Anthony Awkar: War impact on Qatar real estate Is psychological, not structural

Anthony Awkar, Managing Partner at Capstone Property, said the impact of the war on Qatar’s real estate sector is largely psychological rather than structural, with market activity continuing despite a more cautious investment approach.

Speaking to CNBC Arabia, Awkar explained that markets do not stop during periods of uncertainty, but decision-making tends to slow down and becomes more selective. He noted that Qatar entered the current period from a position of strength, supported by solid market momentum.

Data from February 2026 reflects this resilience. Real estate transactions reached QAR 2.71 billion across 508 deals, compared to QAR 1.29 billion and 365 transactions in February 2025. This indicates continued activity despite external pressures.

Awkar said the market is not declining but evolving. Strong assets continue to perform well, while weaker ones face increasing pressure. He added that crises cannot always be avoided, but their management is what defines market outcomes.

He pointed out that Qatar has demonstrated its ability to navigate challenging periods, referencing the 2017 blockade, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the post-FIFA World Cup phase as examples of resilience.

Looking ahead, Awkar said confidence will return before transaction volumes recover fully. He stressed that the current environment is not a time to exit the market, but rather an opportunity for investors to be selective and take advantage of emerging opportunities.

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