QPM takes panel role in upcoming Middle East Smart Cities Summit 2012

QPM, one of the region’s premier project management companies and the first Qatari firm in the field,  in association with Fleming Gulf will host will the Middle East Smart Cities Summit taking place next week.

The summit will take place in Doha, Qatar at the Intercontinental hotel on May 28 and 29. The event will feature two panels of experts; one from Qatar and one from Saudi Arabia. These panels – ten people in total – are made up of high-profile industry figures from the respective countries. The prestige of the summit is reflected by the organisations represented on the panels: the Saudi Industrial Property Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Foundation, and others.

QPM will be represented at the summit by Sustainability Director, Mr. Salah Nezar (pictured). Mr. Nezar will chair the summit as well as sit on the Qatar Panel. The concept of what makes a ‘smart city’ is a relatively new one, especially in regions such as the Middle East, where new infrastructure, developments and even whole cities – such as Lusail in Qatar – are springing up from scratch.

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Smart cities can be identified along six main dimensions. These are: a smart economy, smart mobility, a smart environment, smart people, smart living, and , smart governance. These six dimensions connect with traditional theories of urban growth and development. In particular, the dimensions are based, respectively, on theories of regional competitiveness, transport and ICT economics, natural resources, human and social capital, quality of life, and participation of citizens in the governance of cities.

The Middle East Smart Cities Summit will cover topics such as: Operational excellence in Sustainability for Smart Cities Infrastructure, deploying Building Management Systems within ‘smart buildings’, implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems to reduce traffic downtime, and financing and banking services for infrastructure projects in Qatar.

As Chairman, Mr. Nezar will open and close the event. He will also serve as the chief moderator for the ‘Green Leaders’ panel discussion. He said: “The Middle East Smart Cities Summit is an important event. The concept of smart cities and infrastructures is one that is increasing in influence worldwide, but is especially relevant in the Middle East. The event organisers have assembled a high-profile and influential pair of panels and I am looking forward to the exchange of leading-edge information and networking opportunities that the event will offer. The topics to be discussed are wholly relevant to QPM and its business, so there is much to be gained as well as given.”

“QPM’s vision is to be a leading provider of world class project management services in the region. In order to reach this goal it is vital that QPM stays on top of the latest advances relevant to our business and this is why we are partnering on MESCS.”