Developing Sustainably in the Middle East: Interview with: Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, CEO Hospitality, Msheireb Properties, a speaker at the marcus evans Infrastructure & Property Development MEA Summit 2012, on generating value by developing sustainably.

1. Developing Sustainably
in the Middle East
developers must evaluate the needs of Many developers think that operators
the market and the right location for just do the day-to-day managing of the
their buildings. Many build on land they hotel, but if they dig deeper, they are
already own, which in many cases is actually the owners as they manage it
right next to other hotels. They do not with full control. The developer should
think of developing new areas away have this kind of relationship with the
from the big cities. operator and make sure that they think
and act on each other’s behalf.
Qatar is hosting the World Cup in
2022. How should the property On the other hand, some owners
development market plan for it? interfere with operators in their day-to-
day activities. If they had the knowhow
With the level of accommodation, that was necessary to run the hotel,
Interview with: Abdul Aziz Al logistics and service handling that will why did they hire an operator?
Emadi, CEO Hospitality, Msheireb be required for the number of delegates
Properties who will arrive, it is very important to
plan accordingly. Developers do not
need to exaggerate or do much more
“It is important to know what you are than what is expected of them. People
building and who for,” says Abdul Aziz
Al Emadi, CEO Hospitality, Msheireb
attending such world events come from
diverse backgrounds. Not everyone will
Hotel developers
Properties. Many infrastructure and
property developers in the Middle
be a VIP.
must evaluate
East do not build according to needs but Financing hospitality projects has
corporate strategies. become an issue for the industry.
How can developers overcome this?
the needs
A speaker at the upcoming marcus
evans Infrastructure & Property Since the crisis in 2008, most European of the market
Development MEA Summit 2012, banks have been asking for a minimum
in Doha, Qatar, 7 - 8 May, Al Emadi performance guarantee from a project’s
shares his views on hospitality operator. As most developers finance
developments, sustainability and how their projects through banks, this can
to overcome the challenges of financing help them get the capital they need.
projects. What would also help is if developers Is green building an area that the
had a clear strategy with records on the Middle East is lacking behind in?
How can developers ensure long- timeframe of project commencement
term value and sustainable growth and completion when looking for Yes. One part of this is related to the
in hospitality developments? financing. An international or construction and use of materials. The
commercial brand name backing the second part, where we need to educate
Most developers entering the hotel or project would also make a difference. people and build awareness, is in the
hospitality sector come from real estate operation of the project and the use of
backgrounds, but there are big How can the ideal hotel developer utilities. Often people do not pay
differences between the two. A hotel and operator relationship be attention to how much power or water
requires a long-term strategy. Hotel achieved? they use because their bills are covered.

2. About the Infrastructure & Property Development MEA
The marcus evans Summits
group delivers peer -to-peer Summit 2012
information on strategic matters,
professional trends and This unique forum will take place at The Four Seasons Hotel, Doha, Qatar, 7 - 8 May
breakthrough innovations. 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this
exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and
solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The
Summit includes presentations on fostering development, green building best
practices and diversifying project portfolios.
www.ipdsummit.com
Please note that the Summit is a Contact
closed business event and the
number of participants strictly Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian, Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits
limited. Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
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To view the web version of this interview, please click here: www.ipdsummit.com/AbdulAzizAlEmadi