Construction
From The Report: Qatar 2016
View in Online Reader

Although growth has slowed following a banner year in 2014, Qatar’s construction industry remains one of the most vibrant and fast expanding in the Middle East, and a key driver of non-oil growth. Major infrastructure projects including the Doha Metro, Long Distance Rail, Hamad Port, the next phase of expansion at Hamad International Airport (HIA), and a network of new roads and drainage systems are expected to keep the industry on track in 2016, while new builds in the health, education, real estate and hospitality segments will further augment growth. Many of these projects benefit from enhanced government spending aimed at delivering critical projects in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which should help offset some of the challenges contractors are facing as a result of project delays, high build costs, delayed payments and lack of available labour.

This chapter contains an interview with Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President, Public Works Authority (Ashghal).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Growth leader: The industry remains in expansion mode, with public investment set to keep contractors busy
OBG
plus

Although growth has slowed following a banner year in 2014, Qatar’s construction industry remains one of the most vibrant and fast-expanding in the Middle East, and a key driver of non-oil growth in the state. Major infrastructure projects including the Doha Metro, Long Distance Rail, Hamad Port, the next phase of expansion at Hamad International Airport (HIA), and a network of new roads and drainage systems are expected to keep the industry on track in 2016, while new builds in the health, education,…

Interview

Built to purpose: OBG talks to Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President, Public Works Authority (Ashghal)
OBG
plus

Interview:Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi How do you assess the overall progress to date of Qatar’s Expressway Programme? NASSER BIN ALI AL MAWLAWI: Steady progress has been made on the Expressway Programme, which will link cities across Qatar. It includes more than 30 major projects with 240 interchanges, approximately 1000 km of new roads and an array of underpasses, flyovers and multi-level interchanges worth an estimated QR49.8bn ($13.7bn). In 2015, Ashghal made significant progress in the…

Analysis

Mutual benefits: Joint ventures remain attractive for foreign firms
OBG
plus

Although Qatar’s construction pipeline is valued at $200bn, the industry faced challenges in 2015 as falling global oil prices and international volatility affected government revenues and expenditure. Despite the huge array of opportunities on offer, foreign construction companies have faced challenges. This presents a number of new opportunities for domestic firms, many of which have partnered with foreign contractors to develop larger infrastructure projects, including the Doha Metro and major…

Analysis

Global standards: New specifications will have a positive impact on quality
OBG
plus

As Qatar moves forward on hundreds of new construction projects in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, under the broader auspices of its Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) development plan, maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and materials has become a key government priority. The enactment of the Qatar Construction Specifications 2014 (QSC 2014) in May 2015 is expected to have a significant impact on the lifespan and quality of new projects. However, questions remain as to whether…

Analysis

Homes for all: Although new supply is now coming onto the market, there is a notable shortage of housing
OBG
plus

Despite an influx of high-end real estate developments coming on-line in recent years, rapid population growth in Qatar has created a shortage of affordable housing, particularly for middle-class families and single workers. Although the government is seeking to address the issue with plans to crack down on illegal housing and relocate workers to areas outside of Doha proper, over the shorter term affordable units are expected to remain in short supply, creating opportunities for both new builds…