Commenting on the new appointment, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Real Estate Group said: "We are pleased to welcome Al-Abdulla, who brings with him years of quality experience in planning, project management, and technical affairs. We are positive that this depth of knowledge expertise will add value to our work at Barwa Real Estate Group, which continues to grow and diversify."

Al-Abdulla is a certified electrical engineer who brings with him 19 years of experience in the energy sector. He was previously employed as Chief Technical Officer at Tanween W.L.L. from 2010-2011, and Deputy CEO of Energy City Qatar (ECQ) from 2008-2010. A graduate from University of Miami, Florida, and George Washington University, Washington, DC, Al-Abdulla also has a vast amount of international work experience, including projects he planned, designed, and executed in Libya and India during his time at ECQ.

Over the course of his career, Al-Abdulla has been actively engaged in volunteer work with science and engineering societies, regularly organizing and attending seminars, lectures, and conference. Possessing dedicated interest in engineering and the sustainable development of Qatar, he is also a Founding Member of both the Qatar Engineering Society and Qatar Green Building Council.

Expressing his commitment to Barwa, Al-Abdulla said, "I am proud to be a part of the Barwa Real Estate Group. Barwa represents a successful model for companies in Qatar and I am keen to further develop and build upon the creativity and excellence which is already reflected in the performance of Barwa's workforce as its new Deputy CEO."

Almost 50% of employees at Barwa Real Estate Group are Qatari nationals, and Barwa continues to demonstrate its dedication towards developing its national staff base.

Hitmi Bin Ali Al-Hitmi, Chairman, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), and Ahmad Al Abdullah, Deputy GCEO, Barwa Real Estate Group, along with senior officials and delegates from the company, were present at the meeting, which explored ways of future business opportunities and cooperation between the East Timor and Qatar.

Commenting on his visit to the Barwa head office, Gusmão said, "It was an honor to meet each and every individual from Barwa, and exchange ideas with some of the most active experts in real estate."

"It was truly a pleasure meeting Mr. Gusmão, and sharing with him the recent developments at Barwa Real Estate Group, as well as the current trends in Qatar's dynamic business environment," said Al-Hitmi.

The Prime Minister's meeting with Barwa was part of his two-day official visit to the State of Qatar.

His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning attended the foundation stone laying ceremony for the second phase of "Barwa Al Baraha". The ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al-Thani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hitmi Ali Khalifa Al Hitmi, Chairman of Barwa; Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, CEO of Barwa Real Estate, as well as a number of other senior officials from ministries and organizations were also present.

Following extensive research, Barwa Group established that the first phase of the project focus on establishing Qatar's largest truck and vehicle parking space, while the second phase of the project focus on building workers accomodation.

Al Subaie expressed his delight at the launch of the second phase of Barwa Al Baraha, a crucial project that would provide housing facilities for workers and employees. "This project meets the needs of the Qatari market, particularly after the FIFA World Cup 2022 win. Barwa Al Baraha reflects Barwa dedication to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030 by contributing towards the country's urban development", he added.

The Barwa Al Baraha project reflects Barwa's longstanding vision and strategy towards developing innovative solutions that correspond to the economic boom taking place in the country. In light of the unprecedented prosperity witnessed by the Qatari economy, expatriate workers represent an essential component of Qatari society. As a result, the Barwa Al Baraha concept was born, a project which is considered a tribute to workers.

Built according to the highest international standards, Barwa Al Baraha aims to provide an integrated workers city that is designed to accommodate 53.000 workers and employees. The accommodation complex on the project consists of 64 buildings, with each block containing four floors with 130 rooms. The buildings have been distributed into 4 clusters, with each containing 16 buildings, in addition to service facilities and green spaces. The total area allocated to the four clusters is 252.050 square meters and the total built area measures 455.872 square meters and can accommodate 43.000 workers. It is therefore considered the largest workers accommodation in Qatar and the GCC.

The project also provides an array of convenient residential services and facilities, such as, eight dining halls that will provide a variety of dining options to meet the cultural diversity of workers, and laundry services. Each residential cluster will also include 48 shops, public spaces, a mosque, football pitch, basketball court, volleyball court and green areas within an approximate area of 32.500 square meters.

The employee accommodation complex consists of 16 buildings that can accommodate approximately 10.000 employees. Each building consists of three floors with 97 rooms, in addition to dedicated services and green spaces. A total area of 91.500 square meters has been allocated for the buildings, and the estimated total built area is 65.744 square meters. Sports halls, dining halls and an Islamic center are also expected to be included.

The project is also expected to house pre-owned car showrooms and an auction area. Each building consists of a ground floor that contains over 49 showrooms, along with two other floors dedicated to administration offices. The total ​​showroom area is 110.716 square meters and has a total built area of ​​60,000 square meters. This section of the project aims to secure pre-owned car retail services, and other related services, such as, spare parts. A total area of 14,000 square meters has also been allocated for pre-owned vehicle auctions. An area measuring ​​32.886 square meters has also been reserved within the project for different purposes, of which 21.250 square meters has been allocated for workshops that can provide truck and machinery maintenance services, while the remaining 11.636 square meters is reserved for multi-purpose stores.

The project is also expected to feature a shopping center, which will include a supermarket and two floors containing 46 shops. The shopping centre will be built over a total area of ​​23.200 square meters and a built area of ​​16.925 square meters. The abundance of such facilities will ensure that resident are able to meet all their needs from within one location and thus avoid having to drive to Doha to shop, and thus reduce congestion, fuel consumption and avoid parking difficulties.

The project's central administrative building includes 39 office units over three floors within a total area of ​​38.772 square meters and a built area of ​​16.423 square meters. The project also includes a health center that covers an area of ​​10.951 square meters. Equipped with an emergency unit, the health center is expected to provide basic health care for residents of the project and surrounding areas. The project will also feature security and safety centers, including a police station, civil defense center and a fire-control center.

A hotel covering a total area of ​​15.545 square meters is also being designed to provide further convenience for guests, new workers and visitors from surrounding areas. Located in a prime location the hotel is expected to provide guests with three floors containing 130 rooms. A coffee shop and meeting areas will also be established to provide convenient solutions for truck drivers during their trips to and from Qatar.

The project was developed to provide residents with an abundance of facilities, such as, the entertainment city, which is considered one of the major recreational destinations for project residents and visitors from surrounding areas. The entertainment city stretches over an area of 10,000 square meters and hosts bowling and billiards halls and other games. A total area of ​​40,000 square meters has also been allocated to a cricket playground, which will be one of the key features of the project.

Commenting on the new appointment, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Real Estate Group said: "We are delighted with the appointment of Al-Kuwari, which reflects our strategy of bringing executives of the highest caliber to drive Barwa's business plans forward.  This appointment comes at an important time following the recent launch of our new corporate strategy and five year plan and will work to further strengthen the Barwa Group and ensure our continued success".

Al-Kuwari brings with him a wealth of communications experience and was previously employed as a consultant at the office of the president of Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' in 2011. He also served as Director of PR at Ashghal from 2000-2004, and Head of Public Relations at Kahramaa from 2000-2004. Al-Kuwari has also held the role of Vice-Chairman of the Committee of Rationalizing the Consumption of Water and Electricity from 2000 to 2004, and PR consultant for the former Ministry of Water and Electricity, among others.

Al-Kuwari has a vast about of experience in the communications field and continues to hold the role of vice chairman of the Gulf Water Conference; Water Science and Technology Association.

"I am honoured to join Barwa Group and look forward to further supporting the company on its continual path to achieve high professional performance and success in the coming years", Al-Kuwari added.

Almost 50% of employees at Barwa Real Estate company are Qatari nationals, and Barwa Group continues to demonstrate its dedication towards developing its national staff base.

Barwa has currently leased all housing units and two of three office towers on the project. The third office tower expected to serve as the headquarters of Barwa Real Estate and its subsidiaries. An agreement has also been signed with a leading international hotel chain to set-up on the project, the name of the hotel is expected to be announced at a later stage.

Final project preparations are well underway, following the finalization of work on the development as a whole and Barwa is expected to re-locate to its new headquarters during the second quarter of 2012.

Many reputed local and international real estate and urban development companies have contributed to the design, development and construction of the Barwa Al Sadd project. The total cost of the project amounts to approximately QR 2.4 billion.

Commenting on the announcement, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Real Estate Group said: "The completion of the Barwa Al Sadd project marks an important milestone, which reflects barwa's dedication to the project's planning, development, design and construction over the years. As we celebrate this moment, I would like to thank all our colleagues and partners who contributed and supported this project to become a reality and a prominent landmark in the Al Sadd area. In the future we look forward to announcing the completion of other Barwa developments that have been under construction over the last few years".

Located on Suhaim Bin Hamad Road (C Ring) and covering 27.654 square meters, Barwa Al Sadd is considered one of the largest real estate developments and Doha's largest local project. The project consists of a commercial and residential complex and features three office towers, with two consisting of 21 floors, and the third 18 floors, a five-star hotel is also included. Centered amidst the three buildings is a 3 floor retail centre, with the first two floors reserved for retail outlets and the third floor expected to house office spaces. On the residential front, the project includes three apartment buildings, each measuring 10 floors and containing 261 flats and a 3-floor basement. A 5-floor building is also reserved for parking spaces and is expected to accommodate up to 1702 cars.

Work at various other Barwa projects is also well underway and expected to be completed on schedule. For instance, Barwa Commercial Avenue, a leading QR 7 billion mixed-use development that extends up to 8.5 kilometers near the industrial area has already completed the majority of its construction work and is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. The project provides 547 retail spaces, residential units and office spaces with a total built area of 1 million square meters. The development also offers residents wide spaces for restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, shopping malls and other facilities. This leading project is expected to attract young Qatari entrepreneurs and investors, who wish to establish their business activities on a project characterized by modern and unique facilities.

Measuring an impressive 2.7 million square meters and built in two phases in the Mesaimeer area, the Barwa City project has currently completed 96 percent of construction work. Costing QR 7 billion, the first phase of the project is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2012. This stage of the development includes the creation of 128 residential buildings that can provide approximately 6.000 housing units to accommodate up to 25,000 residents.

The first phase of the Barwa City project will be ready for occupancy during the first quarter of 2012 and is expected to feature schools, kindergartens, mosques, a bank, a health club, sports spaces, restaurants, shopping complex, a multi-purpose hall and other facilities. The development will also include district cooling units, which will provide cold water and climate control through multi-purpose natural gas connections. The second phase of the project is expected to include the development of additional schools, a 200-bed hospital, nurseries, commercial and residential complexes, and a luxury hotel.

Doha, 3^rd January 2012- Barwa Real Estate recently conducted three days workshops attended by the Senior Management of Corporate, Subsidiaries, Associates and investments to review and discuss the 5 year Business plan 2012-2016 and the implications for the budget for 2012. The sessions were chaired by Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Group CEO. Barwa recently announced its new corporate strategy and growth plans that are built on disciplined and sustainable growth. The five year Business Plan 2012-2016 is shaped by this strategic direction and growth strategy and sets out the priorities and specific initiatives required for execution of the corporate strategy.

Opening the first day of the workshop, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, Group CEO said "The 2012-2016 Business planning process set the tone for various independent and collective strategic initiatives at the corporate and at the business unit levels to achieve Barwa's strategic priorities and goals. The main objective of these workshops is to ensure that the plans of every entity in our portfolio align with the corporate strategy".

Driven by a set of investment and financial assumptions which are guided by the market insights and challenges, the business plan describes the various strategies to deliver the priorities. It also established the corporate KPIS (Key Performance Indicators) and targets that will measure success in executing the corporate strategy.

The key highlights of this year's business plan are:

• Profitability and operating Cash flow to improve from the previous business plan.
• Company's leverage ratio (total liabilities to net equity) to reduce compared to the current levels, that demonstrates company's commitment to focus on improving the financial risk and the capital structure.
• The plan envisages new investments in local Real Estate developments in line with the corporate strategy to capitalize on the infrastructure and growth plans in Qatar.
• The plan considers opportunistic monetization of assets/stakes to unlock the embedded value and to release cash flow.
• Successfully executing and delivering the Projects though establishment of "Barwa Operational Excellence" process and effectively monitoring its implementation is the primary focus on the Real Estate developments.
• Governance, Risk Management and creating synergies are primary areas targeted for continuous improvement.
• Administration, Commercial and Finance functions are being centralized for the local Real Estate projects and subsidiaries which are in establishment stages.
• Identification and implementation of cost optimization initiatives have been given priority for each portfolio and support functions as part of our strategy to maximize profit by effectively controlling costs.
• Development of human capital and quality qatarization of jobs through performance based career enhancement opportunities continue to be a high priority in line with BARWA's commitment to serve the future of Qatar and to be part of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
• Strategy Management Process being initiated with effective set of key performance indicators cascaded across the Business portfolio and support functions to ensure that the objectives and strategies set by the business plan are implemented in line with the expectations of BOD and investors.

The Business plan & budget reviews resulted in setting number of action items mainly aimed at creating cross business synergies, cost efficiencies and achieving stable occupancies for the Real Estate projects.

During the workshops, the Group CEO also stressed the importance of enhancing the stakeholder communications and requested the management team to conduct regular team reviews of the business plans. The progress of the initiatives set out in the business plan will be reviewed during the corporate performance reviews scheduled to take place every quarter as set in Barwa's annual corporate calendar, an initiative under the new corporate strategy

Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie also, conveyed his thanks and appreciation to the Executive Management and all hard working employees of Barwa for their dedication and hard work.

-Ends-

Upon completion of the project, Qatar Petroleum is expected to re-locate its headquarters and various business entities to the Barwa Financial District, where it will benefit from the district's carefully structured business environment that will further enhance productivity.

HE Dr. Al-Sada expressed his delight at the completion of the sales agreement for the Barwa Financial District, a project which reflects Qatari tradition, progress, and future aspirations. HE the Minister stressed that the Barwa Financial District will undoubtedly contribute towards providing superior services for all.

Mr. Al Hitmi said: "We are proud to partner with Qatar Petroleum on the Barwa Financial District project. We are keen on working hard to provide the best real estate services possible and thereby fulfill the future aspirations of Qatar Petroleum".

Barwa is expected to complete the project under existing construction and project management arrangements. The initial value of the project is estimated at approximately QR 11 billion. Once finalized, Qatar Petroleum is expected to commence occupation of the development by 2015.

In March 2011, Barwa Real Estate Company sealed a sales framework agreement with Qatar Petroleum. Accordingly, Barwa Financial District Company, a subsidiary of Barwa Real Estate Company, was mandated to develop the Barwa Financial District, a unique project from both a design and architectural prospective. Covering an area of 696,000 square meters, the Barwa Financial District is expected to house the headquarters of Qatar Petroleum, which will own and operate the development.

The Barwa Financial District has won local, regional and international awards, including best design for an office project in Qatar, best design for an office project in the Arab region, and best project design for international administration offices in the region through KOHLER - Germany. The project has also won the Diamond Award for exceptional compliance with management quality from Geneva and it has already achieved 12 million man hours with no lost time injury.

Inspired by elements of local Qatari culture and heritage, the Barwa Financial District is expected to meet the needs of local and international businesses in Doha, through its Grade-A office space, solid infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and parking facilities for over 5,000 vehicles.

The Barwa Financial District consists of 10 towers, which have an average of 21 to 36 floors and occupy a prominent position in Doha's West Bay area. Its crowning glory is its 50-storey high-rise tower, which is well on its way to become one of Doha's landmarks as well as an icon of the city's skyline. The Barwa Financial District is also expected to be among the first to be certified as a sustainably designed development project in the Middle East.

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Committed to Excellence

Qatar Petroleum (QP), formerly Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, is a state-owned corporation established by Emiri Decree No. 10 in 1974. It is responsible for all phases of the oil and gas industry in the State of Qatar.

The principal activities of QP and its subsidiaries and joint ventures cover the exploration, drilling and production, transport, storage, marketing and sale of crude oil, as well as natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, refined products, petrochemicals and fertilizers.

Thriving on a spirit of enterprise, each of our joint ventures is underpinned by transparency, innovation and determination to achieve unparalleled standards of both quality and service.

At Qatar Petroleum, we are committed to one thing above all: Excellence.

About Barwa Group:

BARWA is one of Qatar's leading real estate and investment companies, established in 2005 with the mission of contributing to the sustainable growth of Qatar by investing in businesses, services and expertise. With business interests in real-estate, infrastructure, business services and financial services, BARWA's drive and determination comes from working in tandem with the Qatari Government's overarching development plan, the Qatar Vision 2030, which stresses human, social, economic and environmental development. 

BARWA aims to be one of the most successful real estate and investment companies in the world, with a home in Qatar and a business operating around the globe.

BARWA's flagship projects include: Barwa Financial District, Barwa Commercial Avenue, Barwa Al Sadd, Barwa Village, Barwa Al Khor, Masaken Al Sailiyah and Musaimeer. Supporting these projects are specialized centers of excellence providing project management, development management and asset management services.

www.barwa.com.qa

Almost 50% of employees at Barwa Real Estate company are Qatari nationals, and the company continues to demonstrate its dedication towards developing its national staff base by providing platforms for creativity and excellence. Employee dedication and high performance has therefore been reflected in the company's services and positive performance.

Commenting on this occasion, Al Subaie said; "by honoring our national staff, we express our appreciation and recognition for their valuable contribution towards successful company performance. The success of our company would not be possible without the commitment of our loyal employees. We look forward to further progress next year to continue our record of excellence".

On behalf of honored Qatari staff, Fahad Ahmed Al Kuwari said: "This recognition confirms the company's policy towards encouraging and honoring the efforts of national employees. We will continue to work with the highest possible standard to achieve further success for Barwa Real Estate.

Located along Muntazah Road, in Doha's Ain Khaled district, Barwa Commercial Avenue in its entirety is set to be the new commercial, residential and lifestyle destination, which connects Doha's industrial area to the greater Doha metropolitan. The 8 km long development has already radically transformed the area into what will eventually become a mix of modern commercial complexes, showrooms and high-standard apartments.

The first phase of Barwa Commercial Avenue that is expected to be completed is Sayer. Covering a built-up area of 265,000 meters squared, Sayer provides an ideal business location through its well-planned retail-mix of automotive, trading, building materials, as well as F&B and community essentials.

With its close proximity to the industrial area, Sayer will mark the opening of a much needed high quality trade and service hub in Qatar, with easy access to a superior highway system, and the proposed Doha Metro rail transit system.

Sayer provides businesses with 172,000 metre squared of leasable space, of which 51% are dedicated to retail spaces.

Saad Dehaim Al Dosari, Chairman of Barwa Commercial Avenue, commented; "In such a short space of time, Sayer has secured leasing agreements with major local, regional and international businesses. Sayer is also set to introduce new concepts to the Qatari market, like "Dragon Mart", which will be Qatar's first market with offerings from China."

There is a growing demand for retail space at Sayer and negotiations are well underway to include a number of additional well-known names. "Official retail handovers to start fitting out units at Sayer are also expected to begin soon," he concluded.

Developed by Barwa Real Estate, Barwa Commercial Avenue is an iconic mixed-use development that offers state-of-the-art facilities supported by an advanced network of infrastructure. Comprising five distinct yet interconnected zones, Jeera, Safwa, Joud, Arkan and Sayer, the project boasts an advanced and strategically created retail mix, a flexible and dynamic office design, and accommodation options that meet the demands of residents, shoppers and businesses alike.

Leased out by Waseef, the Barwa Commercial Avenue development was designed by renowned international consultants to the highest standards. The project was recently awarded the development of the Year title during the Construction Week Qatar Awards, 2011.

The award recognizes Barwa's outstanding high profile mixed-use development project, Al Baraya, which is being developed by Barwa Al Doha, a subsidiary of Barwa Group.

Barwa Real Estate received the award at a grand ceremony held at Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. Organized by the International Property Awards in cooperation with Google and Bloomberg TV, over eighty international experts took part in the jury panel. The Arabian Property Awards, combined with other regional award programmes form the renowned International Property Awards.

The Al Baraya project was led by RTKL London and KEO International and designed to the highest standards. Al Baraya features fully integrated components that meet the needs of the hospitality, retail and entertainment sectors. This premium development is being built on a site measuring 65,000m² in the heart of Doha, situated at the intersection of Ahmad Bin Mohammed Al Thani (A Ring Road) and Al Muntazah Streets.

Commenting on the award, Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaei, CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group said: "We are delighted to receive this award for Al Baraya Project. We are committed to accommodate our customers' needs through real estate projects that correspond to their requirements and this award recognizes our distinguished projects".

Ali Mohammed Al Derbasti, CEO of Barwa Al Doha added: "Covering a built-up area of approximately 332,000m², this unique project comprises a grand shopping mall, a premium five star hotel, luxury spa, international restaurants and a 14 screen cinema, which redefines luxury shopping and entertainment in Qatar".

Mega projects like Al Baraya are unique endeavors with deep inherent complexities. "Projects of this nature often present a formidable challenge to project leaders and teams. The scale and complexity of a project requires detailed planning, effective project management and control. The design phase of the project is now complete and tendering for construction work is expected to commence soon. Construction work is expected to start in 2012", Mr. Al Derbasti added.

Al Baraya represents a new premium lifestyle experience, which is eagerly sought by discerning clientele and luxury and premium shoppers. Al Baraya's design phase has undergone periodic changes since the initial concept was visualized and the final design developed, which makes it even more rewarding to win this highly commended award. Al Baraya mixed-use development was conceived to create added value, signaling a radical change in Qatar's retail and hospitality landscape. The vision of creating this iconic development in the heart of Doha will be seen as a game changing project in the years to come.