Al-Obaidly: 13.1% Population Growth Boosts Real Estate Demand in Qatar

Engineer Khalid Ahmed Al-Obaidly, Chairman of the General Authority for Regulating the Real Estate Sector (Aqarat), stated that Qatar's advanced infrastructure — developed in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — along with a 13.1% population increase since 2020, raising the population to over 3.2 million, has significantly bolstered real estate demand and mitigated the risks of oversupply.

Speaking at the session titled "Global Real Estate: Between Supply and Demand" during the second day of the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, Al-Obaidly noted that the demand extends beyond residential housing to include high-end and specialized office spaces, public and private hospitals, as well as educational and sports facilities.

He highlighted key initiatives by the authority, including the establishment of the Licensing Committee and the implementation of an Escrow Account mechanism to ensure investor funds are held under the authority’s supervision — reducing financial risks posed by developers. He also emphasized their international promotion strategy through a marketing roadmap that showcases flagship projects such as the upcoming Simaisma Project.

Al-Obaidly concluded by stressing the importance of developers understanding both local and regional market needs, pointing out that Qatar complements neighboring Gulf markets like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain — positioning it as a gateway for regional investment.

David Steinbach, Global Head of Investment at Hines, praised Qatar’s advanced infrastructure and integrated urban planning, describing the country as a model for future cities. He cited its high quality of life within a compact geographical area as a key attraction for both investors and residents.