Like all other Gulf nations, Qatar is undergoing a spectacular economic, social and urban change. This multi-faceted metamorphosis is projecting Qatar’s capital city, Doha, to be among the leading global city-regions in the Gulf. At the same time, the current situation in Bahrain and other MEA countries teach us that there is a need to allow local social networks to participate in a country’s global aspirations, thus fostering long-term political stability. In physical terms this means that social infrastructures capable of both valorising local social-capital and propelling knowledge-based economy must be delivered in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. By reviewing and comparing current and future real estate projects in Qatar and abroad, Dr Rizzo proposes a practical framework to help to deliver urban real estate strategies for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Arab world.
• Examining the role of world class social infrastructures in propelling a knowledge-based economy
• Revealing Qatar’s position among the Gulf’s global city-regions and pinpointing urban development milestones for long term success
• Unveiling tools to valorise diversity, creativity and social links for the benefit of local/global economies
