The construction of Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), one of the largest convention and exhibition centres in the Middle East, is well on track for completion and is set to open in 2011, said its top official.

QNCC is committed to positioning Qatar as one of the world’s most inspirational destinations to host international conventions, said Paul D’Arcy, QNCC general manager.

'The first stage of the Convention Centre building is now fully complete. In the next two months, sections of the interior will be ready for ‘hard-hat’ viewing with two of the auditoria fitted out with tiered seating in place,' he stated.

According to him, the QNCC's first high profile event will be the World Petroleum Congress in December 2011.

'We expect to have many local and regional events prior to this, the majority being sourced from the various institutes and members of the Qatar Foundation,' he remarked.

The iconic Sidra Tree branch façade is changing colour daily with six undercoats being applied, he added.

QNCC, Paul said, is aware that it is their responsibility to be actively involved in identifying the challenges facing the meetings industry and the insufficient research data available.

'That is why QNCC is one of the first platinum sponsors for Conventions 2020 strategic research study launched last week. Global industry heavy weights, the International Convention & Congress Association (ICCA), IMEX Exhibitions, and Fast Future Research are the founders of this research program designed to take a wide ranging and forward looking perspective for the future of live events, venues and meetings destinations.'

'As we head towards our opening next year, this research will help us shape our business model to best meet the needs and demands of the global meetings industry,' Paul noted.

'Following the vision of Qatar Foundation's Chairperson, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, our aim is to set the benchmarks for the industry in the Middle East in terms of venue design, service excellence and corporate and social responsibility. The breadth of this study will assist us in achieving these goals and remaining relevant well into the future,” he said.

With Qatar's vibrant economy expected to reach a staggering 24.5 per cent in 2010, majority of infrastructure projects such as the new Doha International Airport have continued at breakneck speed.

'Meeting planners can also be assured that Doha can deliver the support services required,' he pointed out.

'The city had successfully hosted 13,000 Athletes from 45 nations during the 2006 Asian Games and the World Petroleum Council will hold their prestigious congress during our opening year with around 5,000 attendees.' Paul explained.

Now that our 'Marketing Platform' is complete with the finalisation of our new website, brochure and other e-marketing tools the response from the market continues to be very positive.

According to Paul, QNCC is the first convention and exhibition centre of its kind to be built to the premium standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (Leed) Green Building Rating System. It is an internationally recognised benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance.

'From design stage, we placed a great deal of importance on sustainability. It is a key issue in the industry today and we are committed to ensuring targets are met in areas such as water savings, energy efficiency and indoor environment quality,' he explained.

For example, the Centre will house 3,676 sq m of solar panels that occupy 7,080 sq m of roof area to produce 12 and half per cent of the buildings' total electrical requirement, he added.

Other initiatives include interactive LCD screens, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) for tracking of delegates as well as building assets and a totally wireless conference management system.-TradeArabia News Service