public square, Barahat Msheireb.

Announcing the QFC’s newest and largest designation, CEO Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida said: “The Qatar National Vision 2030 economic development pillar stipulates the need for open and flexible economic structures, which QFC offers through its business-friendly platform. It also states the need for the creation of a stimulating business climate capable of attracting foreign funds and technologies, and encouraging national investments. At the QFC, we have been steadily building such an environment. Through this relocation, we are taking a giant leap forward on the path of economic diversification.”

“The Qatar Financial Centre’s relocation to Msheireb Downtown Doha is representative of Msheireb Properties enduring promise of enhancing the economic and financial dynamism at Msheireb Downtown Doha. It also revives the history of Msheireb area which has always been a major centre of business and trade. This designation is further emblematic of our commitment to driving leadership, innovation and excellence through challenging convention and finding new methods of leveraging our developments for the way people and companies live, work and conduct business in an integrated, enriching and sustainable mixed-use community,” said Msheireb Properties CEO Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi.

Al-Mehshadi added: “Msheireb Downtown is distinguished by its high-tech infrastructure and being a leader in smart city solutions which consists of state-of-the-art technology that integrates multiple information and communications systems required in the financial sector. Additionally, this relocation will impart confidence to international investors and partners, and will enhance Qatar’s position as a major regional and international financial hub. This will play a central role in diversifying the economy as part of our pledge to the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Offering businesses and their occupants a modern integrated working lifestyle, Msheireb Downtown Doha blends traditional Qatari heritage and aesthetics with modern technology, and has a strong focus on sustainability. With more than 100 buildings targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) gold and platinum ratings, it will be home to the world’s highest concentration of LEED buildings in the world.

The project also leads in terms of transportation and facilities with cars and traditional services placed underground and a full-scale public transport network, with the aim of creating a pedestrian and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The project will be served by Msheireb station, which has been billed as the hub of the upcoming Metro network, being the major interchange station for the lines.

Following the QFC’s relocation and move of QFC firms, other QFC entities including the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) and the Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) will relocate as well. Their relocation is expected to be complete in 2019.