Doha, April 16 (QNA) - The Qatar Society of Engineers praised the Cabinet’s approval during its regular meeting yesterday of the draft decision of the Minister of Municipality to amend some provisions of Decision No. 7 of 1989 regarding architectural conditions and technical specifications for buildings, which came in the context of a comprehensive national approach to develop housing policies and enhance the urban planning system in the State of Qatar.

The society said in a statement that the Cabinet decision reflects an advanced approach based on integrated planning and engineering studies that take into account the actual needs of Qatari families and the requirements of contemporary lifestyles, with the aim of improving the quality of life and enhancing urban well-being in residential areas.

They affirmed that the amendments represent a balanced technical approach that achieves integration between raising the efficiency of land use and achieving urban density in a thoughtful manner, while at the same time preserving the quality of the urban environment and providing higher levels of residential comfort, reflecting a delicate balance between the requirements of urban development and human needs.

The Qatar Society of Engineers expressed appreciation for the decision’s simplification of architectural requirements and more flexible planning controls that are suitable for family growth, ensuring privacy and well-being, without compromising approved engineering and architectural requirements, or the requirements of safety and environmental sustainability.

It pointed out that these updates are in line with the comprehensive urban plan of the state, consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, which enhances the sustainability of urban development and improves the quality of engineering outputs. The society emphasized continued support for all regulatory and developmental initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the engineering sector, and to strengthening partnerships with relevant authorities to develop the urban environment according to the highest professional standards.

Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Society of Engineers Eng. Amna Mohammed Al Naama praised this regulatory approach. She stressed that updating the architectural conditions and technical specifications represents a qualitative step towards simplifying procedures and enhancing the flexibility of urban planning in order to meet the needs of Qatari families and keep pace with developments in housing patterns, without compromising engineering standards or safety and sustainability requirements. She noted that these modifications will positively impact the quality of urban outputs and the efficiency of project implementation. (QNA)