Qatar has been studying the needs of low income expatriate workers, a key reason behind launching high-profile investments like the West End Park, according to Century 21 Qatar chairman Mana Ibrahim al Mana.
“This is to make them feel they are important and valuable to the community,” he said during a press briefing yesterday at the Century 21 office.
He stressed that multi-billion projects like West End Park provide a venue for high quality entertainment and sports activities which also help prevent crimes and other illegal activities.
Part of its objective is to generate “investment returns” to support Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani Social Welfare Fund’s (JBM) charitable activities.
Century 21, the company that manages the project, also shares the same goal – to help improve the standard of living of low income workers.
“These investments are focusing on these issues,” said Al Mana, who describes West End Park as the fourth largest real estate project in Qatar.
Compared to high end projects like the Lusail, The Pearl-Qatar and Msheireb, the Park caters to low income workers who cannot bring their families to this country.
He said that the residential areas will have electric, internet and water connections. Occupants can go to many restaurants and shops which offer quality goods at reasonable prices.
During weekends and rest days, they can organise sport competitions like basketball, tennis, cricket and other activities. For people who wake up early, a separate lane for walking has been built.
“West End Park will be a one-stop-shop which offers various services at affordable prices to expatriate residents, citizens and even to tourists,” said Al Mana. “Our goal is not to manipulate prices, but it will undoubtedly reduce the high rents.”
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, he disclosed that the number of low income expatriate workers will significantly increase to meet the demand of the Qatari market.
Al Mana noted that his company has already signed contracts for up to 45% of the available space while 55% will be offered through Cityscape Qatar 2013 exhibition that opens today.
In a statement, he said West End Park is considered as the first government project in Qatar to be awarded to the private sector.
http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/354114/west-end-park-%E2%80%98provides-leisure-avenue-for-expatriate-workers%E2%80%99
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