Abdulrahman Toutonji, CEO of Shift Group, affirmed that Qatar’s real estate market remains an attractive destination for foreign investors in the upcoming phase. Despite some fluctuations following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, he noted that the market experienced a brief correction period that helped maintain healthy returns on real estate projects in Doha. Toutonji highlighted that 2024 was a successful year, citing strong financial returns for investors and the launch of several new developments alongside enhancements to existing projects.

Toutonji, who previously served as CEO of Lesha Bank and is currently a board member, pointed to the positive impact of these developments in boosting investor confidence. He emphasized Qatar’s growing appeal as a major tourism destination in the Middle East and North Africa, noting that the increasing number of international visitors has encouraged many to consider owning homes in the country — whether for residence, vacation, or investment — thanks to the unique advantages that set Qatar apart from other markets.

Tourism as a Key Driver of Real Estate Growth

Toutonji believes tourism could be the main catalyst for enhancing foreign investment in Qatar’s real estate sector. He expects 2025 to deliver even stronger investment figures, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify income sources and reduce reliance on natural gas exports. The completion of the North Field Expansion is anticipated to further support this economic shift.

He also praised the Qatari government’s ongoing efforts to develop the tourism sector and elevate Doha’s status as a global travel hub. New regulations and initiatives aimed at facilitating business operations are encouraging longer visitor stays, which in turn, create more opportunities in both the real estate and hospitality industries.

A Distinctive Work Culture at Shift Group

In an interview with The Business Year, Toutonji emphasized that Shift Group remains focused on investment and nurturing a strong corporate culture across its various business segments — including manufacturing, design, real estate, consulting, retail, and digital platforms.

He stressed the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that enables long-term success. Toutonji noted that around 90% of Shift’s employees are expatriates, which underlines the group’s philosophy of becoming a “second family” to its team members.

He added that this approach has earned Shift Group recognition as one of the Top 10 Best Workplaces in Qatar and among the Top 30 Best Workplaces for Women, driven by flexible policies and an open-door culture that encourages direct communication between staff and senior leadership.