Author: OBG Admin

Daouda Coulibaly-Managing Director-Société Ivoirienne de Banque

Qatar’s commitment to renewables includes connecting solar power to railways

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  Under the aegis of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the government has pledged to generate 2% of energy needs via renewable sources by 2020, with innovation and proposed projects extending all the way to the expansive Qatar Rail Development Programme (QDRP), a multibillion-dollar effort comprising construction of a light rail transit (LRT) system in Lusail City, the Doha Metro, and a long-distance passenger and freight railway network, connected to the wider GCC railway via Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In 2014 the government moved ahead with establishing a unique solar energy programme, to be integrated into the QRDP, with the potential to generate enough

Pham Hong Hai-CEO-HSBC Vietnam

Road and rail projects increase connectivity in Qatar and the region

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  As it moves forward on major transportation and infrastructure projects mandated by Qatar National Vision 2030, the state is seeking to boost domestic and regional connectivity, enhance links to major residential and transport hubs within Qatar, and boost the flow of goods and services to the wider GCC. While road upgrades represent the most important facet through which to boost intra-regional trade, cross-border flows will receive their most substantial support via the state’s planned long-distance freight and passenger railway, with both witnessing steady progress in 2014. The state is well positioned globally, located at the crossroads of Asian, European and African trade routes. However,

Mark Geilenkirchen-CEO-Port of Sohar

Qatar keeps up with construction demand

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  As with every construction boom, the cost of materials in Qatar remains a concern, especially the rising cost of primary construction materials. With demand for gabbro, bitumen and limestone expected to show triple-digit increases in the near term, contractors are facing serious challenges in delivering key infrastructure projects on time and on budget. The situation is exacerbated by the hard deadline set by the 2022 FIFA World Cup; while projects under Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) have the advantage of flexible timelines, and could be delayed if fast-rising materials prices proved untenable for contracts, developments such as World Cup stadia cannot be postponed.

Mohammed El Etreby-Chairman-Banque Misr

New logistics facilities being built in Qatar

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  With billions invested in new transportation infrastructure and a host of mega-projects necessitating huge movements of goods and people, Qatar’s logistics sector is growing rapidly. The sector is expected to maintain a strong upward trajectory in the coming years as the state recently established new warehousing and logistics facilities for a growing portfolio of businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An in-depth Arabian Business report from September 2013 identified lack of supporting warehouse infrastructure as one of the most serious shortcomings in Qatar’s transport and logistics sector, with industry leaders stressing that development of warehousing zones is critical for overall transport and trade

Ahmed Zaki Abdeen-Chairman-New Administrative Capital for Urban Development

Large urban developments to be built in Qatar

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  Although Qatar’s enormous portfolio of mega-projects is dominated by infrastructure builds, the state’s long-term development strategy envisions the creation of numerous new “cities”: large, self-contained projects comprising a mix of residential, office and retail space, similar to West Bay and the Pearl. Involving billions of dollars of investment and years of planning, cities in Lusail and Msheireb will offer the most significant additions to mid-term residential capacity, while long-term developments including the planned Airport City, a Medical City and the long-awaited Energy City Qatar (ECQ) will cater to the state’s rapid economic expansion, offering housing, services and facilities which will promote growth and economic

Peter Wong-Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive-HSBC

Qatar prepares for the 2022 World Cup

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  While Qatar’s current infrastructure boom has been in the works since 2008, when Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) was unveiled, development has been given extra impetus, and a mid-term deadline, by the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With 1m visitors expected to flock to the state for the tournament, tourism projects have risen to the forefront of Qatar’s high-profile developments. Contractors will benefit from the construction of eight multibillion-dollar stadia and a rash of hotel builds, adding tens of thousands of beds to the existing supply and making tourism one of the most high-potential construction segments, although concerns over the long-term sustainability of so

Foreign contractors in Qatar should keep abreast of new terms

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  While the rapid advancement of billions of dollars worth of construction projects has seen dozens of companies rush to enter the Qatari market, these firms often face unexpected challenges, including lengthy tendering processes and a relatively high risk burden placed on contractors and consultants undertaking public sector projects. Although the government’s near-term reforms are likely to focus on the kafala employment sponsorship system (see labour reforms analysis), the recent approval of draft laws devolving the powers of the Central Tenders Committee (CTC) bodes well for regulatory and legislative reforms in the industry. TENDERS: In Qatar, tenders and procurement are largely overseen by the CTC,

Mohammed El Etreby-Chairman-Banque Misr

Contractors see opportunities in Qatar’s construction sector

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  Since the unveiling of Qatar National Vision 2030 in 2008, new infrastructure projects have made the construction sector the country’s fastest-growing non-hydrocarbons contributor. Qatar has seen a host of major hard infrastructure projects over the past decade, including Hamad Port (formerly the New Port Project), the Qatar Rail Development Programme (QRDP) and Hamad International Airport (HIA), the ongoing expansion of which will necessitate billions of dollars worth of construction. Over the next 15 years, spending on planned big-ticket transport projects will drive non-hydrocarbons growth in the state, which already witnessed a sharp increase in spending in recent months. SPENDING: The 2014/15 budget is the

Azzan Al Busaidi-CEO-Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa)

Qatar pursues LEED certification

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  Working to transition to a post-hydrocarbons economy, Qatar has seen the launch of a number of renewable energy initiatives in recent years. In 2009 the state’s per capita carbon footprint was the world’s largest, and until recently Qatar had no mandatory standards regarding the energy performance of its buildings, despite being in the midst of an enormous building programme that will see hundreds, if not thousands, of buildings spring up over the next 15 years. Using rebranded standards developed by Qatari Diar’s Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the state is set to change its building practices, with eco-friendly techniques expected to be

Mokhtar Naouri-CEO-CASH Insurance

Qatar seeks new solutions for construction challenges

Posted OBG AdminPosted in Uncategorized

  Rapid economic growth, a multibillion-dollar construction portfolio and preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup have drawn industry professionals to Qatar to work on some of the most complex, high-value projects in the region. Project spending is expected to reach $182bn over the next five years, presenting a raft of design opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, sports and real estate, which will join projects currently under construction that include thousands of new hotel rooms, dozens of new shopping and entertainment centres, the Qatar National Museum and World Cup stadia. These projects have provided opportunities for a number of international architects, master planners and design consultants,