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Simaisma Project: Qatar Announces Mega Entertainment District

Posted on by darion

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Image source: Getty Images

As part of a broad initiative to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, Qatar has launched an ambitious tourism initiative called the Simaisma Project.

The announcement was made on June 27 at a high-profile event in Doha, where leaders from both the public and private sectors gathered to unveil this mega-infrastructure plan.

The Simaisma project, the brainchild of Qatar’s Ministry of Municipalities, is expected to transform over 8 million square meters, including 7 kilometers of waterfront properties, stretching over Qatar’s eastern coast along Simaisma Beach on the country’s eastern coast.

Qatar’s Smaisma project can compete with Disneyland

The development, managed by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, will feature a range of attractions designed to appeal to both locals and international visitors.

Key features of the Simaisma project include an expansive theme park, an 18-hole championship golf course, luxury villas, a state-of-the-art marina and a range of exclusive restaurants and retail outlets.

In addition to these attractions, the project will offer 16 designated zones for private development, providing ample opportunities for investment in tourism infrastructure.

Qatari Minister of Local Government Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah highlighted the importance of the project, emphasising its role in supporting cooperation between the public and private sectors.

He stated: “We are steadily moving towards realizing Qatar’s National Vision 2030, building a more prosperous and stable future for future generations in economic, social and environmental areas. We are excited to contribute to the development of the tourism and leisure sector by driving innovative projects that meet the growing demand in this key industry.

Ali bin Mohamed Al-Ali, CEO of Qatari Diar, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project’s potential to redefine tourism in the region. “We have meticulously planned this project under the guidance of the Ministry of Municipalities and in line with Qatar’s continuous growth trajectory. This project will set new standards for tourism in the region and write a new and extraordinary chapter in Qatar’s success story,” he said.

Qatari Diar, with 50 projects in 20 countries and a total investment of approximately USD 35 billion, will lead the development of this entertainment district.

Impact on real estate

Qatar’s broader real estate sector, valued at around $485 billion in 2024, has become a magnet for foreign direct investment, second only to the energy sector.

This growth is driven by increased demand for residential and commercial space, a surge in visitor numbers, Qatar’s role as a host of large-scale events, and advancements in the business and commercial sectors.

Additionally, the Simaisma project will incorporate state-of-the-art construction technologies to minimize dependence on unskilled labor and use locally sourced environmentally friendly materials. These measures are in line with Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development practices.

This new development is in line with Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2024-2030, unveiled earlier this year. The strategy focuses on expanding the economy beyond its traditional dependence on fossil fuels and supporting greater foreign direct investment.

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