Interview: Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality, on establishing a comprehensive strategy for the creation of sustainable urban centres by 2030
Which strategies ensure that Qatar’s real estate and construction projects align with environmental and sustainability development goals?
ABDULLAH BIN HAMAD BIN ABDULLAH AL ATTIYA: Qatar integrates sustainability principles into all stages of planning and execution for real estate and construction projects, reflecting its commitment to Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-30. These frameworks balance environmental preservation with developmental needs. The Ministry of Municipality spearheads sustainable urban development through a comprehensive plan created in collaboration with various national entities to meet present needs without compromising the well-being of future generations.
The Qatar National Development Framework, part of this plan, envisions sustainable cities offering high quality of life for Qatari citizens. Key projects include the Climate Change Strategy for Urban Planning and Urban Development Sector to mitigate carbon emissions, a national strategy for open areas and sports services to enhance green spaces, and a green belt development strategy, aimed at curbing urban sprawl by establishing green zones around cities.
How can land use and urban planning be structured to support economic growth and create liveable, resilient communities amid rapid urbanisation?
AL ATTIYA: Qatar’s comprehensive strategy establishes a spatial framework to create sustainable cities by 2030. It incorporates a hierarchy of mixed-use urban centres, designed for accessibility via public transport and distributed equitably to ensure all residents benefit from essential services. This approach reduces private vehicle reliance, lowers carbon emissions and enhances residents’ quality of life. Each municipality has tailored spatial plans to support economic growth while preserving cultural identity. These include diverse housing solutions for varying income groups, from villas to apartment complexes. Notably, Qatar is the first state within the World Health Organisation’s cluster of Eastern Mediterranean countries to have all municipalities designated as healthy cities, underscoring its efforts in promoting sustainable living. Initiatives like Studio 18 encourage innovative urban planning, uniting architects, planners and institutions to develop future-focused solutions for municipalities and cities.
What steps can address the rising demand for affordable housing in Qatar’s urban areas while maintaining high construction standards and inclusivity?
AL ATTIYA: The Qatar National Housing Strategy, launched in 2020, aims to provide affordable housing across all population segments, ensuring that costs do not account for a significant share of monthly income. Policies support diverse housing patterns, meeting the needs of various social and economic groups. Developers are required to allocate portions of their projects to affordable housing, ensuring sufficient supply within urban areas. Worker housing projects, developed through public-private collaboration, adhere to high planning and design standards, offering open spaces and essential services. This approach underscores Qatar’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban living. By reducing housing costs, innovations in construction techniques like advanced materials help to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
What green building practices can be adopted in the real estate and construction sectors to incentivise developers and prioritise sustainability?
AL ATTIYA: Sustainable building practices are integral to the goals of QNV 2030, as they reduce the carbon footprint of urban development. Regulations incorporate sustainability principles and environmental commitments, such as the climate change strategy launched in November 2024. Incentives for developers include increased allowances for built-up areas when implementing technologies like solar panels and green roofs.
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