Aqarat Announces Key Updates for 4th Qatar Real Estate Forum 2026

Doha, Qatar — September 2026: The Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat has announced key updates for the fourth edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum 2026, which will be held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The forum will take place from October 27 to 29, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), in partnership between Aqarat and Informa Tharawat. It will also coincide with Cityscape Qatar, strengthening its role as a major platform for real estate dialogue, investment, and market development.

This year’s edition comes at a time when Qatar’s real estate sector is witnessing a major transformation beyond traditional development, sales, and purchases. Real estate is increasingly being positioned as a key pillar of investment, wealth management, portfolio diversification, and the wider capital ecosystem.

The forum’s programme will explore several key themes shaping the sector, including real estate financing, investment returns, portfolio diversification, tokenization of real estate assets, sustainability, economic and technological developments, and the impact of geopolitical and economic shifts on real estate markets.

The event will bring together government leaders, developers, investors, policymakers, and senior decision-makers to discuss emerging opportunities, regulatory developments, market trends, and the future direction of Qatar’s real estate sector.

H.E. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, President of Aqarat, said the forum comes during a period of rapid geopolitical developments affecting different sectors and markets, highlighting the importance of discussions focused on the future of real estate and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. He noted that the evolving business environment and regulatory framework underline the importance of strengthening resilience and investor confidence in the sector.

According to the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice, real estate transactions in Qatar reached QAR 10.69 billion, approximately USD 2.9 billion, during the first half of 2026.

Aqarat aims to use the forum as a platform to keep pace with the ongoing transformation of Qatar’s real estate sector, strengthen integration among stakeholders, support partnerships, and highlight quality investment opportunities.

The event will also place strong focus on real estate tokenization, following the approval by Qatar’s Council of Ministers on August 26, 2026, of a draft law regulating real estate tokenization and the trading of real estate tokens, along with its draft executive regulations.

The forum is being held in strategic partnership with Cityscape Qatar, continuing cooperation aimed at strengthening Qatar’s real estate investment environment, enhancing governance and transparency, and attracting capital through joint events and platforms.

Wouter Molman, Chief Commercial Officer at Informa Tharawat, said the forum helps translate regulatory reforms into tangible market activity. He noted that Aqarat’s regulatory leadership, combined with Cityscape’s international platform and global network, can connect Qatari developers with GCC and international investors, helping convert market access into foreign direct investment and strengthening Qatar’s position as a global real estate investment destination in support of Qatar National Vision 2030.

H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al Thani, CEO of Qatari Diar, said the company’s sponsorship of the fourth edition is a natural extension of its role as a key partner in shaping the future of Qatar’s real estate sector. He added that the strategic partnership with Aqarat reflects an effective model of integration between the public and private sectors, supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 and strengthening the competitiveness of the sector regionally and internationally.

Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Tayeb, CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, said the Group’s continued sponsorship of the forum reaffirms its commitment to supporting dialogue, enhancing competitiveness, and exploring new investment and development opportunities. He added that the development of the real estate sector requires strong partnerships, an attractive investment environment, knowledge exchange, innovation, and the ability to respond to market developments.

According to the Qatar Central Bank’s Financial Stability Review, the real estate sector accounted for 6.1% of Qatar’s GDP in December 2025, while real estate credit represented 20% of total domestic credit extended to the private sector by the banking system at the end of December 2025.

In 2025, Qatar introduced several laws and initiatives to further develop the real estate sector. These included allowing GCC citizens to own residential properties in designated areas for personal and family use, alongside strengthened regulations governing the purchase, use, and disposal of real estate.

Aqarat also launched the Qatar Real Estate Platform, including a sector dashboard designed to enhance transparency and improve access to real estate market information.

The rental market recorded notable growth in 2025, with the total number of lease contracts increasing by 30.6% year-on-year and their total value rising by 27.8%. Commercial lease contracts increased by 43.6%, while residential contracts grew by 25.3%. The number of vacant units declined by 20%.

The Qatar Real Estate Forum 2026 is expected to serve as a leading platform for dialogue on the future of the real estate sector in Qatar and the region, bringing together government leaders, investors, developers, policymakers, and experts to explore the opportunities shaping the next phase of the market.