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

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) has announced key updates for the fourth edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum 2026, held under the patronage of His Excellency 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.

The fourth edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum comes at a time when the real estate sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation beyond traditional development, sales, and purchases, with real estate increasingly positioned as a pillar of investment, wealth management, and the broader capital ecosystem.

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

The forum 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 the real estate sector.

H.E. Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, President of Aqarat, said the forum comes at a time of rapid geopolitical developments that are affecting different sectors and markets, underscoring the importance of discussions focused on the future of the real estate sector and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. He noted that these developments, alongside the evolving business environment and regulatory framework, highlight the importance of strengthening the sector’s resilience and investor confidence.

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

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

Global capital is being directed toward major portfolio restructuring due to rapid technological transformation and the search for safe-haven assets with sustainable returns. Global financial reports point to four prominent areas currently attracting international investment: artificial intelligence, tokenized real-world assets, energy technology, and regional markets.

Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved, on August 26, 2026, a draft law regulating real estate tokenization and the trading of real estate tokens, as well as 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. The forum will coincide with Cityscape Qatar.

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 economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030.

 H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Talal Al Thani, CEO of Qatari Diar, said: “Our sponsorship of the fourth edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum is a natural extension of our role as a key partner in shaping the future of Qatar’s real estate sector. We believe that our strategic partnership with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat represents an optimal model for integration between the public and private sectors, in a manner that supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and strengthens the competitiveness of this vital sector regionally and internationally.”

Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Tayeb, CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group, said continued sponsorship of the forum reaffirms the Group’s commitment to supporting dialogue, enhancing competitiveness and exploring new investment and development opportunities in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

He added that the development of the real estate sector requires strong partnerships, an attractive investment environment, knowledge and expertise, innovation and the ability to respond to market developments, expressing confidence that this year’s edition will open new horizons for the sector.

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 a number of laws and initiatives aimed at further developing the real estate sector. GCC citizens were permitted to own residential properties in designated areas for personal and family use, while regulations governing the purchase, use and disposal of real estate were strengthened and refined.

These reforms are expected to expand investment opportunities for foreign investors, including GCC citizens, by defining ownership areas and enhancing the regulation and management of residential and commercial units.

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

The rental market also recorded notable growth in 2025. The total number of lease contracts increased by 30.6% year-on-year, while their total value rose 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%.

--

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarlivingproperties

X - @ql_properties

Facebook - QLProperties

YouTube - Qatar Living Properties