Eyeing 3.4% annual growth in non-hydrocarbons GDP and up to $100bn in foreign direct investment by 2030, Qatar launched the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Strategy 2024-30 to make industrial and manufacturing development central to economic diversification. Introduced in January 2025, the strategy builds on the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-30 outlining 15 initiatives and 60 projects aimed at boosting capacity and global competitiveness.
The strategy targets 50% diversification in industrial activities, raising the private sector’s value-added contribution to QR36bn ($9.9bn) and improving Qatar’s standing among the top-40 countries in the Industrial Competitiveness Index. Other goals include increasing manufacturing value-added to QR70.5bn ($19.4bn), boosting non-oil exports to QR49bn ($13.4bn) and attracting QR2.8bn ($768.5m) in annual investment.
Strategy
Initial results indicate strong progress toward Qatar’s industrial goals. In the first quarter of 2025, the ministry reported QR50m ($13.7m) in new industrial investment and the launch of eight new factories. Non-hydrocarbons industrial exports reached QR29.8bn ($8.2bn), while six potential public-private partnership opportunities were under review. Moreover, in 2024 the manufacturing sector contributed QR52.4bn ($14.4bn) to real GDP, and Qatar advanced from 18th place in 2022 to 11th place in the IMD global business efficiency rankings.
Qatar Primary Materials Company (Al Awalia) has played a pivotal role in supporting this industrial momentum. Established in 2006 to secure raw material supply and logistics infrastructure, the company manages key resources like gabbro, limestone recycled aggregate and sand – essential for stabilising supply chains in a resource-limited environment. It has been key in maintaining price stability and ensuring material availability across public and private sector projects.
To streamline imports and distribution, Al Awalia has built an integrated logistics network encompassing port operations, vessel planning, storage and distribution. Key assets include the Gabbro Berth Terminal at Mesaieed Port. In 2016 it launched the QR1.6bn ($439m) Bulk Materials Handling System (BMHS). BMHS is set to increase gabbro capacity by 80%, boost loading efficiency by 70%, and cut ship turnaround times. Once fully operational, it will handle more than 30m tonnes of cargo annually, raise unloading speeds from 1500 to 9900 tonnes per hour. The system also provides various storage options for importers and is a cornerstone of Qatar’s logistics modernisation.
Sustainability
To diversify supply, Al Awalia developed a quarry and jetty in Khatmat Malaha, Oman, set to deliver up to 3m tonnes of gabbro annually to Qatar. The move supports business continuity through secure supply, stable pricing and consistent quality. Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, Al Awalia places sustainability at the core of its operations. It operates one of the world’s largest sand washing facilities, capable of processing 1200 tonnes of sand per hour. The plant uses advanced water recycling technologies to cut freshwater consumption and its environmental impact, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations.
In 2019 Al Awalia partnered with the then Ministry of Municipality and Environment to recycle construction waste at the Rawdat Rashed landfill and with Ashghal, the Public Works Authority, for excavation waste recycling at various places. The initiatives aim to rehabilitate the site, reduce dependency on natural raw materials and expand the use of recycled aggregates in construction and industrial applications, while fostering stronger public-private collaboration. Complementing these efforts, Al Awalia has joined efforts with several universities and research institutions across Qatar to explore the use of recycled construction materials in innovative applications such as construction, 3D printing and various road building and concrete applications. These collaborations support the development of a circular economy in Qatar’s construction sector.
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