May 2008 - United Development Company

Editor’s Note
L
ess than four years ago, I stumbled into Doha as my family and I,
living in Beirut at the time, were planning a permanent move back to the
United States. I must confess Doha was not even on my radar screen
back then, not as a place to work or make a living and certainly not as
a destination for tourism or hospitality.
I remember some serious conversations I had with myself following my first visit
to Qatar to interview for the job I later took. The first day I spent in Doha, during
that September 2004 interview visit, gave me this eerie feeling…like I was trespassing
on another era. Doha’s skies appeared so wide to me, its hot September
weather so shocking and its vast desert so alien that I almost took a flight back to
Beirut on the first plane leaving the city that day.
Luckily for me, no seats were to be found that day on Qatar Airways flight 422
leaving to Beirut. Turn to our cover story on page 4 and you will discover why I
feel lucky to be living in Qatar at this time. The country is quickly becoming one
of the region’s most popular destinations for spectacular projects and
developments, bringing along dramatic transformation in all facets of
life and living.
Roger Dagher
We’re pleased to present a feature by Paris Mansouri investigating
the vision behind The Pearl-Qatar’s Sales and Marketing Center,
known as The Oyster. In the article, page 8, the author paints a
captivating picture of The Oyster: “As the oyster hosts its pearl,
so does the Sales and Marketing Center host The Pearl-Qatar’s
model in its body.”
As this issue was coming out, a new marketing campaign for
The Pearl-Qatar was just about to kick off. Consequently, our
article: “When Dreams Take Flight”, page 17, seems rather
timely.
The environment is not forgotten in this issue. UDC’s Environmental
Protection and Control Department has generated
enough news in the past month alone to fill the pages of this
issue. Flip to page 16 to read the straightforward message
on how to protect “Mother Nature” that Peter Bolton shared
with more than one hundred school children he recently
had visited as a lecturer.
Executive Director
Roger Dagher
Editorial Manager
Paris Mansouri
Art Director
Sumaya Mohamad
Photographers
Shauki Alazzam
Contributors
Kelly Reynolds
Sales Director
Rabih Alameh
Contact:
P.O. Box 7256
Doha, Qatar
Tel. +974 446 3459
Fax + 974 446 3808
nexus@udcqatar.com
www.udcqatar.com
Issue Contents 6 - November 2007 Issue 6 Contents
- May 2008
Corporate Affairs
Cover Story - 4
Tourism and The Pearl
Redefining leisure and hospitality
The Home of The Pearl - 8
The vision behind The Oyster
From Land to Sea - 12
A different perspective of The Pearl-Qatar
Satellite Images - 14
Environmental Teachings - 16
Children learn from an expert at United Development Company
When Dreams Take Flight - 17
The Pearl-Qatar’s new marketing campaign reaches new heights
Progress Updates - 18
The Pearl-Qatar - Construction Progress Updates
Need to Know
Workmate, Playmate - 20
When your spouse is your colleague
The Greatest Obstacle to Success - 22
How procrastination is hurting you and your business
UDC Updates - 25
Developing news straight from the source
Time Out - 26
Vacancies - 27
Monthly Editorial Column - 28
Make it or Break it!
How your attitude shapes your career
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani Museum
By Sumaya Mohamad
p. 4
p. 8
p. 20
6 May 08 7

Cover Story
Corporate Affairs
Tourism
and The Pearl
Redefining
leisure and hospitality
By Roger Dagher
Once best known to the world for its Al
Jazeera Satellite Network, Qatar has
emerged in the past few years as one of
the Arabian Gulf’s most promising leisure
destinations. Along the semicircular bay in Doha,
glittering new skyscrapers rise by the month while
dozens of shopping malls and luxury hotels proliferate,
signaling the new era that is about to begin in
Qatar.
Tourists take note! Not only is this land of big oil and
gas fortunes quickly emerging as a leisure and hospitality
destination, it is also quietly reinventing itself as
nothing short of the cultural and educational center of
renaissance in the Arab world, with a world class art
scene - and a slew of luxury hotels, international restaurants,
art galleries and chic shops to match.
For many, Qatar may not yet be a place that comes to
mind when one is planning a vacation. Similar to many
destinations in the Arabian Gulf with a long history of
pearling and a more recent history of dramatic transformation
and development, the country is just starting to
tap into its vast resources and potential. And, more so
than most cities in the region, the capital city of Qatar,
Doha, is in the midst of a transforming development that
only a few years back seemed plain unimaginable.
Hussam Ahmed is General Manager of Retail Leasing
at United Development Company (UDC). His expertise
spans many countries throughout North Africa and the
Middle East. He describes the happenings of the past
few years in Doha as nothing less than an “absolute
miracle of far reaching implications not only on Qatar,
but also on the whole region as well.”
“As substantial investments in the tourism and hospitality
industries pour in from local, regional and international
resources,” he observes, “the city is quickly
becoming one of the region’s most popular destinations
for mega projects and developments.”
An Island of imposing presence
One such mega development with the potential to attract
regional and international tourists is The Pearl-
Qatar. The Pearl-Qatar is surely one of the most significant
developments the country has been undertaking
since 2004. According to Walid Maalouf, General Manager
of UDC’s Hospitality Development Company
(HDC), every feature of The Pearl-Qatar has been designed
to convey a feeling of glamour, exclusivity and
sophistication.
“The aim is to develop a world class, lifestyle destination
for the benefit of Qatar and the world,” Maalouf
says.
A fully owned UDC subsidiary specialized in owning,
developing and operating world-class hospitality projects,
HDC is on a mission to create partnerships with
globally recognized leaders as well as with young, yet
promising hotel and restaurant brands.
8 May 08 9

Corporate Affairs
Some of these hospitality brands coming to The
Pearl-Qatar are boutique hotels designed and run by
the most creative and professional names in the industry.
Although Maalouf is not ready yet to reveal any
of those names, he promises that the end results are
sure to satisfy.
“Private cabanas, entertaining beach bars, secluded
bungalows with private pools and Jacuzzis and naturally
landscaped gardens will be the norm.”
Maalouf, whose expertise in the hospitality management
sector includes major projects in the Middle East
and Europe, ranks The Pearl-Qatar “way up there” on
a short list of global developments he describes as
“spectacular and complete” and whose impact on the
tourism and hospitality industry can be enormous and
immediate.
“The Pearl-Qatar is en route to becoming the most
compelling leisure destination in the Gulf and the
Middle East,” he says with confidence. “By developing
world class resorts, trendy beach clubs and award
winning marinas, we will strongly contribute to the
placement of Qatar on the luxury tourism map.”
A new airport leads the way
No one development will do more to place Qatar on
the world tourism map than the opening of the New
Doha International Airport, set to take place next year.
The initial first phase of the new airport will service 24
million passengers per year, but once fully developed
in 2015, the airport should be able to handle more
than 50 million passengers annually.
“With two parallel runways, the New Doha International
Airport will be the biggest airport in the Middle
East and will greatly advance the tourism industry in
Qatar,” says Hassan Ali Bin Ali, Chairman of the Doha
2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games Bid.
His optimism is not without support. Qatar has recently
been ranked as the Middle East’s top travel
destination in a recent survey by the World Economic
Forum. The country was placed 37 th out of 130
countries in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index
(TTCI) 2008, the highest-ranked Middle Eastern
country. Moreover, and according to the UN World
Tourism Organization, the Middle East recorded the
largest percentage increase in tourism in 2007, surging
13 percent to 46 million arrivals.
In response to these figures and anticipating dramatic
increases in the number of tourists and visitors
Qatar will draw once the new airport opens by the end
of 2009, Qatar Airways is aggressively expanding its
fleet size and routes. The carrier’s fleet will almost
triple in size to reach 110 aircrafts by 2015. Company
news updates posted online shows new orders for
planes totaling US$16 billion.
The Chairman of the Doha 2016 Olympic Bid is confident
as he speaks of Qatar’s recent status of being
one of the top five fastest growing economies in the
world.
“Qatar is one of the most exciting countries to visit
in the Middle East,” he says. “We have a rich culture
and vibrant history, which can be traced back as far
as 4000 BC.
Bin Ali further pinpoints this status as a key motivator
for Doha to continue its move forward at a phenomenal
rate.
“As a result, the city is spending more than US$100
billion in infrastructure and investment projects, all to
be completed by 2012.”
The expansion over the next four years will see several
international conglomerates investing billions of
dollars in hospitality related developments and hotel
projects in Qatar. In a first of a series of prestigious
hotel brands, the Four Seasons has chosen to open
its second hotel operation in Doha at The Pearl-Qatar.
The hotel will be strategically located on the Marsa
Arabia Island within Porto Arabia, home to more than
one million square feet of upscale restaurants, trendy
cafes, as well as world leading fashion retail outlets.
The Pearl-Qatar: redefining tourism and hospitality
“This is paradise,” exclaimed a high-ranking European
official who recently visited the Island. To another,
the wife of the Dutch Ambassador to Qatar, the variety
of themes and the harmonious architecture define
what is unique and special about The Pearl-Qatar.
Few destinations can match what The Pearl-Qatar
promises to offer in terms of a variety of lifestyles,
plush, up-market hotels and resorts, fine restaurants
and fantastic leisure and shopping facilities.
Malik Awan, General Manager of United Fashion
Company (UFC) believes The Pearl-Qatar, which he
calls an “Island Paradise,” will create a lifestyle of incredible
qualities and expectations.
“Fine living, shops and restaurants featuring the
world’s best known brands, a water-side haven of
marine activity, all combine to create an environment
second to none in the Arabian Gulf.”
Awan is confident while maintaining that major
brands will come to The Pearl-Qatar because they
know it makes perfect sense for them to be present
there.
“They are fully aware that The Pearl-Qatar is a natural
progression for this country and the place for significant
future happenings and events and that their
presence makes perfect business sense.”
He goes on to predict that The Pearl-Qatar is well on
its way to positioning itself as a niche, high-end player
in tourism through the different features of lifestyle expectations
it is creating.
“There is a difference between a real estate project
and creating a destination,” says Maalouf. “Why
should people come here Why should they move or
visit There is a huge emotional component.”
He believes the consumer is compelled to purchase
based on desire, the customer who buys the property
has the finance but is looking for something more. For
example, they must have a reason to leave their country
and establish themselves to live on The Pearl-Qatar.
Besides all that it promises to be, The Pearl-Qatar
is about providing a home to people.
“Expectations are created,” he says, before adding
that Qatar’s visionary leadership has clearly identified
the three pillars of culture, education and sports as
defining the country’s positioning in tourism development
and promotion.
“As such,” Maalouf asserts, “The Pearl-Qatar is an
inspired contributor to the country’s ambitions to become
a destination of choice on the world’s refined
tourism map.”
Doha Golf Club
Qatar Islamic Museum
10 May 08 11

Corporate Affairs
The Home of The Pearl
The vision behind The Oyster
By Paris Mansouri
Images courtesy of Peia Associati
and Design 2000 International
Top to bottom: design evolution of The Oyster.
“As the oyster hosts its
pearl, so does the Sales
and Marketing Center
host The Pearl-Qatar’s
model in its body,” said Fabio Lombi,
Architect and Project Manager at Italian
Style Qatar (ISQ), during a brainstorming
session with his team.
That was the idea behind the design
of what is now known as The Oyster, a
place open to all who want to discover
The Pearl-Qatar. The architects who
spoke those words are the visionaries
behind the sales and marketing center of
the Island. The facility hosts all sales and
marketing events, galas, meetings and
guided tours. As The Pearl-Qatar takes
shape, this is the place that holds the image
of what is to come.
Design 2000 and Studio Peia & Associati,
an Italian design firm, started the
design from scratch. The work was carried
out by ISQ, a local company, over the
10-month mandated deadline. The team
was creating the first building on the Island
and according to Lombi, the project
stood out from others he has worked on.
“We had the opportunity to communicate
the philosophy and the culture of a country
and to give shape to the symbol of the
future and the development of Qatar.”
The design phase of the project started
in 2005, with United Development Company
requesting a modern sales center
that also represents The Pearl-Qatar.
Hand drawn sketch of final design idea.
Original notes from a brainstorming session.
The challenge was a big one with many
components coming into play, such as
keeping a strong connection to the water,
having a modern look and maintaining an
open concept within the interior.
“The first model had very rigorous
geometrical proportions and was dome
shaped to convey a sense of strength
and protection,” says Lombi. “The second
building was marked by unstructured architecture
with vertical columns inspired
by nature and bamboo forests.”
Both buildings were designed to offer a
spectacular view of the large-scale model
of The Pearl-Qatar and the best way to
make use of the state of the art video and
audio systems.
The structure was initially thought of
as a temporary site, located right off the
main road leading to the Island. It was
to be pre-fabricated with materials and
erected according to a speedy schedule.
The dome covering the building was to
have skylights that would evoke Doha’s
night skies.
Looking back, it seems the name for the
building is highly fitting The Pearl-Qatar
development. Technically, the name could
have come long before the building was
even created, but that is not the case.
“We were used to calling it the ‘Pearl’, the
‘Dome’ or the ‘SM&O’ (sales and marketing
office),” Lombi says. “But just few days
after the completion of the final design
the building earned itself the right name,
directly from its shape and function, with
the pearl inside.”
The building was initially conceived in a
dome-like shape, similar to a spaceship.
Lombi explains that, in architectural design,
round shapes do not give great visual
perspective to the building’s entrance.
“We felt the need to introduce an axial
reference visible from far and the dome
was stretched towards North. The new
shape was an excellent solution for the
functions to serve and the name came
immediately after we realized that we designed
the shape of an oyster.”
The concept of The Pearl-Qatar’s sales
and marketing center was finally clear and
unmistakable by December 2005, with a
design that gives the impression that the
building is suspended over water and surrounded
by the sea. Custom made in Italy
and cut with digital state-of-the-art machinery,
it was finally assembled on-site under
the strict supervision of our architect.
During the first six months, 250 workers
worked for two shifts and careful attention
was paid to the smallest of details. Much
like the Alfardan Center’s 2 nd floor showroom
the team had designed, The Oyster’s
interiors are made of natural materials
such as wood, glass, stainless steel
and leather. The flooring is a work of art
in its own right, created with a mixture of
epoxy resins and colors, poured all in one
shot. The effect makes it seem like you
are walking on water.
Above: steel structure frame under construction.
The structure is made of steel and preassembled
in Italy. The Oyster’s roof is
made of a special tensed canvas, specifically
designed for this project by a Swiss
company. The canvas is stretched on
steel pipes over the main structure
Large-scale model of The Pearl-Qatar at the center of The Oyster.
Creation of canvas for The Oyster’s roof and finished view upon roof completion.
12 May 08 13

Corporate Affairs
Computer generated image of The Oyster’s interior.
The Oyster’s circular staircase.
and shaped to resemble the ribs of the shell.
Hidden beneath the roof is a double insulation
to provide barriers for heat and sound.
“The most exciting moment came when the
top of the dome was placed. Only then was
the true grandeur of the structure apparent,”
Lombi says. “A detailed method of work followed
each step carefully. A wooden catwalk
was built to hold the canvas that was then
unwrapped in a very specific manner. Within
a couple of hours, the seashell appeared. It
was magnificent.”
The building is unique in architecture and
design, but the wonder does not end there.
Within the center of The Oyster sits a very
large replica of The Pearl-Qatar. Conceptualized
by a specialized Lebanese artist, the
grand model was created in a workshop in
Beirut. It gives investors and guests a perfect
view of the Island and all its magnificent precincts.
From the second floor, the view of the
Island and its various areas is astounding.
Lombi says that besides the glass elevator, it
was originally thought that a long promenade
starting from the ground floor and flowing to
the upper floor would look good. Then, he
says, the idea of a circular staircase inspired
by the internal shape of the seashell took
shape and was put into action.
When asked if the finished building matches
what he and his team had in mind, Lombi
answers with great confidence.
“Perfectly. An architect can see his project
in his mind from the first minute. The world
Steel structure frame of The Oyster’s
circular staircase.
can see it just when it has been built and it’s
like a dream coming true.”
In that perspective, the visionaries behind
the sales and marketing center of the Island
are not much different from the minds and
hearts behind The Pearl-Qatar.
14 May 08 15

Corporate Affairs
From Land to Sea
A different perspective of The Pearl-Qatar
By Paris Mansouri
Above and below: members of The Dutch Business Council of Doha during a presentation at The Oyster and out on a boat tour.
While The Pearl-Qatar looks like a fantastic
dream in brochures and models, it
looks even more beautiful in real life.
For those seeing the towers rise from the
distant roads, the mystique is being very well hidden.
The easiest way for you to discover the grandiose nature
of this project is to see it for yourself, up close and personal
and not from the land…but from the sea.
“What you see while you’re driving along the water
is not what you see when you’re inside,” says Allard
Bijlstra, Chairman of the Dutch Business Council in
Doha. “It’s amazing if you look at the Island and think
there was nothing here two years ago.”
On April 2 nd , Bijlstra, along with other members of the
Dutch Business Council, got a good look at the project
first at The Oyster (the Sales and Marketing Center for
The Pearl-Qatar) and then by boat to see the Island and
its precincts for themselves.
“If you see it from the sea, it is so different. It’s amazing!”
says Yvonne Smitskamp, a member of the Dutch
Business Council.
Prior to the Island boat tour, all the invitees were given
an introduction to The Pearl-Qatar, its precincts and
amenities. Jaume Marcó, General Manager of Ronáutica
Middle East, was on-hand to explain that the waters
surrounding the Island were as much a playing field as
the land itself.
“Our marinas are not a parking for boats. We want
people to enjoy their nautical activities.”
Through the tours offered by Marcó’s team, visitors and
investors get a view of the Island as it comes together.
The Pearl-Qatar plays host to various themes: Italian,
Moorish and modern architecture seamlessly blend with
beaches, canals and nature trails. The images seen in
brochures and advertisements come to life in a perspective
impossible to gain from land tours.
“What impressed me today,” explains Anja Hesse, an
Island visitor, “is that it is a totally different world from
the rest of Doha.”
“This is what is attractive…it’s not all the same,”
explains Ellen Van Vloten Dissevelt, wife of H.E. Hans
Van Vloten Dissevelt - Dutch Ambassador to Qatar.
“Harmonious architecture and knowing that the developers
are taking good care of the environment make this
development so special.”
The members of Doha’s Dutch Business Council were
not alone in their perspective. Just a day earlier, fresh
off his visit with the Heir Apparent H.H. Sheikh Tamim
bin Hamad Al Thani, Belarus Minister of State for Internal
Affairs Vladimir Naumov was also welcomed to The
Oyster.
Rabih El Khoury, Sales Manager at The Pearl Qatar
was on-hand to give Naumov a peek into the luxury that
awaits the residents of the Island. Speaking through a
translator, the Minister was clearly astounded by the
scale of the project and was often leading the way to
various precincts around the large-scale model of the
Island.
“This is the first pre-planned, self-sufficient island in the
world,” El Khoury was overheard explaining in English,
although he did maintain much of the conversation in
Russian to everyone’s surprise and delight.
After getting a complete tour, Naumov was clearly
surprised at all the distinct qualities that set this development
apart from those seen around the region.
“The whole project is beautiful. It is like the tale of the
1,001 Nights where everything seems magical. Why
would you want to live in reality when you can in a fantasy
at The Pearl-Qatar”
Although there was a language barrier, his excitement
and surprise could not be hidden. From his many questions
during the guided tour in The Oyster or his wonder
while getting a view of the project from the sea, it was
clear that The Pearl-Qatar had clearly impacted him.
Perhaps Naumov said it best when he stood during the
boat tour and exclaimed:
“This is paradise!”
Above: Belarus Minister Vladimir Naumov (left) and Rabih El Khoury
16 May 08 17

Corporate Affairs
Satellite image April 2008
Satellite image February ’06
Satellite image March ’07
Satellite image February ’08 Satellite image March ’08
18 May 08 19

Corporate Affairs
Environmental Teachings
Children learn from an expert at United
Development Company
Staff Reporter
When Dreams
Take Flight
Nearly one hundred schoolchildren from the Al-
Jazeera Academy recently received a real-life lesson
about how anyone can help protect Mother Nature.
The ten-year-olds, who have been learning about mankind’s
effect on the natural environment, received a visit from Peter
Bolton, Head of Environmental Protection and Control at United
Development Company (UDC), developers of The Pearl-Qatar.
Bolton explained to the children what measures are being taken
by UDC to protect the land and marine environment around The
Pearl-Qatar and how this vast new Island will be protected in
the future. An avid scuba diver, Bolton described to the children
how the waters and seabed around The Pearl-Qatar are carefully
monitored, as is the health and abundance of marine life
in the area. Bolton believes that the key to getting the younger
generation into developing sound environmental habits is
enlightenment through education.
“Being invited to talk to the students gives us a valuable
opportunity to discuss what we are doing to help protect the
environment on The Pearl-Qatar. It also helps students understand
some very important environmental issues that they can
help with.”
Bolton told the students that everyone - adults and children
alike - can take responsibility for environmental issues such as
littering and the use and disposal of plastic bags, which can
pose a real threat to the marine life.
Part of his presentation discussed how even a small plastic
bag, casually tossed into the sea or on the beach, can become
a lethal killer, endangering birds, turtles and other marine life.
Looking like a jellyfish to a turtle under the water, or a bird overhead,
once eaten it eventually kills the turtle or bird. As the animal
decomposes, the bag is then released back in to the environment
where it can float off and kill again.
Later, several dozen older students from the Qatar Academy
were also invited to attend an environmental presentation at The
Oyster, The Pearl-Qatar’s Sales and Marketing Center. While
there, many inquired with informed questions about the environment
in and around the Island.
“Many people are now asking about The Pearl-Qatar and
beginning to show a real interest in the environment in and
around Qatar,” says Bolton, enthusiastically. He added that with
many large construction projects coming on line, it is reassuring
to know that people are interested in what measures are being
taken to protect the environment for the future.
The Pearl-Qatar’s new marketing campaign
reaches new heights
With properties being sold at a rapid pace,
it’s time to reveal The Pearl-Qatar’s various
identities.
“It’s not our job to just be technical,” says
Elie Jubran, General Manager for Marketing and Communication
at United Development Company (UDC). “We
need to showcase the Island from a different angle.”
The latest marketing campaign developed by UDC does
just that. Exclusive retail and shopping opportunities,
pristine beaches, exuberant nightlife, world-class dining
and hospitality and exciting leisure prospectives…the Island
is not just a real-estate development.
Jubran says the new campaign addresses all the facets
of island living, from beaches to marinas and shopping to
nightlife. Investors have quickly taken their place at The
Pearl-Qatar, consequently adding to the fast pace in which
properties are selling. Jubran’s team believes that it was
time to change gears and highlight the Island’s various
facets.
The Pearl-Qatar was created to embody everything that
a glamorous lifestyle should be. That’s what the brand
is all about - beauty and glamour from an architectural
standpoint to the lifestyle provided for Island dwellers.
The elements of this campaign from its colorful surroundings,
glamorous women and fantasy-like wings harness
together just that image.
“We’re not just using the word glamorous anymore,”
explains May Taher, Marketing Manager at UDC. “We are
By Paris Mansouri
simply showing how we live up to what we claim by putting
together all the elements to create an aspirational
campaign.”
Taher goes on to explain that the campaign promotes the
different characteristics of island life from beautiful homes,
to spectacular marinas and unspoiled beaches, to upscale
shopping and all forms of entertainment.
“As the real estate market grows and eventually starts to
clutter, it is our brand that will define us and enable us to
clearly stand out from the rest,” Taher goes on to say. “The
Pearl-Qatar is not just a residential project with a few amenities,
it will be a major player as a tourist destination.”
The campaign is also geared towards allowing people
to see the lifestyle on the Island and forming an emotional
attachment to the development itself. Jubran and
his team believe in creating an emotional bond with the
product, making these campaign ads silent salespeople,
while they evoke the lifestyle that awaits residents of The
Pearl-Qatar.
The team spent many hours brainstorming over the concept
that will appear in print and outdoor campaigns as
well as on television, locally and internationally.
Much work went into making sure the campaign contained
the right features and was promoted at the right time.
“We’re influencing the market,” Jubran says.
“UDC is a master developer and we’re setting the pace,”
agrees Taher. “The Pearl-Qatar is the ultimate tourist
destination.”
20 May 08 21

Progress Updates
The Pearl-Qatar
By Roger Dagher
Construction Progress Updates
Marine Works
Completion certificates have
been issued for all marine
contract works.
Except for the causeway bridge, all works
have been completed and accepted.
Plans are now under way to widen the
bridge opening.
Roads and Infrastructure Works
Phase 1 works in progress includes: sewer
and drainage, house connections at cul-desacs,
pavement works and electric cables.
Phase 2 works in progress includes: chilled
water pipes and electrical cable works.
Phase 4 work in progress includes: chilled
water pipes as well as a bridge in Qanat
Quartier.
Primary Electrical Substations
Testing for Substation One (SS-1) is completed
except for telecommunications,
which is under progress.
All operation and maintenance manuals for
SS-1 are submitted.
SS-1 is ready for energizing through Kahramaa,
Qatar’s general electricity and water
corporation.
All civil works at substations are complete.
Testing activities at SS-2 are ongoing
Landscaping
Shop drawings and material submittals are
in progress.
Landscaping works is in progress as
follows:
Grandcruz Roundabout: blinding for water
feature as well as electro-mechanical work
is in progress.
Underpass: limestone cladding, plastering
and GRC installation is in progress.
Main entrance causeway tiling works and
monuments are underway.
Building: Porto Arabia PA-04 and 05/
Towers and Townhouses/Retail:
The overall percentage completion to date
is almost 70 percent.
The updated approved Contractor’s Construction
Program (CCP) shows as early
finish date of April 22, 2008 for Parcel
PA04
The updated approved Contractor’s Construction
Program (CCP) shows an early
finish date of September 11, 2008 for Parcel
PA05.
Tiling works are ongoing in the toilets and
kitchens, external rendering for the tower
building in Parcel 4.
Townhouse Parcel 4 works now in progress
comprise of gypsum wall partitions, gypsum
ceiling in dry areas, tiling, hand rail
and joinery installation.
Works on Townhouse Parcel 5 include block
work and plastering in addition to gypsum
board wall partitioning.
Works on tower 5 comprise of block work,
plastering, gypsum partitioning and tiling.
22 May 08 23

Need to Know
Workmate, Playmate
When your spouse is your colleague
By Kelly Reynolds
Chester George and
Sherry Penney-George
For most of us the workweek is characterized
by routine. The day starts
when we bid our spouse farewell and
head out the door for the office and
it ends with a solitary commute home and occasionally
a biased recapping of the day’s
events.
Supportive spouses, acting as impartial audiences,
allow us to vent about that annoying
co-worker or relive the victory of a successful
meeting. For Chester George and Sherry Penney-George,
the routine plays out somewhat
differently. The couple works together, regularly
taking time to meet for lunch and often acting as
each other’s sounding board when addressing
work-related challenges.
Sherry Penney-George, a Business Studies
Instructor, and Chester George, an Engineering
Instructor, work at a Doha-based post-secondary
educational institution. The couple met nine
years ago when introduced by his aunt. Married
for eight years, the instructors have two young
daughters and describe working together as
“great” and “convenient”.
“We get to spend time with each other at the
workplace during lunch or over coffee breaks,”
explains George. “I can call her and if we both
have some extra time we make an effort to visit
each other’s office. We really enjoy each other’s
company.”
“We only need one vehicle. We drive to work
together in the morning and we come home together,”
adds Penney-George.
George says one of the advantages associated
with working for the same organization is that he
and his wife have the ability to be each other’s
counselor and advisor.
“Sometimes we discuss the day’s activities,
whether they are positive or negative. It might
be the only opportunity that we have to vent any
frustrations that may have accumulated from the
day,” explains George.
The Business Studies Instructor says that one
of the best things about working for the same
organization as her husband is having a shared
understanding of the other’s job pressures. She
jokes that she is also “never without a lunch
partner.”
“As instructors there are times which are more
demanding than others, in terms of workload
expectations and work stressors,” says Penney-
George. “It’s nice to know that your partner can
easily understand these dynamics without a lot
of explanation.”
The idea of working with a spouse seems peculiar
to most. Visions of knock-down-drag-out
fights in the office lobby or the fear your spouse
will accidentally reveal embarrassing family secrets
while chatting with colleagues are motive
enough for most to swear off the idea of working
with their spouse. The mother of two empathizes
with the notion that many individuals are uncomfortable
with the idea, but she isn’t concerned
about the arrangement. The couple, who had not
worked together previously, are employed by a
large organization and stationed in different departments.
“We both work in different departments and
would not, unless we arranged it, meet up with
one another at all throughout the day,” says Penney-George.
“We aren’t involved in joint decision making,”
adds Chester George. “We have a good relationship
and we wouldn’t conduct ourselves in a
manner that would offend the other. We keep our
personal lives private.”
Spouses may not be the only ones anxious
about working with each other. Some companies
have penned polices that forbid the arrangement.
Chevron Corporation, one of the world’s
largest integrated energy companies, is reported
to enforce a policy that prevents both the hiring
of relatives and romantic relationships between
employees. Such policies are believed to help
circumvent favoritism by managers and assist
with preventing sexual harassment lawsuits.
Philipp Luehrs, the Middle East Region CEO of
an international logistics company, married his
Philipp Luehrs
former employee, Hanadi, two years ago. Luehrs
explains that while many companies don’t have
written policies that prohibit spouses from working
together, organizations often don’t support
the arrangement. He explains that working with
a spouse can create unique challenges.
“After we decided to enter into a serious relationship
we both agreed that if Hanadi stayed
with the company she would be looked at differently
by her colleagues,” says Luehrs.
In stark contrast to the anti-nepotism policies
enforced by some companies, other organizations
have established hiring practices that encourage
the employment of family members.
These companies indicate that relatives usually
have the same work ethic, aspirations and
job commitment and that the arrangement often
promotes loyalty to an organization. In recent
years the advent of privacy laws and workers’
rights regulations have resulted in most human
resources departments taking a very “hands off”
approach to the subject. Luehrs says that while
he feels it’s difficult to make a “blanket statement”
about the subject, he doesn’t encourage
the idea of married couples working together.
“A manager with access to confidential information
could be in a conflict of interest position,”
explains Luehrs. “We had such a case in one of
our offices in Germany. However, spouses working
together in one of our South African entities
function very well.”
Spouses working together certainly isn’t an uncommon
arrangement. Husband and wife teams,
including American clothing chain Banana Republic,
started some of the world’s most successful
businesses. Multi-billionaire Bill Gates of
Microsoft fame has also endorsed the benefits
of working with a spouse. Gates, who married
former Microsoft marketing executive Melinda
French in 1994, has been quoted as saying that
working with his spouse helped him manage
stress levels and lifted his morale during difficult
times.
Luehrs, who has lived in Qatar since 2001 and
has a young daughter with his wife, says he enjoys
the separation of work and family life.
“I personally would not wish to work alongside
my wife. I believe that can have a negative
impact on a relationship,” comments Luehrs.
“When I come home from work I change from
being a businessman and become a family man.
Such roles may conflict if a partner is a fellow
worker.”
A new book entitled Office Mate: The Employee
Handbook for Finding and Managing Romance
on the Job explores both the complications and
benefits associated with spouses working together.
The authors, Helaine Olen and Stephanie
Losee, both met their husbands at work and
say respect is imperative to the success of any
professional relationship between spouses. The
authors explain that when spouses work together
it’s essential that both employers and co-workers
judge the couple solely on their individual merit.
While many cringe at the idea of working with
a spouse, countless husbands and wives who
work together promote the benefits of the arrangement.
Carpooling, a clearer understanding
of each other’s job pressures and similar work
schedules are real benefits of working for the
same organization. Spouses working together
have become commonplace in many work environments
and the stigma associated with the
arrangement seems to be less pronounced.
Interestingly, Olen and Losee’s book reference
statistics that indicate the office has become one
of the best places to meet a mate.
Working for the same organization as a spouse
can be a balancing act, with both challenges and
perks. While the arrangement can create unique
dilemmas, Sherry Penney-George says that under
the right circumstances the benefits far outweigh
the challenges.
“If you’re inclined to function more independently
of one another, allowing for more personal
autonomy, working together can be an
arrangement that has potential for lots of advantages.”
24 May 08 25

Need to Know
The Greatest Obstacle to Success
How procrastination is hurting you and your business
By Paris Mansouri
Never leave that till tomorrow which
you can do today.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin wasn’t the only one to tell you
this. Likely, you have heard it from your
mother, teacher boss and colleagues.
But people keep doing it. The word procrastinate
comes from Latin origins. “Pro” means
forward and “cras” means tomorrow. It adds up to
deferring action now and taking action tomorrow.
Although most people view procrastination as a
bad habit, American author Kerul Kassel takes a
different approach in her book “Productive Procrastination”
(Echelon Press). She says that it isn’t a bad
idea to put off tasks when the goal or the time isn’t
right or when you don’t have sufficient information.
Furthermore, sometimes the tasks in question are
leading you to a place you don’t want to go. Waiting
to make a move under these circumstances does
not make you “lazy or inefficient”.
However, before you continue putting things off –
read on. As a responsible individual, experts agree
that you have to look into why you’re not doing what
you’re supposed to be. Have you set unrealistic
goals Do you hate your job Are your priorities out
of order Is it hard for you to come to terms with
the fact that the company should not be paying you
for 20-minute smoking breaks every other hour
Or maybe you think part of your job description includes
endless time spent surfing the net and messaging
people on Facebook
No matter your reasons, you likely feel guilty and
overwhelmed at the end of an unproductive workday.
Sometimes, it’s a vicious cycle that creates a
growing burden as the work adds up and deadlines
approach.
W
aiting is a trap. There will always be
reasons to wait...The truth is, there are
only two things in life, reasons and results and
reasons simply don’t count.
- Robert Anthony
According to Kassel, there is such a thing as productive
procrastination.
“When done properly,” she writes, “there really is a
beautiful side to procrastination. The most successful
people procrastinate productively all the time.”
This means that those who are in control of their
workday know the difference between what is important
and what is not. For “expert” procrastinators,
however, productivity is a far-off reality. These
types often create a to-do list with things that don’t
really need to get done. Procrastinating the unimportant
items in our day is a useful talent, but most
are procrastinating the important and crucial items.
So basically put, replying to mass e-mails should
not take precedence over replying to a colleague
who needs your input. Even with a task list of priorities
it is easy to fall off-course; the tasks that
are simplest, not the most important ones, get
done first.
“Not all of those things on your to-do list need to
be completed in the very near future,” Kassel says,
“and some of them never need to be done!”
In her book, Kassel mentions a study that found
procrastination “peaks in men in their mid-to late 20s,
then declines over the next 40 years, but increases
again around age 60”. She believes that ultimately,
it’s a matter of setting priorities and “being true to
yourself”. Know that you will have to do it eventually
and that you’re just putting off the inevitable.
T
hings may come to those who wait, but
only the things left by those who hustle.
- Abraham Lincoln
Procrastination is one of the biggest enemies to
personal productivity. It guarantees a decrease in
personal efficiency and an increase in stress levels.
Some things that may help are working at a clean
desk, dividing big projects into small pieces and assigning
yourself personal deadlines, ahead of those
expected by your superiors.
The benefits will include more leisure time, increased
productivity, less chance of burnout and
lots of stress relief. There is also a great sense of
freedom that can be achieved by taking control of
your task list, whether at home or at work.
Some are “11th-hour people” by nature, they simply
work best under pressure; but even they cannot
deliver the goods if they don’t get some tasks done
ahead of time. Find a way that works for you and
balance out your day, that way you won’t have an
urge to surf the net when you should really be working
on that proposal.
Procrastination and indecision are completely
within the control of each individual. When you
chose to ignore a task, you are in fact choosing to
give in to your own excuses and willingness to be
complacent.
“E
xcuses are the nails used to build a
house of failure.”
- Don Wilder, American Author
“Take action!” says Leanne Hoagland-Smith, a recognized
US business expert. “Listen to the excuses
that you are making for your behaviors. Ask yourself
if you are being a victim to your own thoughts. Procrastination
becomes the excuse not to build your
business.”
Hoagland-Smith, who helps to build loyal customers
by aligning strategies, systems and people, says
procrastination is one of your business issues. Look
to supporting beliefs to see how you can overcome
it. Be honest with yourself if you have poor work
habits. Analyze your behavior and begin to change
the routines that are not working for you. If you are
feeling overwhelmed, divide your tasks and ask for
help.
However, if at the end of the day you would really
rather doing something else…then maybe you
should figure out a way to get paid for doing that
“something else”.
26 May 08 27

UDC Updates
From the Office of Hussam Ahmed
General Manager, Retail
From the Office of Peter Bolton
Head of Environmental
Protection and Control
What is happening with retail today We are going
through the final stages in the opening of the retail
sector in Porto Arabia. The deadline date will mark
the day we deliver our hard work, which includes
over three and half years during which our team
has cancelled all their vacations and dedicated their
time and effort to the project. Like everyone else, we
have been long awaiting the new retail experience in
Qatar and the Middle East.
Currently, we are coordinating with various departments
to make sure the launch goes over smoothly.
Asset Management - We are in talks to assure our
tenants apply the best concept and design and materials.
This is the moment where their design and
brands meets with our team, to ensure the strength
in our project is highlighted.
Operations - We are discussing how they will provide
a safe environment for our customers and to
assure the retailers, as well as the visitors’ high expectations
are met.
Engineering and Construction - We are in constant
contact to make sure the completion of the
construction will meet the tenant’s expectations
Marketing - We are discussing the events that will
be held and how best to provide our customers with
the luxurious environment promised on the Island.
Legal Department - We are finalizing all lease
agreements and discussing their requirements.
Various Retailers - Pushing them to give us the
highest quality and mix in merchandise.
This is the moment of truth and the time to deliver!
It has been another busy month for the Environmental Protection
and Control Department at UDC. Here are just a couple of
areas that we have been working on and that will continue to develop
in the future.
Health Safety and Environment
Every two weeks we attend the Pearl-Qatar Health Safety and
Environment meetings arranged for the contractors working on the
Island. This gives us an opportunity to continually emphasize and
give advice on the best practices and sustainable environmental
management on the Island. We are making sure that all the Health
Safety and Environment Managers have the most updated information
regarding the UDC environmental policies and procedures. And
to ensure people are taking note of these we are carrying out daily
visits on the island and inspecting the environmental performance
of each of the contractors.
Environmental Education
It is great to hear that the environment is a popular topic in
some of the schools around Qatar. We have received a number
of emails and calls from interested teachers and pupils, asking
about the environment on the Island. Because of this we have
recently given two presentations at The Oyster (The Pearl-Qatar’s
Marketing and Sales Center) on the environmental impacts of The
Pearl-Qatar and the environmental impacts we can have as individuals.
Giving these presentations is a great way to share information
about many environmental issues and has given us the opportunity
to discuss with the students how they can help protect the
environment through simple changes in their daily activities. Such
as disposing of their waste correctly and not littering the streets
plus the use of plastic bags which we all should help reduce.
From the Office of Elie Jubran
General Manager, Marketing &
Communication (MARCOM)
MARCOM is moving strongly towards spring season with the following
activities.
Zaragoza-Spain Exhibition
The Pearl-Qatar will be participating in an international exhibition
that will take place in Zaragoza-Spain. Its theme will be “Water and
Sustainable Development” and it will take place from 14 June to 14
September 2008. The Island was chosen to be part of the most important
projects and companies of the State of Qatar. MARCOM is
finalizing preparations for an efficient participation in this important
exhibition.
Q - M o n e y 2 0 0 8 , 5 t h Q a t a r E x h i b i t i o n f o r I n v e s t m e n t a n d
Financial services
UDC has participated in the above mentioned Exhibition that took
place at Doha Exhibition Center from the 21 st till the 24 th of April 2008
as a Golden Sponsor.
The Pearl-Qatar launches new Corporate Campaign
The Pearl-Qatar is launching a new corporate campaign that will
soon appear in local and international media. This campaign takes
on a different inspirational approach as it focuses on image and
brand building. It emphasizes the beauty and glamour of the Island
and its versatile lifestyles. (Ed. Note: check out page 17 for a detailed
look at the campaign.)
Visits to The Oyster and The Pearl-Qatar Island
The Pearl-Qatar has received many important delegations from
around the world interested in seeing this unique project. This month
the Oyster, the Marketing and Sales Center of The Pearl-Qatar, has
hosted two major diplomatic delegations. The first was the delegation
from the US embassy in Doha, which included attendees from
the Commercial section. As for the second, it was a visit from the
British embassy in Doha. In addition to diplomatic visits, The Pearl-
Qatar hosted academic visitors from “Qatar Academy” (25 students)
and 30 Master students from Duke University (US). Gulf Adventures
Tourism L.L.C was also interested in visiting The Pearl-Qatar and
sent 25 delegates to gather information about the project.
28 April May 08 29

Vacancies
Unfaithfulness in the keeping of
an appointment is an act of clear
dishonesty. You may as well
borrow a person’s money as his
time
Horace Mann
American Educator and Politician
Man puts his life on
Fed up after a failed marriage of five years,
a 44-year-old British man has put his entire
life up for sale on eBay.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Ian
Usher says he’s putting his three-bedroom
home, car, job and all of his possessions up
for bid on the popular auction site.
“I just want to make a clean break and start
again literally, so I am selling everything
lock, stock and barrel, from the contents of
my wardrobe to my kettle, and from my cutlery
to my car.”
With Bids starting at just one Australian
Butterfly Effect
- Did you know that paper consumption has gone up, not down, since computers
were introduced
Every time you use the photocopier, fax or printer you use paper. The basic raw material
used to make paper is wood and an increase in demand for paper means a greater need
to chop down trees.
Replacing trees once we cut them down to make paper is called sustainable paper.
However, as the demand for paper increases more trees from non-sustainable forests
are being chopped down. Cutting down these trees destroys important ecosystems and
valuable wildlife habitats.
Set the photocopier and printer to: “print double sided” and use a paper free fax. Not
only will this help reduce waste, pollution and the destruction of forests it will also save the
corporation money.
Twisted Facts
An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.
A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
A dragonfly has a lifespan of 24 hours.
Cat’s urine glows under a black light.
Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster
than toenails.
Every person has a unique tongue print.
dollar, Usher hopes to pocket the equivalent
of over QR 1.5 million after the seven-day
auction in June. Items for bidding include a
Kawasaki motorcycle, jet ski, surf boards,
sky-diving kit, spa and 6ft television screen.
Auction winners will also have access to
Usher’s friends and a two-week trial of his
job.
“My aim is to walk away at the end of the
eBay auction with my wallet in one pocket
and my passport in the other, go to the
airport and just jump on the first available
plane to anywhere.”
1 2
I must admit AliJones, every
time you brought up an idea
I said “No”….
I must also admit
that each idea of
yours proved to
be right, while my
ideas and
decisions turned
out to be wrong
and costly...
Health Matters
Think Meditation
If you’ve ever wanted to improve your life
without doing anything, read on.
As little as 15 minutes of daily meditation
may change your life.
It’s not about praying, sitting in a specific
position or following a set of beliefs. By focusing
on an image, a sound or your breathing,
the goal is to trigger a state of mental
stillness. This means you’re alert and aware,
yet free of active thoughts.
Think of if as a workout for the mind.
Not only does it help reduce blood pressure,
heart rate and stress hormones, but
research shows it may make you smarter.
According to one study, after one or two
sessions of meditation, some performed
up to 10 percent better in a standard test of
mental sharpness. Exercising the brain also
seems to enhance decision making abilities
and learning that rely on attention.
There’s also proof that for those who
practice 40 minutes of daily meditation, the
activity may thicken the parts of the brain
responsible for attention and sensory processing.
Many regular meditators, however,
say they feel benefits from as little as 15
minutes a day.
Department
Hospitality & Leisure
Assets Management
Engineering & Construction
Retail Leasing
Finance
TCOM
Water Resources & Facilities
HSE
Administration
Operations
Position
- Hospitality Executive – Hotels & Resorts
- Hospitality Manager – Hotels & Resorts
- Hospitality Officer – Hotels & Resorts
- Property Coordinator
- Customer Services Officer
- Operations Manager
- Handover Assistant
- Tenants Coordination Engineer
- Secretary
- Tenants Coordination Manager
- Tenants Coordination – Architect
- Recreation Manager
- Concierge
- Senior Plumbing Engineer
- Purchaser
- E & C Administration Officer
- Project Coordinator
- Senior Cost Engineer
- Procurement Engineer
- Senior Telecom Engineer
- Senior Procurement Engineer
- Senior Safety Engineer
- Senior Planning Engineer
- Senior Contracts Administrator
- Senior Civil Engineer
- Roads & Infrastructure Engineer
- Secretary
- Architect
- CAD Operator
- Senior Retail F & B Officer
- Secretary
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Senior Mechanical Engineer
- Senior Civil & Structural Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- HSE officer
- HSE Coordinator
- Receptionist
- Driver
- Senior Purchasing Officer
- Logistics Officer
- Residential FM Officer
- Retail FM Officer
- Procurement Specialist
- Procurement officer – Master Data
- Senior Facilities Engineer
- MEP Engineer
- Utilities Engineer
- OCCC Supervisor
- ERP Specialist
- Landscaping Officer
- Health & Safety Officer
- CRM Coordinator
- Call Center Specialists
At United Development Company
we believe our employees are
our greatest asset.
You will notice while reading the
pages of Nexus that UDC puts great
emphasis on hiring the best and the
brightest, locally, regionally and internationally.
If you believe you’ve got what it takes
to join our growing team, we would love
to hear from you.
We invite qualified professionals to
contact us regarding the following
vacancies.
VACANCIES !!
at United Development Company
careers@udcqatar.com
Fax: + 974 446 3815
3 4
Oh! Thank you, Sir….
It’s so rare today that an
executive acknowledges
his mistakes, much less
learns from them!
So, I have another
great idea…
NO
Legal
Human Resources
Corporate Publishing
- Associate Legal Manager
- Performance Management Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- HR Assistant – Leave Management
- Government Liaison Officer
- Asst. Government Liaison Officer
- Reporter
- Copy Editor
- Senior Graphic Designer
MARCOM
- Senior Reporter / Editor (English)
- Secretary
Development & Planning
- Protocol Officer
Concept by: Roger Dagher - Drawn by: Sumaya Mohamad
Sales
- Investor Advisor
- Customer Relations Officer
May 08 31

Monthly Editorial Column
Make it or Break it!
Roger Dagher
How your attitude shapes your career
A
contemporary American philosopher
once said: “The longer I live, the
more I realize the impact of attitude
on life.” He is convinced that attitude
is more important than appearance, talent or
skill.
He is right! Research has consistently shown
that people who go through life with a positive
mental attitude see daily obstacles as opportunities
rather than roadblocks and are, therefore,
more likely to achieve their personal and professional
goals. Conversely, people who filter their
daily experiences through a negative attitude tend
to focus on what is going wrong and find it difficult
to achieve contentment or satisfaction in any aspect
of their lives.
We are constantly placed in new situations with
people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Each time you attend a new school, take a new
job, get a promotion or move to a different neighborhood
or location, you may need to alter your
attitudes to cope effectively with the change.
In all these situations, the events are out of your
control. But you can control your attitude toward
these events. If you allow yourself to dwell on the
negative aspects of change, you can expect to
exhibit negative, self-destructive behaviors. But
when you make an effort to focus on the positive,
you will find your world a much more pleasant
place in which to live or work.
Attitudes represent a powerful force in any organization.
An attitude of trust, for example, can
pave the way for improved communication and
greater cooperation between an employee and a
supervisor. Likewise, a caring attitude displayed
by an employee can increase customer loyalty
and set the stage for repeat business.
If you are positive, other people will enjoy working
with you. Therefore, being able to control your
attitudes is a powerful skill that usually involves
certain basic changes:
Think positive. Positive thoughts give rise to
good moods that tend to serve as a foundation
for developing positive attitudes. In a work setting,
it does not take long to identify people with
a positive outlook. These people are more likely
to bounce back after a demotion, layoff or some
other disappointment because they tend to view
problems as merely temporary setbacks on their
road to achieving their goals.
Think for yourself. Determine whether the attitudes
that seem to get you in trouble are your own
or the result of culture or socialization. If you have
been socialized into holding negative attitudes,
you need to re-examine and change them. Buckminster
Fuller, the respected architect and inventor,
stated that learning to think for himself was
the turning point in his life. He discovered at age
32 that he needed to become a more independent
thinker and stop relying on others to influence every
aspect of his life. Once he made the decision
to think for himself, he became highly motivated
to discover what he described as the “operating
principles” of his world.
Keep an open mind. We often make decisions
and then refuse to consider any other point of view
that might lead us to question our attitudes. Many
times our attitudes persist even in the presence
of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Pay attention.
Expose yourself to new information and
experiences. James Allen, the famous Harvard
scholar, discovered that you can change many of
the “outer aspects of your life by changing the inner
attitudes of your mind.”
When you face things you cannot change, take
a few moments to reflect on this prayer you have
undoubtedly read many time: “Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change, the
courage to change the things I can and the wisdom
to know the difference.”
32 May 08 33