During Cityscape Qatar 2025, Qatar Living spoke with Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Just Real Estate Company – Qatar, about the factors attracting investors to Qatar, the evolution of the real estate market, and how infrastructure, lifestyle-driven developments, and regulation are shaping the sector’s future. In this interview, he shares insights drawn from decades of experience across urban planning, development, and market transformation in Qatar.
Watch the full interview here:
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Qatar Living: What are the main factors that attract investors in Qatar currently?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
The infrastructure. The Qatari government has modernised the infrastructure over the past 15 years. The infrastructure in Qatar has become highly developed, including roads, sewage systems, water, electricity, the opening of new areas, bridges, roads, and ease of movement throughout Qatar.
There is virtually no traffic congestion—maybe at certain times in certain areas—but anywhere in Qatar, from north to south and east to west, there is ease of access and availability of metro lines, bus routes, and public transportation.
This contributes to and enhances the concepts of real estate development in the country and provides greater opportunities to reach many areas, develop them, and make them real estate products with a return on investment.
Previously, if someone requested to build a project in the Al-Sakhama area, they would respond, “Where are you going in the middle of the desert?” Today, Al-Sakhama is part of Doha. Al-Khisa is now in the heart of Doha.
When I started working at the Ministry of Municipality in the 1990s, these areas were considered remote, difficult to reach, or simply very far.
But today, thanks to the urban development plan and the strategic plan for implementing infrastructure services in the country, Qatar has significantly increased its appeal for real estate investment.
In addition, there are complementary factors we see in Qatar. We have the best healthcare services and the best educational services. Qatar is an attractive environment for families to live in and attractive for investors from outside Qatar.
We have recently seen many non-Arab investors preferring to live here because of the family-friendly environment, as well as the educational and healthcare facilities that enhance their luxury.
All these attractive factors encourage and motivate investors, especially with the flexibility of the current investment laws, which the country is constantly working to update to attract a wider base of clients and investors.
Qatar Living: How do you see the development of the real estate market in Qatar over the next five years?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
I believe that today, investors and property buyers in Qatar have a greater understanding of real estate products. We used to develop real estate products or buildings to meet needs.
Then there was a boom and development in the country starting in 2004 and 2005 due to the number of projects, including the World Cup projects.
Although Qatar’s development plan existed and was established even before the World Cup was announced, the World Cup came as a complement. Plans like Vision 2030 and others were already in place.
Qatar Living: How do you see the development of the real estate market in Qatar today?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
This has led to a market that is more focused on lifestyle. People are now looking for real estate that reflects style, lifestyle, and luxury.
Previously, we used to build to meet urgent and immediate needs. Now, we build for a more sophisticated lifestyle.
People now have a wider range of options and are looking for better construction quality, finishing, and services. Over the next five years, I advise and emphasise, through this platform, focusing on residential villas.
People now prefer living in villas. We have seen many Qataris embrace the concept of building a small house at the beginning of family life, during the early stages of marriage, and then building a larger house later, which they call their lifelong home.
We have also seen many expatriates prefer residential villas and compounds. The current market for compounds is experiencing high demand, especially since there is a law allowing non-Qataris to own property within these compounds if they meet the requirements of the Ministry of Justice and the Real Estate Authority.
Regarding residential units, specifically villas, I believe that in the next five years, for apartments, if they offer the necessary services such as maintenance, a gym, and a swimming pool, people sometimes prefer to live in such residential buildings.
As for administrative buildings, I advise against investing in or constructing them because the market already has an abundance and surplus. The same goes for commercial buildings, shops, or malls. I believe we have enough for the next ten years.
Qatar Living: What makes the real estate market in Qatar unique compared to other GCC countries?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
Regarding Doha itself, the city is quiet and offers everything you could want. You can choose your lifestyle. It gives you the option not to be bound to live in a certain area.
You have your own lifestyle available to you, and this depends on the individual.
What distinguishes Doha is the variety of options, and they are available to everyone, whether citizens or residents. It depends on you, and this is an advantage.
Some places in other countries have only one lifestyle, but not in Qatar. There are several options that give people the freedom to choose.
Qatar Living: What sets your company apart in a highly competitive market?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
We are part of an integrated system. Everyone is a blessing, and I am one of them. We complement each other.
The market demands services. Your services are what distinguish you, your prices are what distinguish you, and your follow-up with your clients is what distinguishes you.
Thank God, all Qatari companies are now leading companies that provide great services. I consider my company one of these companies, which completes the real estate system in the country.
I am proud when I hear about their successes, because their success is my success. God willing, I wish everyone success.
Qatar Living: What project are you most proud of in your company?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
Recently, there is one project that I truly consider unique—the Four Seasons project on The Pearl. It is a fully integrated and meticulously planned residential project. Perfect location, top-notch operator, the design, and the interior finishes.
On the ground, the project is complete with all its services. It is the Four Seasons project, and it has been met with great enthusiasm and attracted a large number of international investors.
We have sold over 50 percent, and all are from outside Qatar. There has been strong demand. This confirms that if we provide the right, luxurious real estate product with all the essential elements for success, international investors will be eager to buy properties in Qatar.
Another project currently under development is The Growth by the real estate developer JMJ and Zaha Hadid. I believe the people in charge of JMJ, Sheikh Jabor bin Mansour, have done a unique job in designing an architectural icon on Qetaifan Island.
This truly supports and elevates the level of real estate development in the country because he went beyond the norm and brought in a world-class designer to design residential buildings.
Qatar Living: How does your company contribute to shaping the future of real estate in Qatar and achieving Vision 2030?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
We conduct many studies and figures based on facts and reality. When I conduct any marketing study or any study that relies on preparing an economic feasibility study, you will find me on the ground with my employees asking questions.
We do not rely on ChatGPT. We use it as guidance, but we like to see these figures on the ground.
I like my contributions to be based on my experiences—what experiences we have had, what the market needs, and what the supply and demand figures are.
I provide this to the real estate sector and to real estate developers to build a genuine story.
People must know that in the real estate market, the success of others is your success because you are part of them. Negative images that emerge from any project will reflect negatively on your work. This is the image of a complete nation, so everyone must work to achieve the public good before personal interests.
Qatar Living: If you didn’t work in real estate, what career path would you follow today?
Engineer Nasser Hassan Al-Ansari:
An engineer. An engineer. An engineer. No change.
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