Qatar's Barwa reveals tourism resort plan

Barwa, the largest listed real estate company in Qatar in terms of developments, on Wednesday revealed plans to build a tourism resort in the Gulf state.

The developer said it would build Salwa Bay Resort on the south western coast of the country.

Ghanim bin Saad Al-Saad, company chairman and managing director, said the resort would be developed over the next six years without giving details of costs.

It will feature a mix of residential and hospitality properties, he said in a statement posted on the company website.

Another major project for the future, he said, would be Motor City, which will cost QR2bn and cover an area of 1.8m sq m.

The city would provide an array of services to dealers of vehicles as well as maintenance and service facilities. Insurance, finance and banking houses would also be included in the proposed project.

Al-Saad added that as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Barwa’s strategy would focus on "capitalising on development plans to support the infrastructural needs of the country".

"Therefore, Barwa's strategy main focus shall be on local market to ensure successful delivery of infrastructure projects that contribute to the success of Qatar's economy," he said.

Barwa’s priority during 2011, he said, was a focus on "enhancing business efficiency and overall growth of the company".
Barwa Commercial Avenue, which aims to create a world-scale commercial city, is set to be completed in 2012, the company statement added.