17 October 2011 (Doha, Qatar) – Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (Qatari Diar), an international leader in sustainable development, today announced its support of the 1st GCC Transport and Railways Conference as a Strategic Partner.

Being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the two-day conference is set to take place from 17-19 October at The Ritz Carlton Doha. It coincides with the Qatar International Exhibition for Transport and Logistics (TRANS4) at the Doha Exhibition Center. With a view to highlight Gulf-wide plans for transport and railway development plans and projects, and being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the conference is set to take place between 17-19 October at The Ritz Carlton Doha, and coincides with the Qatar International Exhibition for Transport and Logistics (TRANS4) at the Doha Exhibition Center.

“Qatari Diar’s backing of the event stems from our strong belief that encouraging cross-industry dialogue leads to positive long-term dividends. The GCC Transport and Railways Conference and the associated exhibition has the potential to put the spotlight on one of the fastest and most dynamically developing industries in Qatar and across the region,” said Eng. Mohamed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group CEO, QATARI DIAR.

“Over the next few years, Qatari Diar’s subsidiary, Qatar Railways Company, will be making a significant contribution to the development of our national economy through a fully-integrated railway system – the first in the region,” added Al Hedfa.

The Qatar Railways Company (RAIL) has been tasked with bringing to life the Qatar Integrated Railway project. The move unifies all planned railways within Qatar—including the Doha metro, the Lusail Light Rail, the West Bay People’s Mover, and other rail links connecting the World Cup 2022 venues and freight transport—as well as providing connections to neighboring Bahrain and Saudi Arabia via high-speed passenger and freight rail lines.

The GCC bloc will be the fifth biggest economy in the world by 2018. An intra-country rail network connecting the region is the key for further economic integration. In addition to Qatari Diar’s sponsorship of the GCC Transport and Railways Conference, the company is also in the final stages of preparation to showcase its signature projects, both locally and globally, at the TRANS4 exhibition at the Doha Exhibition Center.

The highlight of Qatari Diar’s stand at the event will be the presentation of its iconic Lusail City project and the Sheraton Park redevelopment.

International projects include the Le Royal Monceau – Raffles, Paris, which was reopened in October 2010 following extensive refurbishment, the legendary Hotel Schweizerhof Bern, Switzerland, which celebrated its reopening in June 2011, and the Mushaireb development in the heart of Khartoum, Sudan, which has recently welcomed its first residents.

Also on exhibit will be Qatari Diar’s strategic investment in three residential buildings within the Grosvenor Waterside complex in Belgravia, London, and the One Nile Avenue in Cairo, Egypt.

The GCC Transport and Railways Conference is being held by the Qatar Railways Company (RAIL) in association with the General Secretariat of the GCC, the Federation of GCC Chambers, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, while Al Baida Group is organizing the TRANS4.