GAJ (Godwin Austen Johnson), one of the largest architectural and design practices in the UAE, is slowly shifting its focus to Qatar which is investing heavily in infrastructure as part of its preparation for the World Cup 2022 gala.

As a first step, the company has appointed a business development manager for its office located in capital Doha, said a statement from GAJ.

He will be responsible for overseeing the operation and the team in a bid to forge closer working relationships with key clients as well as provide a local base to increase the company’s profile and reach there, it stated.

“Qatar has continued to invest heavily in infrastructure in preparation for the World Cup 2022 with significant investment in key areas such as airports, hospitals, schools and stadiums and our decision to expand our team there is a timely one as we continue to build our portfolio of clients and projects across the Middle East,” remarked Brian Johnson, the managing partner of GAJ.

The Doha office has the complete support of GAJ’s 180-strong team of architects, interior designers and MEP specialists based in their Gulf regional office in the UAE, he added.

Already well-established in the UAE, GAJ’s increased presence in Qatar will build on the firm’s presence in the Middle East, where they are currently working on several high profile projects including the Gulf Hotel Business Bay, the DoubleTree by Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn in Riyadh, Serenia Residences, The Palm Jumeirah and Marsa Al Seef in Dubai. The new Doha office will provide architectural, interior design and specialist lighting services across the hospitality, education, commercial, government and residential sectors.

One of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the emirates, GAJ has been working in the Middle East for more than 25 years and has played a key role in some of the region’s most iconic buildings, including the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Sports City and The One&Only Royal Mirage as well as Bab Al Shams Desert Resort Dubai.-TradeArabia News Service