Construction
From The Report: Qatar 2019
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Qatar’s construction industry has flourished over the past five years to become a key engine of the economy. Although activity remains robust, the wider economic squeeze brought about by the 2014-16 oil glut has been felt in the sector, as the effects of lower oil and gas revenue trickled down to impact government expenditure and investor confidence. A narrower project pipeline and increased competition for contracts has forced contractors to cut margins and take on greater risk. Nonetheless, with the 2022 FIFA World Cup just three years away, a partial rebound in energy prices, and the government turning its attention to new developments in the energy and defence sectors, figures are hopeful for 2019. This chapter contains an interview with Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President, Public Works Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Build up: The sector is optimistic as energy prices buoy, defence receives an increased focus and the 2022 FIFA World Cup draws nearer
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Driven by government infrastructure spending related to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar’s construction industry has flourished over the past five years to become a key engine of the economy. The laying of new rail and metro lines, a growing airport and port, and a rapidly expanding road network have generated double-digit growth rates and made the Gulf state a construction hotspot. Although activity remains robust, the wider economic squeeze brought…

Analysis

Going places: Transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in development plans
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In its Qatar National Vision 2030 development plan, the country has identified infrastructure building as key to engendering “a dynamic and more diversified economy”. Added to this long-term outlook is the impetus created by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, during which athletes and spectators from around the world will play in Qatar’s stadiums, stay in its hotels and move around its capital. With some 96,000 visitors expected to be present during each day of the month-long event, transport…

Interview

Support networks: Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), on refining infrastructure strategy
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Interview:Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi What sectors of the economy are prioritised for infrastructure spending in 2019? SAAD BIN AHMAD AL MUHANNADI: Ashghal will continue to prioritise the development of key sectors, such as infrastructure for subdivision areas, health care and education. Developing infrastructure to serve the residential areas and citizens’ subdivisions throughout the country and opening them on schedule and according to quality requirements are our key focuses for the…

Overview

Sustainable urbanisation: As urban populations undergo rapid growth around the globe, planners are striving to create efficient spaces
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In 2008, for the first time in history, more than half of humanity was living in urban areas. Perhaps the most remarkable observation about this trend is the speed at which it has happened: as recently as 1900 urban areas accounted for 13% of the global population. Towns and cities are seen as the crucibles of opportunity for many rural dwellers. The UN estimates that by 2030 urban areas will host 60% of the world’s population – up from 54.5% in 2016 – with the pace of urban growth especially rapid across Africa and parts of Asia. Urban areas are home to more than 470m people in Africa, accounting for 40% of the continent’s population,…

Overview

Sustainable urbanisation: As urban populations undergo rapid growth around the globe, planners are striving to create efficient spaces
OBG
plus

In 2008, for the first time in history, more than half of humanity was living in urban areas. Perhaps the most remarkable observation about this trend is the speed at which it has happened: as recently as 1900 urban areas accounted for 13% of the global population. Towns and cities are seen as the crucibles of opportunity for many rural dwellers. The UN estimates that by 2030 urban areas will host 60% of the world’s population – up from 54.5% in 2016 – with the pace of urban growth especially rapid across Africa and parts of Asia. Urban areas are home to more than 470m people in Africa, accounting for 40% of the continent’s population,…