On the occasion of their third year anniversary and the second anniversary of the start of construction on-site, Qetaifan Projects has successfully adapted to difficulties, transforming challenges into opportunities especially during a particularly demanding year.
The development of Qetaifan Island North managed to stick to the set schedule and did not suffer any noticeable delays from the specified work plan. Quite the opposite, as a committee was formed to develop a joint plan between the Operations and Technical Departments.
The committee, headed by HE Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of Katara Hospitality, managed to tide the company over the crises without much bearing on the company’s operation, especially as they have to supervise more than 7,000 workers working on-site around the clock, in addition to company employees.
The first phase project package includes the construction of the hotel, waterpark, the icon tower island, the salt canal, the retail plaza, the mosque and the beach club. The construction was under six main contractors.
The most prominent priorities for crisis management were the physical and psychological health of employees. The company made sure that they follow the precautionary measures set by the State’s Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and the Ministry of Public Health.
Clear vision, one goal
According to Sheikh Nasser bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, working in a successful organisation such as Katara Hospitality under the leadership of HE Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Katara Hospitality, puts more responsibility and requires more effort from their side.
He said that to reach the summit is difficult, but maintaining your position on top is much more difficult and requires everyone to not only work as a team but to work as ‘one body’ in the face of the crisis. He pointed out that the main reason behind the success of Qetaifan Projects is clarity of vision. This is the essence of crisis management.
Transforming challenges into opportunities
The ambitious Qetaifan Projects started in 2020 but was launched during Cityscape 2019 when they made their first direct contact with customers. Their booth at the exhibition witnessed a great turnout of visitors who are all interested to learn more about the project.
The number of plot reservations reached four times the quantity offered. The Phase 1 residential villa plots were sold out. The company launched the sale of Phase 2 villa plots in 2020, under strict precautionary measures to ensure that everyone, including their employees and families, remains safe. Demand for ownership in Qetaifan Island North continues.
The Human Resources Department also initiated intensive internal awareness campaigns and provided electronic work platforms so that everyone can work from home more efficiently. Employees were encouraged to join training, workshops and webinars, and even a book reading club to spread positivity, which effectively affected employee productivity and opened doors for innovative new ideas.
Over QAR 1 billion in sales within 12 months
2020 began with many ambitions, brought on by the success witnessed during the previous year. Many innovative marketing plans and ideas were developed to ensure the continuity of their achievements. The COVID-19 pandemic was not at all a barrier between Qetaifan Projects and their goal to succeed.
Qetaifan Projects succeeded in delivering the message of ‘one body’ not only to employees, but also to customers, giving them more confidence in the rising value of Qetaifan Island North as a project, and the commercial identity of Qetaifan Projects.
The second phase of plots included the launch of a new real estate product for the first time in the market – villas with access to an exclusive five-star operated beach. Despite the pandemic, the offered villa plots in Phase 2 sold out and their sales exceeded QAR1 billion in one night.
Qetaifan Projects strives for globalisation
Qetaifan Projects also made a number of global partnerships during 2020, the most prominent of which is with the British company Sarner International Ltd, to design and implement an edutainment ride in Qetaifan Island North’s waterpark, equipped with augmented reality technology and 3D visual effects on the discovery of oil and gas in Qatar.
They signed a deal with Severn Lamb, the world leader in the design, supply and manufacture of light urban, leisure and resort transport, to manufacture and install the Waterpark train; and with Interlink, a company specialising in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of water rides.
Qetaifan Projects also won the award for the best place to work in Qatar, coming in third place in the Middle East, and sixth in the world after international companies.
Awards and recognitions
The Qetaifan Projects Finance team obtained the accreditation of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, with seven of their employees obtaining membership in the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Their Marketing Department also won the Marcom Platinum Award as the best team achievement for the sales of Qetaifan Island North’s Phase 1 villa plots in 2020; the NYX Marcom Excellence Award 2020; and the Stevie bronze award for sales achievement in Phase 1 – 2021.
More awards:
- Best New Real Estate Development Company in Qatar 2020
- Most Innovative New Real Estate Developer in Qatar 2020 (International Finance Magazine)
- Best Real Estate Development Company in Qatar 2020 (Global Business Outlook Awards)
- Safety Excellence Award 2020 in Real Estate sector (Qatar Achievements on Vocational Safety Book)
- Nominated, Arabian Property Awards 2021.
What Qetaifan Projects considers as one of its most important achievements though, of which it is very proud, is their popularity locally, making up 90% of their market.
Qetaifan Projects is fully owned by Katara Hospitality and the exclusive real estate developer of Qetaifan Island North. For more information, visit qetaifanprojects.com.
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