Transport
From The Report: Qatar 2016
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Transport upgrades are leading construction industry growth in Qatar, following rapid expansion and billions of dollars worth of new contracts awarded in recent years. The 2022 FIFA World Cup has created an impetus to finish a number of critical transport projects on time, including thousands of kilometers of road and expressway upgrades and construction, the new Hamad Port and a major three-part rail programme. Expansion of the recently opened Hamad International Airport (HIA) also advanced in 2015 when authorities released detailed designs for the next phase of construction, which will nearly double existing capacity – a welcome upgrade, given that the airport is already operating above capacity. Under the broader Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) development plan, these projects will pave the way for future growth across all sectors of the economy, reducing bottlenecks and traffic congestion, improving trade and investment opportunities, and supporting ongoing efforts to diversify the economy.

This chapter contains interviews with Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; and Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Managing Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Qatar Rail.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Moving forward: Huge infrastructure projects and a rapidly growing population guarantee a busy time ahead
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Transport upgrades are leading construction industry growth in Qatar, following rapid expansion and billions of dollars worth of new contracts awarded in recent years. The 2022 FIFA World Cup has created an impetus to finish a number of critical transport projects on time, including thousands of kilometres of road and expressway upgrades and construction, the new Hamad Port and a major three-part rail programme. Expansion of the recently opened Hamad International Airport (HIA) also advanced in 2015…

Interview

The shipping forecast: OBG talks to Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications
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Interview:Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti How is the new Hamad Port being positioned to compete with neighbouring ports? Is there any defining strategy that will set it apart? JASSIM BIN SAIF AHMED AL SULAITI: Hamad Port is strategically located to handle the expanding trade in the Gulf and beyond, into the hinterland of Qatar and neighbouring GCC countries. The facilities will feature cutting-edge technology and associated systems that will cater to all types of vessels, cargo handling…

Interview

Fully on track: OBG talks to Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Managing Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Qatar Rail
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Interview:Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie Can you assess the overall progress for the construction of the Doha Metro to date? ABDULLA BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL SUBAIE: The construction of the Doha Metro is currently operating at full capacity with over 32,000 workers at present. As of the beginning of June 2016, we have dug over 100 km of tunnels out of the total 111 km. We anticipate finishing the remainder by the last quarter of 2016. 100% of the tunnels for the Lusail Light…

Analysis

Sea change: The state’s port facilities, capacity and transport links are being strengthened
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The Ministry of Transport and Communications has made strong progress in mitigating construction material inflation and improving trade flows through a bold port expansion programme, which saw the multi-billion-dollar Hamad Port open in late 2015. The new port will offer relief for the existing, overcrowded Doha Port, further cementing Qatar as an important trans-shipment hub, while the long-term strategy of the Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani) envisions transforming Doha Port into a dedicated…

Analysis

Easing the pressure: New roads and upgrades will help the country cope with the increasing volume of traffic
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Rapid population growth and an associated surge of new vehicles and traffic have made road upgrades and new highway construction a high priority for the Qatari government, particularly in light of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will see an estimated 1m visitors flock to the country. Although new rail developments will have a dramatic impact on traffic volumes and congestion, highway upgrades remain an important component of ongoing economic development and diversification, and represent…

Analysis

Flight plan: The state carrier has been busy adding new routes, while popular existing ones are being expanded
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As Hamad International Airport (HIA) prepares to ramp up operations with the next phase of its multi-billion-dollar expansion, bringing total annual capacity to over 50m passengers, a number of connections to Doha have been launched, particularly to the US and to popular locations within Asia. Passenger inflows are set to swell as a result, with state-owned Qatar Airways (QA) leading the charge in new route development, in addition to expanding its niche dedicated pharmaceutical services. QA has…