DUSHANBE, February 27, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Preparations for implementation of the Diar Dushanbe project were discussed here at the end of last week at a meeting of Mr. Davlatali Saidov, Chairman of the State Committee for Investments and State-owned Property (GosKomInvest), with Mr. Kamal Hijazi, top manager of the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (Qatari Diar), the GosKomInvest press center reports.

In the course of the talks, the sides reportedly discussed a number of legal issues related to an agreement signed between Tajikistan and Qatar that paved the way for construction of one of largest Central Asia’s mosques in the Tajik capital and implementation of the Diar Dushanbe project.  Both these projects will be financed by the Government of Qatar through Qatari Diar.

Mr. Kamal Hijazi informed the GosKomInvest head of work carried out within the framework of implementation of the Diar Dushanbe project.

To-date, all preparatory works have been completed and the site has been prepared for the main stage of the construction activity, the source said noting that the first phase of construction is expected to commence in April.

For the purpose of involving Tajik companies in the project, Qatari Diar Qatari Diar has appointed five local Tajik contractors to start site preparation and earthworks, utilities replacement, site fencing, and construction of the Diar Dushanbe sales center.  The company has also invited international consultants to tender for detail design services for the development’s second and third phases, which includes residential and commercial buildings with extensive retail and office space.  

A total area of the Diar Dushanbe development will be 68,000 square meters and a total cost of the project, which will include a 67-units residential tower, an office building and the central plaza, 180 million U.S. dollars.

According to Middle East North Africa – Financial Network (MENAFN), wholly owned by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, Diar Dushanbe will create an integrated community development on the waterfront of the Hisor Canal overlooking the Javonon Lake.  Diar Dushanbe will also provide a variety of leisure facilities, a shopping center, and a waterfront promenade surrounded by ample green spaces and landscaped gardens.  Diar Dushanbe will provide 1,500 jobs during project implementation and 400 jobs for the ongoing operation of the hospitality component, stores, restaurants and other facilities included in the development.

Qatari Diar Tajikistan, which is a limited local company wholly owned by Qatari Diar, is responsible for managing the development of Diar Dushanbe.  It was established in May 2008.  The company’s team will combine local knowledge with international expertise to bring the Diar Dushanbe development to life.

Meanwhile, MENAFN reported on February 6 that Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has won an award on its Diar Dushanbe mixed-use development this month, as the company opens construction tendering and begins earthworks at the development site.  A Diar press release, issued on February 6, said the Diar Dushanbe project was named “best decorative” architectural project in Tajikistan for 2011 and will provide a range of residential, commercial and entertainment opportunities in Dushanbe.

The award honored Qatari Diar’s “Diar Dushanbe” project for excellence in architectural decoration, and was presented by Tajikistan’s Agency for Construction and Architecture and the Association of Builders of Tajikistan.

Eng. Mohamed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group CEO of Qatari Diar, was quoted as saying, “We are honored to receive this recognition from the Tajik government and the Association of Builders in Tajikistan. Diar Dushanbe has been carefully designed to bring together the best of modern architecture with the beauty of traditional patterns and design in a contemporary urban setting.”  “Residents of Diar Dushanbe will enjoy an affordable and high-quality lifestyle, complete with world-class residential services, at the heart of the Tajik capital,” added Al Hedfa.  “We are eager to start work on our first project in Central Asia and we are proud to be bringing local contractors on board to do so.  Through Diar Dushanbe, Qatari Diar is not only signaling our support for Tajikistan’s economy and our confidence in the country’s real estate market.  We are providing jobs and a new urban lifestyle for Tajik nationals and residents,” said Al Hedfa.