The captivating four-day spectacle of Build Your House 2024 has come to an end. With an impressive turnout of over 15000 attendees and the active participation of more than 250 exhibitors from 10 countries including Italy, Canada, Algeria, Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, KSA, and Oman. Supported by crucial government backing, this year’s BYH solidified its position as a pivotal platform committed to enhancing housing standards in Qatar and stimulating business growth in the construction sector.
In its magnificent fifth Edition, the Build Your House Exhibition transcended all prior triumphs, surpassed previous accomplishments by elevating standards and expanding perspectives, offering attendees an enriched experience through a larger exhibition space and the addition of the Second Gulf Housing Week.
On the final day of the BYH exhibition, His Excellency Mr. Abdullahi bin Hamad Al Attiyah, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, visited the exhibition and led a VIP tour around the international pavilion. He was accompanied by Mr. AbdulAziz Al-Kaabi, Vice Chairman of AL-Hattab Holding, and Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences.
That morning, as the Second Gulf Housing Week ended, Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family, led a VIP tour and special tribute. The event honored His Excellency Mr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Dr. Khalfan bin Saeed Al-Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning – Sultanate of Oman; His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Mansouri, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program – United Arab Emirates; Her Excellency Mrs. Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning – Kingdom of Bahrain; and His Excellency Eng. Rashid bin Hadi Al Anazi, Director General of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare – Kuwait.
The Second Gulf Housing Week culminated in a spectacular award and closing ceremony, honored by the distinguished attendance of Ministers, Dignitaries, and notable VIPs. Among them was Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, who led an exclusive tour of the BYH exhibition, culminating in a visit to the captivating and thought-provoking showcase titled "The Qatari House."
The Qatari House Exhibition serves as a platform for preserving the cultural and heritage identity of Qatar, showcasing elements of daily life, familial bonds, and societal values inherent to Qatari culture. Through their artworks and archival contributions, Qatari artists play a pivotal role in expressing the essence of Qatari heritage architecture. Regarded as trailblazers in the arts scene, they have made significant contributions to documenting cultural identity and the architectural evolution that blends Islamic influences with modern design. This fusion has given rise to iconic structures that serve as enduring symbols of Qatar's architectural and design progress. Notable participants include Engineer Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Jaida, artist Youssef Ahmed, and the Qatar Museums Authority Archive.
As the grand ceremony unfolded, the attendees were guided to stage, where His Excellency Fahid Muhammad Al-Khayarin, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development and Family in the State of Qatar gave a stirring speech, echoing the spirit of unity and progress that defined the event.A captivating video retrospective ensued, casting a gaze over the remarkable journey of the event, capturing the essence of innovation and collaboration that reverberated throughout BYH Exhibition and the Second Gulf Housing Week.
Among the esteemed guests present were notable figures including; Her Excellency Mrs. Amna bint Ahmed Al-Rumaihi Minister of Housing and Urban Planning – Kingdom of Bahrain; His Excellency Engineer Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Mansouri, Head of Delegation, Director of Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme – United Arab Emirates; His Excellency Dr. Khalfan bin Said bin Mubarak Al-Shuaili Minister of Housing and Urban Planning – Sultanate of Oman; His Excellency Engineer Majid bin Abdullah Al-Huqail Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Mr. Khalid bin Ali bin Salem Al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs – General Secretariat of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); His Excellency Engineer/ Abdullah Ali Al-Rabii Head of Human and Environmental Affairs Sector – General Secretariat; His Excellency Mr. Fahad Mohammed Al-Khayarin Assistant Undersecretary for Social Affairs at the Ministry of Social Development and Family – State of Qatar; His Excellency Engineer Hamad bin Ali Al-Nazwani Undersecretary of Housing at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning – Sultanate of Oman; Mr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah Al-Tawil, Undersecretary of Real Estate Development at the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Engineer Asim Abdul Latif Abdullah Undersecretary of Housing and Urban Planning – Kingdom of Bahrain; and His Excellency Engineer Rashid Hadi Dakhil Al-Anzi Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare – State of Kuwait.
This grand finale served as a beacon of celebration, commemorating a momentous occasion characterized by unparalleled collaboration and exponential growth. Against the backdrop of visionary innovations showcased throughout the event, the closing ceremony emerged as a poignant symbol of unity and progress in the realms of construction and design.
The final day of Build Your House 2024 celebrated Qatar’s emerging design talent with an appreciation ceremony honoring the winners of the VCUarts Qatar Student Competition. Amidst cheers and applause, Her Excellency Mrs. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family for the State of Qatar, presented the awards. Israa Mahjoub received first place, Haya Al Janahi secured second place, and Shaika Al-mass claimed third place. Each winner was celebrated for their creativity and interpretation of the design brief.
Following the student award ceremony, the Best Stand Design Award Ceremony ensued. The success of the Build Your House Exhibition owes much to its exhibitors, whose steadfast dedication to enriching attendee experiences mirrors their commitment to customer-centric values. In recognition of their exceptional endeavors in upholding exemplary standards, the following companies were honored with awards for their remarkable design and innovation:
Best Stand Design ( 36-72 sqm): Luxury Lighting and Furniture. Best Stand Design (72-96 sqm): Bela Casa. Best Stand Design (96 sqm-180 sqm): Your Own Interior/Modo Luce. Best Stand Design (180-300 sqm): Nabina Group. Best Stand Design (300sqm+): Al Hattab Holding.
Amidst the celebratory highlights, the concluding day of the Second Gulf Housing Week featured an engaging agenda filled with panel discussions and talks encompassing a broad spectrum of topics. Attendees delved into the intricacies of Real Estate Market Trends in Gulf Countries, traversed the landscapes of Innovation and Collaboration shaping forthcoming cities, and explored impactful Housing Solutions for the GCC Communities
With insights curated from seasoned speakers, The Second Gulf Housing Week unfolded as an exhilarating forum of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and network expansion. Against the backdrop of the dynamic GCC urban landscape, this event served as a beacon, guiding discussions towards crucial themes that will shape the GCC’s urban future.
At its core, the event championed the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, spotlighting the imperative of urban transformation in the GCC. From preserving cultural heritage to nurturing inclusive urban growth, every discourse proved a step towards a more vibrant and sustainable tomorrow.
Within this tapestry of ideas, the themes of Housing Accessibility, Sustainable Development, Technology and Innovation and Policy Frameworks took center stage as well, as voices united to champion environmentally conscious practices and resilient infrastructure. Advocating for sustainable living that ensures the well-being of generations to come. Together, these themes weave a narrative of hope and possibility, illuminating the path towards a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant urban landscape in the GCC and beyond.
The achievements of Build Your House 2024 in reaching unprecedented milestones owe immense gratitude to the steadfast support of its sponsors and partners which includes Official Support Partner: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Strategic Partner: Ministry of Social Development and Family, Official Partner: Ashghal, The Public Works Authority, Sustainability Partner: Kahramaa, and those who have supported us, including the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Dukhan Bank as the Official Bank, Tadmur Trading W.L.L. as the Founding Partner, Rankoussi as the Official Supplier, Platinum Sponsor: Al Rayyan Al Motahidah Projects , Gold Sponsors: Al Hattab Holding , Arabi Company Qatar W.L.L and Al Emadi Stones, Silver Sponsors: Monelli (Al Mutatawer Factory for Building Materials, Qatar uPVC Windows + Doors, and Jersey Group, Landscaping Sponsor: Al Sulaiteen Gardens; and the American Institute of Architects (AIA MEA) as Conference Partner, and Competition Educational Partner: VCUarts Qatar.
Their unwavering commitment and partnership have been instrumental in elevating the success and impact of Build Your House 2024 to new heights.
Speaking about Build Your House Exhibition 2024, Mr. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences, said: "I am absolutely delighted by the remarkable turnout, the immersive experiences, and the invaluable insights we've been able to provide. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed event partners, supporters, and sponsors whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in ensuring that the Build Your House Exhibition continues to serve as a vital nexus between government, industry, and the Qatari house building community.
He added: “Furthermore, I am pleased to emphasize the significance of our partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Social Development and Family in hosting The Second Gulf Housing Week. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), setting the stage for transformative change and heralding a new era of innovation and collaboration within the global architectural sphere. Let us not perceive today's closing ceremony as merely an end, but rather as a commencement—a herald of the limitless opportunities that await us. Together, let us embark on a journey of exploration and excellence, embracing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead."
Speaking about their continued participation at Build Your House exhibition, Tim Winstanley, AIA ME 2024 President of American Institute of Architects Middle East Chapter – Conference Partner, said: “It was an honor for the AIA Middle East to continue to participate in the success of the Build Your House Exhibition in Doha, Qatar. We look to the future and anticipate an even larger audience in 2025. Expert architects, builders, and designers shared their knowledge and insights, offering valuable advice to homeowners and industry professionals alike. The exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments in the field, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with the tools to bring their own home building projects to life.
He added: “We extend our congratulations to the organizers - NextFairs for their ambition and fortitude for once again uniting homebuilders, contractors, consultants and suppliers from across the Middle East and opening up the doors for knowledge growth, networking and collaboration.”
Mohammad Nabil Suleiman, Department Chair & Associate Professor, Interior Design, VCUarts Qatar – Competition Educational Partner, said: “The Interior Design Department at VCUarts Qatar is excited to take part in the 2024 Build Your House exhibition. Our participation aims to showcase the innovative and inclusive residential design projects crafted by our Junior students led by Associate Professors Dr Johan Granberg and Simone Carena. Visitors can anticipate engaging directly with designs that not only cater to diverse family needs but also address accessibility for special populations.
He added: “Our decision to participate in the Build Your House Exhibition stems from our commitment to integrating real-world challenges into our curriculum and enhancing our students' learning and professional readiness. We look forward to this opportunity to demonstrate and refine our pedagogical design practices through valuable industry engagement and finding forums that help bridge academia and practice.”
Mr. Wael Rankoussi, CEO of Rankoussi Fabrics & Furniture – Official Supplier, said: "We were thrilled to present our premium collection of fabrics & wallpaper at the Build Your House Exhibition, highlighting our dedication to cutting-edge design. Visitors can expect inspiration and excellence in every detail."
Mr. Mohammed Saad Shayah, General Manager of Touch for Cleaning Hospitality and Trading – Cleaning Partner, said: “Our team has been preparing for the "Build Your House" exhibition, ensuring we're ready to showcase our cleaning services tailored for construction sites, housing projects, and events. Visitors can experience live demonstrations of our cleaning processes and learn how we can meet their specific needs. It is our honor to be an esteemed partner in "Build Your House" exhibition because it presents an ideal platform and opportunity to connect with key stakeholders in construction and housing industries, allowing us to demonstrate the necessary role of cleanliness in these sectors. We hope to forge valuable partnerships, showcase our expertise, and solidify our position as the leading cleaning partner for projects across Qatar borders.”
Given its outstanding accomplishments and undeniable influence, Build Your House Exhibition is thrilled to unveil its eagerly awaited sixth edition scheduled for May 13-16, 2025. Evolving and thriving with each iteration, the forthcoming event pledges to transcend previous heights, promising attendees an unparalleled experience of discovery and inspiration. It invites all participants to embark on a transformative journey, fostering new connections and collectively shaping the future of architecture and construction.