The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, attended a high level presentation by senior executives from Qatar-based real estate company and subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, Msheireb Properties, at the Msheireb Enrichment Centre.
 
Issa M Al Mohannadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties, presented the milestones achieved at the company's Downtown project as well as the pioneering work it currently undertakes in the field of sustainable urban development, a statement from the company said.

This is the second time that the Prince has visited the company, the statement said

“Msheireb is committed to the principle of knowledge sharing, sustainability and community development, which we see as essential to achieving the Qatar 2030 Vision of creating a truly sustainable economy. To that end, our collaboration with British and other international consultants contribute to enhancing the skill sets and capabilities of our local construction sector,” he said.

The Duke of York is a well-known ambassador on behalf of British businesses and has been representing its interests for a number of years.

British consultants contributing to the Msheireb Downtown Doha project include Arup, Allies & Morrison, Adjaye Associates, John McAslan & Partners, Mossessian & Partners, Jovin Manko Studio, David Collins Studio, Drake & Scull, and Gensler.

Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Qatar and Britain has increased by more than 160 per cent to QR12.7 billion ($3.49 billion), making Qatar the UK’s third largest market in the GCC and fourth largest in the Arab world, the statement.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani pledged to double bilateral trade to QR25 billion ($6.87 billion) by 2015, earlier this year.

Through the project, the company is realising a new architectural language by building the world's first sustainable downtown regeneration project, in a 31 hectares (76 acres) historical site of downtown Doha, it said.

It aims to transform the old commercial and business district into the vibrant, cohesive and culturally active city centre. The unique mixed-use project utilises age-old principles of design and urban planning to create a pedestrian neighbourhood, minimising congestion and encouraging a community feel distinct to Qatari contemporary culture.

Moreover, the project has sustainable principles at its core, illustrated by its high-density master plan, preservation of existing heritage sites, and use of natural light and ventilation, it said. – TradeArabia News Service