Transport
From The Report: Qatar 2025
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Ongoing investment in Qatar’s transport sector has transformed mobility across the country over the past decade. Backed by long-term strategic planning, the government has focused on developing a comprehensive, multi-modal network that enhances connectivity. In the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, significant resources were channelled into expanding transport infrastructure to accommodate the expected surge in visitors. This included the development of roads, public transport systems and airport facilities. Looking ahead, authorities aim to boost uptake of modern public transport options while also promoting more sustainable modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, to meet the demands of a growing population.

This chapter contains interviews with Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, CEO and Managing Director, Qatar Rail; and Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Group Managing Director and Board Member, GWC.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Strategic mobility: Ongoing infrastructure upgrades target increased handling capacity and improved global connectivity
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Ongoing investment in Qatar’s transport sector has transformed mobility across the country over the past decade. Backed by long-term strategic planning, the government has focused on developing a comprehensive, multi-modal network that enhances connectivity. In the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, significant resources were channelled into expanding transport infrastructure to accommodate the expected surge in visitors. This included the development of roads, public transport systems and airport facilities. Looking ahead, authorities aim to boost uptake of modern public transport options while also promoting more sustainable modes of travel,…

Analysis

Strategic ascent: Infrastructure development, regulatory reform and renewed investment drive long-term competitiveness
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Substantial public investment in logistics infrastructure over the past decade has helped establish a robust business environment that facilitates access for foreign companies. The government has prioritised spending in the sector to stimulate increased financing from private firms in the coming years. The development of high-tech logistics centres – including Hamad International Airport (HIA), Hamad Port and two free zones – is expected to strengthen Qatar’s position as a strategically significant logistics and trading centre in the MENA region and globally. Innovative Partnership An openness to modernisation, through the adoption of…

Interview

Regional integration: Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, CEO and Managing Director, Qatar Rail; and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on fostering sustainable development across the Gulf
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Interview: Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, CEO and Managing Director, Qatar Rail; and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on fostering sustainable development across the Gulf How is Qatar’s investment in transport infrastructure enhancing connectivity across the GCC region? ABDULLA BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL SUBAIE: This investment strengthens connectivity across the GCC through integrated air, land and sea networks. Facilities like Hamad International Airport (HIA) serve as…

Analysis

City living: Smart mobility solutions are paving the way for more sustainable, efficient and connected urban transport networks across the GCC
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The GCC’s population has more than doubled over the past 25 years, growing from 26.2m in 1995 to 56.4m in 2021, outpacing the global growth rate of 30%. Urbanisation has also accelerated across the region, driven by rapid economic development, migration and the concentration of economic activities in urban centres. By 2015 the GCC led Arab countries as the most urbanised subregion, with an urbanisation rate of 82.2%. Specifically, Qatar and Kuwait achieved urbanisation rates of 99.2% and 98.3% respectively, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia both exceeded 80%. Meanwhile, Oman reached 77.6%. This rate is expected to rise to 95.1% by 2050. Urban…

Interview

Multi-modal solutions: Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Group Managing Director and Board Member, GWC, on how recent developments are shaping the logistics industry
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Interview: Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Group Managing Director and Board Member, GWC, on how recent developments are shaping the logistics industry What lessons has the logistics sector learned from recent global disruptions, and how can the industry build greater resilience in its supply chains? SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN FAHAD BIN JASSIM BIN JABER AL THANI: The Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical challenges have underscored the importance of flexibility and diversification…

Analysis

Future fuels: Emerging technologies and cleaner fuel sources are heralding a greener future for global shipping in the years ahead
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With fossil fuels still powering roughly 99% of global shipping, the sector is seeking to reduce emissions through cleaner fuel sources – including methanol, ammonia and wind – that could soon see increased use. Increased Investment In August 2022 Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a coalition of private investors founded by US tech entrepreneur Bill Gates, helped Danish start-up Blue World Technologies raise $37m to scale up production of a technological system that extracts hydrogen from methanol and runs it through a fuel cell, generating fuel savings of up to 30% compared to a traditional combustion engine. International shipping majors…