Contracts awarded for drilling extension in Qatar
Drilling contractor Northern Offshore has won extensions for three of its high-spec jack-up rigs to continue working for Qatargas for up to three more years. The Energy Enticer, Energy Edge and Energy Embracer will continue to work for Qatargas at its North Field. In 2019, the drilling contractor won long-term contracts for Energy Enticer and Energy Edge from Qatar Petroleum, now called QatarEnergy, which owns Qatargas. The two Gusto MSC CJ-50 rigs were built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) in China. The Energy Edge is capable of working in water depths of up to 400 feet and drilling to depths of 30,000 feet. The rig was ordered by Northern Offshore in 2014.
$1.1bln projects under implementation in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has revealed 'Ashghal 2023' plan concerning building projects. The year 2023 witnessed the tendering of new projects package to include 22 building projects with an approximate value of QR4.1 billion. More projects will also be put for tender in the third quarter of this year. Ashghal continues to complete infrastructure and public buildings projects according to the state plan. Six projects worth QR1.1 billion, which include the construction and development of several buildings in coordination with various authorities. About 10 projects are under implementation with an estimated value of more than QR3 billion, most notably the development of Hamad General Hospital, the establishment of the Madinat Khalifa Health Center, Qatar Sidra Academy and the rehabilitation of the veterinary laboratory building of the Ministry of Municipality. Six other projects under design, such as the two projects of the courts complex and the Court of Appeal and Cassation, which was recently announced for a design competition to obtain the most beautiful architectural plan, in addition to the design of the main post office building in the Thumama area and the design of the land transport customs building. Another package of projects is also planned to be launched in the third quarter of 2023 based on the plans set.
Mebaireek bridge main works project reaches finishing stage in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed 90% of the main works on the Mebaireek Bridge project while partially opening the lane linking the Mebaireek area and Abu Samra Road to the east. The works are carried out as part of Ashghal’s Highways Programme. The project enhances traffic on Salwa Road for those heading to the industrial Area and the surrounding areas including Ain Khaled, Al-Murra, Fereej Al-Ghanim Al-Jadeed, Muaither, Al-Sailiya, Mebaireek and Abu Nakhla. The project is expected to be completed within the next few months. The project includes distinctive construction methods such as the use of prefabricated steel beams to reduce closure of the underpass at Al Furousiya and Salwa Interchange. The Mebaireek Bridge is to be implemented in phases to avoid traffic closure for Salwa Road users. Ashghal is building a new two-level interchange between Al Sailiya Interchange and Mesaieed Interchange, connecting Salwa Road and Mebaireek Street. The interchange includes two main bridges, each 330m long, with several exit points, loops and accesses to local roads connected to the new interchange, facilitating traffic movement in all directions. Works on the new intersection include construction of bypass roads and local roads with a total length of about 3km, in addition to the construction of 3km of pedestrian paths and 3km of bicycle paths, whereas the area of tree plantation on both sides of the intersection is about 41,000sqm. The Mebaireek Interchange will contribute to improving traffic flow in the area, shortening journey time by 50% and accommodating more than 8,500 vehicles per hour.
Construction of the Mebaireek Interchange aims to provide a direct free link for commuters through Salwa Road towards the Mebaireek and Al Sailiya areas through service roads in both directions of Salwa Road, for road users heading between Doha, Mebaireek, and Al Sailiya areas, and for those heading from Mebaireek and Al Sailiya towards the external areas in the south and west of Qatar such as Abu Nakhlah, Mekainis and Al Karana. The upgrade project of converting Khalid bin Ahmad Roundabout into a signalled intersection includes the development and expansion of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, to connect Salwa Road, Al Furousiya Street and East Industrial Street. It will enhance traffic flow by accommodating 8,500 vehicles per hour instead of the current 5000, and cutting mobility time to about 80%. The signal-controlled intersection will consist of six lanes with many entry-exit points, 2.8km-long connection roads, and tree plantation over approximately 10,000sqm. The new signal-controlled intersection will regulate traffic and provide more traffic safety instead of place of the existing roundabout, with necessary expansion, which will facilitate the connection of traffic between Salwa Road, Al Furousiya Street and East Industrial Street, and serve residential neighbourhoods in the area. This will reduce travel time to various destinations by approximately 80%, while construction of the Mebaireek Bridge and several local roads connected to the new Mebaireek intersection will reduce the journey time to about 50%. The construction of two intersections on Salwa Road will enhance traffic flow between Doha, Al Rayyan Municipality and external areas, as it provides an alternate option to Al Sailiya Interchange. Ashghal relies more on local materials and local manufacturers to supply materials such as lighting poles, traffic signs, sewage pipes, rainwater drainage pipes, asphalt, and precast hard materials including manholes, concrete, and steel. Construction of the Industrial and Mebaireek intersections will contribute significantly to enhancing the movement of passengers and goods, as they constitute a link between the Abu Samra border point in the southwest and Hamad Port.
Partnership agreement signed for field expansion project in Qatar
QatarEnergy has announced the signing of a definitive partnership agreement with China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) for the North Field East (NFE) expansion project, the largest project in the history of the LNG industry. The agreement was signed in a special signing ceremony held at QatarEnergy's headquarters and attended by senior executives from both companies. The agreement marks the entry of Sinopec as a shareholder in one of the NFE joint venture companies that own the NFE project, one of the most critical projects in the global LNG industry. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, QatarEnergy will transfer to Sinopec a 5% interest in the equivalent of one NFE train with a capacity of 8 million tons per annum (MTPA).
Plans underway to build two solar power plants in Qatar
Qatar will have two more solar power plants with combined capacity of 880 megawatts (MW) within the next two years. This is part of the country's plan to transition to clean energy. The projects will comprise a power plant in Mesaieed with the capacity of 410 megawatts and a power plant in Ras Laffan with the capacity of 470 megawatts. The two projects, which will see the light of the day within two years from now, will be an added value to renewable energy sector of Qatar.
New contract to be awarded for road & infrastructure works in Qatar
Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is expected to award the main construction contract for its $67 million Roads and Infrastructure works in Rawdat Egdaim and Ezghawa - Package 01 by the second quarter of 2023. The tender for the main construction work was issued on 13 December 2022. The bid submission deadline was on 29 January 2023, which was extended to 26 March and then to 9 April 2023. The contract award is expected by end of second quarter 2023. The scope of work involves the construction of remaining works of road and infrastructure services in Rawdat Egdaim and Ezghawa. Hyder Consulting Middle East has been mandated as the design and supervision consultant. The project is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2025.
Contract signed for gas turbines maintenance in Qatar
Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) has signed a contract with GE Gas Power to provide upgrades and maintenance services for a period of nine years to three of its 9F gas turbines installed at the Ras Abu Fontas B2 (RAF B2) Cogeneration Plant, located 10km south of the capital, Doha. The three units covered under the service agreement have a total generation capacity of up to 609 megawatts and equip one of the most important power facilities in Qatar, supporting the country’s electricity network.
Since, its inception, QEWC has been playing a pivotal role in meeting the electricity and water needs of Qatar and currently holds, together with its joint venture partners, a total portfolio of over 11 GW of power capacity and 540 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of water capacity in Qatar.
Bidding in progress for oil field project in Qatar
At least four contracting giants are battling it out for the further expansion of QatarEnergy's Idd El-Shargi North Dome (ISND) oilfield project in the Persian Gulf. Commercial bids for the much-delayed tender are likely to be submitted on 12 March, 2023 by up to four leading international contracting giants or consortia. The operator recently revealed the bid submission deadline for the ISND project, after delaying the process for several months.
Street upgrade works progressing in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) continues to implement upgrade works on the Southern part of Tuwar Al Heraithi Street and Al Hamm Street. The landscaping works on Al Sailiya Road are underway as part of the Improvement Works in Greater Doha Project - Phase 9. Ashghal had opened Al Sailiya Road and the Muaither and Plastic Intersections to traffic after completion of their conversion. The upgrading works serve health and commercial facilities, educational and sports institutions, and the Khalifa International Stadium.
Tendering underway for a gas field expansion project in Qatar
Up to five leading international contracting giants are set to compete for a sizeable contract for Qatargas’ North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) Project. Qatargas recently issued tender documents to multiple offshore contracting players for a key engineering, procurement and construction and installation package (EPCI-3), which forms part of the country’s NFPS development. The subsidiary of state-owned QatarEnergy is carrying out the tender process for multiple packages comprising the giant North Field as it presses ahead with billions of dollars in investments to expand and maintain its production capacity.
$329m contract awarded in Qatar
Aamal Company Q.P.S.C. (Aamal), Qatar announced that Elsewedy Cables Qatar - Owned subsidiary of Senyar Industries Qatar Holding W.L.L.by 73.4%, one of Qatar’s leading industrial groups in which Aamal is a 50% shareholder – has been awarded a 30 month EPC contract by Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa). This contract is for the establishment of new underground Extra High Voltage / High Voltage Cables (EHV/HV) in addition to different voltage levels from 132kV, 66kV and modifications of the existing circuits.
Bidding underway for giant gas expansion project in Qatar
Two leading international contracting groups are poised to submit commercial offers to Qatargas for giant liquefaction facilities required for the second phase of its North Field Expansion Project. The bid process for the liquefaction trains package is set to progress to its next crucial stage, with price bids expected to be submitted within the next few weeks. The giant onshore package meant for the North Field South (NFS) development was earlier expected to be finalised by the first quarter of 2023, but got delayed on a few occasions.
Supply contract awarded for a 875MW power project in Qatar
Samsung C&T, a leading Korean construction and engineering company, has signed a solar PV module supply contract with Chinese group JA Solar for a 875MW power project to be built in Qatar. As per the deal, JA Solar will supply more than 1.6 million deepblue 3.0 modules for the Qatar Energy Industrial Cities project that covers the Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City. The project, which is set to be the largest photovoltaics (PV) power plant, is expected to go into operation next year. The deepblue 3.0 applies p-type Percium+ cell technology, Ga-doped silicon wafers technology, half-cell technology, and MBB technology to give an excellent power generation performance.
Kahramaa to set up 150 electric charging stations in Qatar
While continuing its sustainability practices and efforts to reduce carbon emission, the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), represented by the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), will set up 150 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country in 2023. The electric charging stations will be established across Qatar in cooperation with various stakeholders including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC). Kahramaa noted that eight electric charging stations were established with the World Cup stadiums while it supported public transportation through its charging stations. Also, Kahramaa added, an agreement was signed with Qatar Fuel (Woqod) to supply, install and operate 37 charging units for electric vehicles (EV) at Woqod stations distributed over 22 sites across Qatar. Ultra-fast and highly efficient, these units can charge cars in less than half an hour and this comes within the many initiatives undertaken by Kahramaa to establish and expand the electric charging network for cars, in response to the strategy adopted by MoT in this regard. While hosting the World Cup, Kahramaa, in cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), launched the 'Sustainability Zone' initiative in the Kahramaa Awareness Park, to introduce the FIFA World Cup fans to the environmental sustainability efforts associated with the tournament.
Agreement signed for 814 MWac project in Qatar
Sungrow and Samsung C&T’s Engineering & Construction Group, recently signed a contract to supply its MV-integrated 1500V string inverter solution SG320HX to an 814 MWac PV project in Qatar. The project is expected to be completed by 2024, and will become the largest solar plant in Qatar, which will greatly increase the amount of local green energy, and effectively offset the carbon emissions of oil and gas resources; thus helping the low-carbon transition. Although Qatar, is a solar hub in the Middle East, the country has many industrial cities and large carbon emissions from oil and gas facilities. With an ambitious goal of carbon neutrality, energy transition in Qatar is imminent. This 814 MWac PV project signed is the second solar power plant locally built, and can generate approximately 1,800 GWh of clean electricity each year and reduce 900 thousand tons of carbon dioxide emissions. It will become the main driver of the green development of local natural gas resources and carbon neutrality. Sungrow will continue to provide partners with high-quality PV and storage solutions based on its profound insight and project experience in the Middle East market, ensure timely delivery of projects and customer investment return, and accelerate the local energy transition.
Deal signed to continue development & production of two oil fields in Qatar
Qatar Energy and Japan’s Qatar Petroleum Development Company (QPD) have signed a new agreement for the continued development and production of two oil fields located in Qatar’s territorial waters. Under the five-year deal, QPD, owned by Cosmo E&P and Sojitz, will continue to act as the operator of the Al-Karkara and A-Structures oil fields. The new agreement, which commences on 23 December, 2022 succeeds the development and production sharing agreement signed in December 1997.
Al-Karkara and A-Structures are located about 90 kilometers to the east of Doha and consist of three small fields, including Al-Karkara, discovered in 1988, and the A-Structures (A-North and A-South), which were discovered in 1971. Al-Karkara and A-Structures are the first fields in the State of Qatar to achieve zero gas flaring by re-injecting the excess sour gas underground.
Bids under evaluation for an oilfield development project in Qatar
QatarEnergy has taken the Idd El-Shargi North Dome (ISND) Development Project to its next stage with the receipt of price offers by up to four leading international contracting players or consortia. Commercial bids for the much-delayed ISND tender were recently submitted to the operator, with QatarEnergy expected to finalise its preferred contractor by the first quarter of 2023. The submission of commercial bids is a key milestone for the ISND project and QatarEnergy is now evaluating the offers.
LuLu Group opens its latest hypermarket in Qatar
The LuLu Group has opened its 22 stores in 2022 with the opening of a hypermarket and department store in Al Dhakhira. Located in Al Dhakira, Al Khor, the two-level hypermarket has all the popular LuLu retail features packed into 7800 square metres. There is the global spread of fresh fruit and vegetables, choicest cuts of meat and seafood as well as the popular LuLu Connect digital showcase in-store. The store also includes popular LuLu shopping stations such as LuLu Fashion. Luggage, Stationery, Sports & Fitness, Footwear, Toys and Home Furnishing etc. It is conveniently designed with 500 dedicated parking spaces, and 18 checkout counters. For customers’ convenience, there is an ATM facility and a telecoms store.
Tender underway for offshore platform complexes in Qatar
Qatargas has kicked off the chase for a massive engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract for compression facilities forming part of the further development of the major North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) offshore project. Leading international contractors recently submitted formal expressions of interest for the offshore compression package, EPCI 4, responding to the Qatari company’s call. The contractual package requires two giant-sized offshore compression platform complexes that could together involve up to 100,000 tonnes of fabrication.
Work completed on infrastructure projects in record time at Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and its employees have spared no effort to implement projects related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 according to the highest international standards and in record times while maintaining the safety of workers and adding aesthetic touches and Qatari culture to all their work. Ashghal was committed to implementing projects that serve World Cup stadiums and completing the surrounding roads to facilitate access to all stadiums through an advanced network of highways and main roads. The Authority has also completed work on many beaches, public parks, service buildings, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and rainwater and groundwater drainage networks to enhance social welfare and a healthy lifestyle within the country and provide recreational places for Qatar’s guests during the World Cup. These new facilities will be a sustainable legacy after the tournament. Ashghal completed more than 1,791 km of roads, in addition to 207 bridges and 143 tunnels. Most notable projects were Al Majd Road, Al Khor Road, Lusail Road, and G-Ring Road, in addition to the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. Al Majd Road, which is 195km long, is considered one of the most important arteries of the highway network in Qatar, not only because of its importance when it comes to traffic, but also in terms of its design and implementation.
The Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor is also of great importance within the highway network completed over the past few years. It is 29km long and provides access to most of the FIFA World Cup stadiums, such as Stadium 974, Al Thumama Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium and Education City Stadium. As for Al Khor Road, it is 33 km long and consists of 5 lanes in each direction. It connects to Al Bayt Stadium and Lusail Stadium and also has the Olympic Cycling Track. To promote a healthy lifestyle in the country, Ashghal constructed 2,131 km of pedestrian and bicycle paths in most of the local road and highway projects. These paths are connected to all stadiums hosting World Cup matches. Additionally, 16 bridges and 5 pedestrian tunnels were also constructed. In cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and other relevant authorities, Ashghal is constructing parking lots for cars, buses and taxis to facilitate fans’ access to stadiums, prevent congestion and improve traffic in areas surrounding stadiums on match days. To encourage citizens and residents to follow a healthy lifestyle, the Supervisory Committee for Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar seeks to create a healthy, social and cultural environment through developing and beautifying the Central Doha and Corniche Street and providing pedestrian-friendly transportation, in addition to increasing green areas and planting trees, as more than 11 million metres of greenery have been completed. Furthermore, 11 parks and green spaces have been developed to serve the public.
Food packaging product plant launched in Qatar
Hotpack Global, the UAE-based global leader in disposable food packaging products, has launched its own manufacturing plant in Qatar. The plant is the 15th Hotpack owned and operated factory worldwide and reflects the company's global vision to become a global food packaging brand leader by 2030. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, located in Doha's New Industrial Area, is a specialised factory that will produce a wide variety of Hotpack's paper products ranging from folding and corrugated cartons; and paper bags and cups.
The first phase of the factory is completed with the capacity for production of folding and corrugated cartons. Development of the next phases is currently in progress for the production of paper bags and cups. Qatar Hotpack is a state-of-the-art facility and one of the most technically advanced machines in packaging plants in Qatar and the Middle East. It is designed to ensure efficient and reliable manufacturing of paper products and will enhance our packaging operations.
Electricity networks expansion completed ahead of FIFA in Qatar
The Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has completed the expansion of electricity networks to cover all the needs of sport facilities, in addition to providing five new substations to supply power to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues at a total cost of about QR800mn. This comes within the framework of the corporation's joint work with the authorities concerned in the country with regard to the ongoing World Cup preparations. The Mehairja substation supplies power to Khalifa International Stadium, Al Wukair 1 substation to Al Janoub Stadium, Al Jahaniya 3 substation to Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Haidan substation to Al Bayt Stadium and Ras Abu Aboud 2 substation to Stadium 974. In the future, these stations will supply power to the surrounding areas, providing an advanced infrastructure to support the continuous economic renaissance experienced by Qatar.
The Department of Conservation and Energy Efficiency at Kahramaa has inaugurated around 30 charging stations for electric vehicles in co-ordination with the Ministry of Transport. Kahramaa's efforts are central to the success of organising the first carbon-neutral World Cup in history. Kahramaa is also proud to provide clean and safe water to all residents and visitors of Qatar, exceeding the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. The Water Quality Laboratory, which uses advanced and modern technology, works to ensure the safety of drinking water by examining samples daily and will intensify its work during the World Cup hosting period to ensure the highest levels of quality and safety for Qatar's water in all regions and facilities. Ambitious strategic plans have been developed to raise the capacity of the strategic water reserve in the country in order to be fully prepared for the expected rise in water demand in the hosting year. The main role of Kahramaa in adopting the district cooling system to cool the World Cup stadiums, which are environment-friendly systems that contribute to raising the level of effectiveness and efficiency.
National water control center launched in Qatar
The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corp (Kahramaa) launched the National Water Control Centre, after completing its renovation and development work, and announced establishing the National Emergency Control Centre. This launch comes within the framework of the long-term strategic plan 2030 of the corporation, to reaffirm its full readiness to host the most prominent sporting event in the region and around the globe - the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Kahramaa stressed its keenness to sign contracts with major international companies to modernise the basic infrastructure of the National Water Control Centre, as well as the establishment of the National Emergency Control Centre, as the project was awarded to the Japanese Yokogawa Electric Corp. The two centres are equipped with the latest water network management software, which serves the current needs and the expected future expansion of the country's water network. The corporation emphasised its great keenness to ensure that the two centres are provided with the latest global cybersecurity technologies, which meet the requirements of international and national standards for cybersecurity. The centre will work to ensure the flow of water services at the highest levels, whether during the hosting of the tournament. Kahramaa affirmed that the centre integrates specialised software to detect leaks, which enables technicians to control, treat them and reduce water loss, which in turn contributes greatly to conserving water, reducing waste and achieving operational sustainability.
Celebration building of the QREC opened in Qatar
HE Minister of Sports and Youth Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali inaugurated the celebration building of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) in Al Rayyan. The inauguration included a detailed presentation of the building and the facilities and services it will provide to its visitors, including two main halls, Al Thuraya and Arabesque, to receive all kinds of occasions and functions. It is worth noting that unique designs drawn from Qatari heritage were used in the construction of the building, to reflect the image of the hospitable Qatar of today. Al Thuraya hall is characterized by a harmonious mixture of floral and geometric motifs that are reflected on the walls, floor and ceilings of the hall, forming a round panel that evokes the architectural style of medieval palaces. As for the Arabesque hall, it relied on an architectural design that is concerned with the complete embodiment of the civilizations of the East, where the design forms a panel that contains Qatari, Ottoman and Asian elements from the Far East.
Rainwater & groundwater drainage networks project nearing completion in Qatar
The Public Works Authority - Ashghal announces the completion of main works for the construction of rainwater and groundwater drainage networks within the areas of Madinat Khalifa North, Madinat Khalifa South, Al Messila and Al Huwar Lagoon in Al Luqta area, as part of the World Cup Readiness Project for Rainwater and Groundwater Drainage Networks - Package 6. This project will serve many parts of Al Messila, Madinat Khalifa North and South, Al Beday and Al Luqta through the implementation of new 60 km rainwater and groundwater drainage networks. These networks will accommodate the flows from the mentioned areas and gradually convey them to the main drainage network, which will contribute to reducing rainwater accumulations and serve more than 100 streets within the scope of the project.
This is including the main roads such as Jassim bin Hamad Street, Makkah and Madinah Streets, in addition to the Omar bin Al-Khattab and the Immigration underpasses. The project will also contribute to controlling the groundwater table in the area. The main project works that have been completed included the development of Al-Huwar Lagoon, located in Al-Luqta area, to collect rainwater. The lagoon’s area was increased from 44,000 square metres to 64,000 square metres, equivalent to 9 football fields. The lake's storage capacity has also been increased from 165,000 cubic metres to about 350,000 cubic metres, which is equivalent to 17,500 dewatering tankers. The lagoon has been linked to the existing network to serve as a temporary collection tank during the rainy season, which will mitigate the effects of rainwater accumulation in the future in the project areas, thanks to raising the capacity and storage of the network and reducing flows to the main drainage network. The works will also contribute to reducing the water level in Al Shaqab Micro-Tunnel and raising the efficiency of existing and future networks.
The total lengths of the rainwater and groundwater drainage networks reached more than 60 km, including a main network with a length of 13 km. Eng. Hassan explained that this network was implemented using the micro-tunneling technique to mitigate the inconvenience caused by excavation and construction works, as most of the works were carried out within residential neighborhoods and vital streets in the area. This technique also contributed to shortening the implementation duration to about two and a half years, while this type of projects takes at least four to five years. The network also includes 27 km of perforated pipes that will work as networks for lowering the level of groundwater and storm water drainage, in addition to 20 km of rigid pipes. More than 1,050 manholes and 4,000 gullies have been implemented. It's worth mentioning that Ashghal, in cooperation with various government entities, was able to complete the main works of the project, establish a rainwater drainage network and develop the lagoon to be ready on time in preparation for the upcoming rainy seasons. The remaining works in the project include reinstatement works on some streets and pedestrian paths to their original condition, in addition to finishing works and inspection of the built assets in preparation for final handover.
Mixed-use projects to open door ahead of FIFA in Qatar
With distinguished features and entertainment spots, the Darb Lusail and Al Saad Square are all set to welcome the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans. Darb Lusail, which includes the Lusail Boulevard and the Show Square, consists of 18 buildings 1.3km away from Al Khor Coastal Road, providing an ideal modern life that blends with Qatar's rich cultural fabric. The Darb Lusail project, built in the heart of Lusail City, is an independent urban community, planned according to the highest sustainable standards and extending over a floor area of more than 255,000sqm. With a collection of the finest mixed-use buildings and shops, and at the ideal meeting point for the elegance of architecture and contemporary lifestyle, Darb Lusail offers residents and visitors a unique experience through a variety of retail, dining and entertainment options extending over 1.3km and designed specifically for pedestrians.
Darb Lusail will host several shows to entertain visitors and residents day and at night during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Restaurants and shops will be decorated. There will be a number of cultural and art performances throughout the tournament period. These include drone shows on the commercial avenue of Darb Lusail highlighting the Qatari, Arab and international culture. Car rallies, shops and kiosks, 3D shows, live video shows, cultural events, children's activities, cinema and water shows are among the attractions. The Show Square will have a large theatre and other attractions.
Al Saad Square project consists of towers of 50 floors each and those with 70 floors each. The project has 14 other buildings offering different commercial uses, in addition to four or five floors underground parking.
Waldorf Astoria opens ahead of FIFA in Qatar
Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha has opened its doors in Lusail's highly anticipated Entertainment City, welcoming guests to a world of timeless luxury and world-class hospitality. Conveniently located a 20-minute drive from the airport and 10 minutes from Doha's bustling central business district, Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha offers a blissful getaway for those looking for short and long-term stays along the Arabian Gulf. The sophisticated resort features a combination of 429 stylishly designed and spacious guest rooms, suites, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments stretched across 200m of private beach. Waldorf Astoria Lusail, Doha also offers state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces, including a fully equipped boardroom, meeting rooms and ballroom accommodating up to 750 guests, as well as extensive outdoor garden spaces accommodating up to 850 guests, making the property the perfect address for group events or celebrating special occasions.
Bidding underway for a gas field project in Qatar
At least two leading international consortia have submitted bids to Qatargas for a sizeable contract involving liquefaction facilities for the second phase of its massive North Field Expansion Project. The much-delayed submission of technical offers for the North Field South (NFS) project means the preferred contractor is likely to be finalised by the first quarter of 2023. There have been a few delays, but Qatar is keen to finalise the award by January or February 2023.
Largest single offshore contract awarded in Qatar
Saipem has been awarded a contract by Qatargas for the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Complexes Project – EPC 2 located offshore the north-east coast of Qatar. The contract value amounts to approximately 4.5 billion USD. The scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of two offshore natural gas compression complexes aimed at sustaining the production of the North Field, including two of the largest fixed steel jacket compression platforms ever built, flare platforms, interconnecting bridges, living quarters and interface modules. To execute this project, Saipem will leverage on its own assets, know-how and competences on offshore engineering, installation and fabrication, as well as its capability to maximize local content.
Beefbar International restaurant to open in Qatar
All the way from Monte Carlo, Aura Group, the biggest company in hospitality and entertainment in Qatar is set to open the award-winning Beefbar International Restaurant at the coast of Lusail City Yacht Club soon. Placating the palate of beef lovers, Beefbar global concept creates sumptuous menu in three main categories — street food inspired by the most popular recipes from around the world, great meat cuts sourced in Australia, Japan and the United States, and iconic dishes, founded by the Beef Boy Riccardo Giraudi and spread to reach more than 30 restaurants around the world.
Ground broken for new university campus in Qatar
City University College celebrated the groundbreaking of the university’s new main campus located in Lusail alongside an Ulster University delegation. Nestled in the new development of Qatar’s new Smart City Lusail, the new state-of-the-art university campus will involve the creation of a number of contemporary pluralistic teaching and learning spaces and will form part of the exciting educational projects taking place in Qatar. The aim is to complete the campus for the September 2024 intake. Served by an extensive and growing network of road and rail connections, the campus will be accessible and will enjoy an enviable position close to all amenities. The campus itself will incorporate cutting-edge design features, including a rooftop swimming pool, walking tracks as well as a full size sports hall and gymnasium. The large, impressive central atrium will extend huge shards of natural light to all parts of the building. A key design feature will be its wide circulation areas and extensive student interactive social spaces, embracing the fundamental ethos to promote and support student, staff health and well-being. Designing, building and moving into such a facility will provide the CUC Ulster community with uncharted opportunities where research, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise can fl ourish while in parallel strengthening and developing more partnerships with renowned regional and international corporations as well as being aligned to the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development will align physical spaces with contemporary pedagogical philosophy within an overarching theme of interactive learning. CUC’s commitment towards distinctive education through its recognition as an innovative and creative university with a global reach is highly evident in the design of this new campus.
5.5 km of road reconstruction works completed in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced the opening of Al Waab Street completely to traffic after completing 5.5 km of developmental works to facilitate traffic movement for residents of Al Waab, Al Aziziya, Mehairja, Baaya, Luaib, Muraikh and Muaither. With the completion of the upgrading works, Al Waab Street will be a vital link for road users coming from Doha Expressway, Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, Al Furousiya and Al Sailiya Street, providing an alternative route for the paralleling Salwa Road. Ashghal improved the previous road from 3 lanes into 4 lanes in each direction linking Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor to Al Furousiya Street, while developing parts of the surrounding local roads. Four junctions have also been developed, namely Mehairja intersection, Khalifa Olympic City Intersection, Sports Hall Intersection and Baaya Intersection. As a result, it increases the road capacity from 12,000 vehicles per hour to 16,000 vehicles per hour, providing Al Waab Road users with accesses to the residential areas and facilitating the access to the shopping malls, sport and recreational facilities in the area. In addition, the project provides 3 km of cycling paths and 15 km of pedestrian paths, extending across most parts of the road. Additionally, about 102,000 m2 of green areas have been planted.
In addition, infrastructure services have been developed as part of the project, such as 15,000 meters of rainwater drainage network, 2,600 meters of potable water network pipes and 12 km of electricity networks. In addition to 440 lighting poles, 81,000 tons of asphalt, 185,000 m3 of excavation materials extracted and 295,000 m2 of paving materials used. Al Waab Street has been redesigned to make use of the spaces on both sides of the road to implement the required expansion works and increase exits and entrances to the street for the surrounding areas, residential and commercial facilities. In addition to improving service roads and expanding intersections to achieve great traffic flow, which will shorten the journey time.
Works completed for dhow boat docks project in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar announces the completion of the Dhow Boat Docks project works in three locations at Al Corniche; the first is near Al-Bidda pedestrian path, the second is near Dafna pedestrian path, whereas the third is near Sheraton Park, and this is in cooperation with Qatar Tourism. This was developed in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and in cooperation with Qatar Tourism, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Municipality, and Private Engineering Office. Dhow Boat Docks project is in line with the development process witnessed by the Al Corniche project and the major advancements in infrastructure projects in various fields in Qatar, in preparation to host a unique edition of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and welcome guests from across the world, for the region to completely transform into a more interactive and attractive destination for its comers, especially since Al Corniche is one of the major tourist and vital features in Qatar. Dhow boats are facades of the country's civilization and heritage, and they enable visitors to explore Doha through the waterfront. Therefore, the docks were implemented in a simplified way based on the uniformity and consistency of the used materials to Al Corniche underpasses’ plazas, as sustainable materials that withstand climate conditions were used whether on water or land. Taking into consideration the highest quality and safety standards, the second and third locations include a drainage network, a low voltage electricity network as well a potable water network. The docks provide safe and suitable corridors that can be used by all age groups, considering people with special needs to whom the committee attaches great importance in all its projects, by providing facilities that help them integrate into the community, as this is an alternative to the typical corridors that are currently used and distort the general view of Al Corniche, especially in light of the increase in the number of visitors witnessed by the country with the preparation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. A unified design has been adopted for the three docks considering the possibility of expanding the docks and increasing parking space numbers in each marine in the future.
Work completed on roads & Infrastructure project in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced that all roads within the Roads and Infrastructure Project in Doha Industrial Area, Package 3 are now open to traffic. This comes as part of the Authority's commitment to implement its plan to provide fully developed road network and full services for the national infrastructure network throughout Qatar. Project works involved upgrading the streets located between Street no. 33 to the North and G Ring Road to the South, and from East Industrial Area Street (Hamad Port Road) to the East towards Al Kassarat Street to the West, covering a road network of about 40 km. In addition, infrastructure lines were upgraded in order to improve the quality of service. The total project area is approximately 4.57 square kilometers including local streets, intersections, and arterial roads, which are now open to traffic. As part of the project, and in order to regulate local traffic and improve road safety, 7 signalized junctions and 10 new roundabouts were constructed, in addition to 17 pedestrian crossing signals that were installed in the area. In addition, the project works involved developing the lighting systems and increasing the number of local parking bays by providing an additional 4200 car parking slots in the area. The Authority has previously announced the completion of Packages 1, 2, 4 and 6, with the roads located in each package now open to traffic. These packages collectively serve 2281 plots and provide 85 km of roads.
Package 3 serves around 816 plots, including shop, factories, warehouses and workshops and provides access links which serve these outlets and plots. Moreover, 40 km of roads were upgraded as part of the project, including collector roads, like Al Wakalat, Al Kassarat, Al Manajer, and Al Binaa Streets; arterial roads, like Streets nos. 37, 41, 47 and 52; and side streets, which were part of the project's scope of works. The scope also involved providing road safety elements, constructing 4200 car parking bays, providing road signage, and installing lighting systems, with 1573 lighting poles installed in the area. In addition, new signalized intersections were constructed on Al Wakalat Street, Al Karajat Street, Al Manajer Street, Street no 52, Street no 41 and Street no 47. As for infrastructure works, they included constructing Security Control Systems of 49 Km, 13.5 Km of Telecommunications lines, 11.5 Km of potable water lines, foul sewerage network lines of 52 km, and groundwater, surface water and storm water drainage network lines of 47 km were all constructed as part of this package. Some remaining works are currently underway on Street 35, in addition to miscellaneous works on the sidewalks.
The third luxury Dusit Hotel opens in Qatar
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is expanding its unique brand of gracious hospitality in the Middle East with the opening of Dusit Hotel and Suites Doha, the third Dusit-branded hotel in Qatar, owned by Al Majed Group Holding. The sky-scraping 50-storey property comprises 192 luxury serviced apartments in Doha’s bustling West Bay district, a renowned business and commercial hub near popular tourist attractions such as Souq Waqif and Doha Corniche. Hamad International Airport is just 20 minutes away by car.
Steeped in intricate artistic design, Dusit Hotel and Suites – Doha’s serviced suites feature generous living space, making them ideal for families and groups looking for luxury accommodation. Overlooking Dusit’s impressive cityscape, the property’s three-bedroom duplex penthouses span two floors and offer between 338 to 370 sq m of space. The largest accommodation, covering 1,104 sq m, boasts six spacious bedrooms, living and dining areas, an ensuite hot tub, a private swimming pool and sauna, and a panoramic view of Doha. The hotel also offers a host of wellness facilities, including Namm Spa, a fitness centre, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Infrastructure works completed for 3,767 land plots in Qatar
The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced the completion of services for 3,767 land plots within the citizens’ subdivision projects of the Local Areas Infrastructure Programme implemented by Ashghal in various areas in the North, West, and South of Qatar. Northern areas projects include package 2 of Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa project, packages 1 and 5 of Al Ebb and Leabaib project, package 1 of Semaisma West and South project, and package 1 of Al Egda, Al Haidan, and Al Khor project. As for the Western areas, projects include package 2 of North of Qatar Mall and the Celebrations Road project, and packages 2 and 3 of West Muaither (Al Manaseer). In the Southern areas, the served land plots are located within packages 1, 3, and 7 of the Al Mashaf South project. The completed phases serve a total of 3,767 plots, and they are part of projects that will serve a total of 8,821 plots upon completion of all phases. These projects will provide efficient and safe road networks with a length of about 247 km, in addition to 176 km of drainage networks, 108 km of TSE networks, and 233 km of surface and groundwater drainage networks. This is in addition to electricity and lighting lines and the facilities related to these services, as well as pedestrian and cycling paths and car parking.
Financial support agreement signed for beautification & artworks in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar and Seashore Group has signed a cooperation agreement, to provide financial support by Seashore Group for various artwork within Zeeenah Initiative. This aims to support several beautifying works and artworks as part of the initiative launched by the Committee for the Supervision of Road Beautification and Public Places in the country, in cooperation with ministries and other government authority. In addition to initiatives supporting sustainability and taking parts in some events.
The terms of the agreement, which last for two years from signing, include providing financial support by Seashore Group for various initiatives and events within the projects of The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar. It is implemented in cooperation with Qatari artists and residents in the country, and to the projects that serve the environmental sustainability in addition to sponsoring some of the activities in which the committee participates. This agreement regulates the responsibilities and rights of both parties in all areas of cooperation such as, wall murals in Al Khor Coastal Road, old doors in Iqraa’ plaza, and the mural on the water tank in Khalifa Avenue Road, and a number of artworks on the beaches.
This agreement offers an opportunity to enhancing cooperation with the committee through funding artwork submitted by several artists, which enriches the artistic and cultural movement in Qatar. The agreement covers different areas of Zeeenah Initiative, which aims to beautify cities and reflects the celebration in various locations in the country.
New hotel to be opened in Doha
Double Tree by Hilton has announced the opening of its new property Executive Apartments Hotel, located at the intersection of C-Ring Road and Salwa Road in Doha, Qatar. The hotel features 257 units of one- and two-bedroom suites, with spacious balconies, living and dining areas, and a separate fully equipped kitchen. The hotel has a signature restaurant, La Serre, an elegant bistro and boulangerie as well as Moods, a Rooftop restaurant and lounge, SPA with 6 full massage suites, ladies and men's salon, and a fully equipped fitness centre with outdoor rooftop swimming pool.
Key rainwater drainage network project completed in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on Thursday, September 22, 2022 announced the completion of the rainwater drainage network on the roads surrounding Al Sadd Sports Club as part of the preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The work included repaving and rehabilitation of roads and parking lots, as well as the installation of road markings, sidewalks and pedestrian paths, additional bus entrances, and special-needs paths, all while maintaining their aesthetic appearance.
The drainage works surrounding Al Sadd SC are part of Ashghal's preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, to protect the roads surrounding the club, training stadiums and fan zones from rainwater accumulations and to find sustainable solutions to protect the properties such as schools and mosques. The project was done in coordination with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Al Sadd Sports Club. In addition, Ashghal also announced the repaving of Talha bin Khaled Street, which connects Al Shammal Road with Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and Ahmad Bin Taymiyah Street to link Salwa Road to Al Waab Road.
100-villa luxury resort to open in Qatar
Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), has announced the signing of a partnership agreement with Ali Bin Ali Holding to build Al Shaqab Village, a unique accommodation project within QF's Education City. This comes as part of Al Shaqab's commitment to supporting the State's development plans and prestigious cultural heritage. Al Shaqab Village will be launched before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The project is located next to the world-class equestrian centre, Al Shaqab, Education City Golf Club and Education City Stadium. With a design inspired by Qatar's historic villages and districts, Al Shaqab Village includes 100 resort villas to suit different needs and enhances the country's prestige as a world sporting and tourist destination. The luxury resort combines traditional elegance with modern comforts. The state-of-the-art amenities deliver an unforgettable experience.
MoU signed to develop carbon capture roadmap in Qatar
QatarEnergy has signed an agreement with General Electric (GE) to collaborate on developing a carbon capture roadmap for the energy sector in Qatar. The focus of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is to explore the feasibility of developing a world-scale carbon hub at Ras Laffan Industrial City, is home to more than 80 GE gas turbines. Exploring pre- combustion technologies such as the use of low carbon fuels to generate power, and post combustion technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration, can potentially significantly reduce the CO2 emissions from QatarEnergy’s facilities. Looking ahead, Qatar has the possibility of becoming a leading global player in the areas of hydrogen, ammonia, and CCS by helping to pilot and scale up these technologies for the rest of the world. This MoU affirms QatarEnergy’s Sustainability Strategy and our efforts to implement effective measures to curb emissions and produce cleaner energy using the latest proven emissions reduction technologies. We are pleased to work with GE, who is a strategic partner, to pursue all available avenues including the use of clean energy carriers such as hydrogen as a fuel for gas turbines coupled with efficient and affordable carbon capturing technologies from such turbines, on an unprecedented scale, to achieve a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
QatarEnergy recently updated its Sustainability Strategy, which outlines multiple initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including flagship initiatives such as the further deployment of carbon capture and sequestration technology to capture over 11 million tons per annum of CO2 in Qatar by 2035. These projects are expected to further reduce the carbon intensity of Qatar’s LNG facilities by 35%, and of its upstream facilities by 25% (compared to previous targets of 25% and 15%, respectively) bolstering Qatar’s commitment to responsibly supply cleaner LNG at scale in support of the energy transition. The roadmap includes the development of carbon capture & sequestration, the utilization of hydrogen, and the potential usage of ammonia in GE gas turbines to reduce their carbon emissions.
Works completed for pedestrian bridges in Doha
The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announces work completion of 8 pedestrian bridges in the streets of Najma, Al Khaleej, Al Istiqlal, Al Furousiya, Onaiza, Doha Express Highway, Al Wukair road, and C-Ring Road. These bridges are located in lively areas in the country. They serve Suheim bin Hamad stadium in Qatar Sports Club, Jassim bin Hamad stadium in Al Sadd Sports Club, and Hamad bin Khalifa stadium in Al Ahli Sports Club, which will be used as training stadiums during the FIFA World Cup 2022. As for Al Furousiya pedestrian bridge, it will serve the fans visiting Khalifa International Stadium as the bridge was designed to include pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely. The bridges also serve the streets of Al Istiqlal, Onaiza, Al Furousiya, Doha Expressway, C-Ring Road, Al Khaleej, Najma, and Al Wukair to serve the areas of Lejbailat, Onaiza, Muaither, Al Mirqab, Al Sadd, Fereej Bin Mahmood, Nuaija, and Al Wakra.
Tender expected soon for a production sustainability project in Qatar
State-owned giant Qatargas is expected to begin a sizeable engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) package that comprises additional offshore facilities destined for its North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) Project. Qatargas is expected to issue tender documents within weeks for the third offshore package involving the sustainability project. Qatargas, a subsidiary of state-owned giant QatarEnergy, is engaged in the first development phase of a NFPS compression project that is divided into three sizeable packages.
Mixed-use project announced in Qatar
Ezdan Real Estate Company announced the launch of the multi-purpose Al Janoub Gardens, touted as one of Ezdan's most important projects to rise in the Al Wukair area this year. The project boasts of residential and commercial units comprising 2,368 fully-furnished apartments of various sizes and 240 retail outlets available by the end of 2022. Al Janoub Gardens features many spacious parking spaces for residents and visitors or more than 4,400 external parking lots and basement floors, as well as mosques, kids play areas, and 10 swimming pools spread across the project. Al Janoub Gardens is divided into two phases, spanning over 300,000sq m. Construction operations have exceeded 75% and the project will be offered for leasing during the last quarter of 2022.
FIFA awards hygiene products contract for Qatar World Cup
Football's world governing body FIFA has awarded Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH) the license to design, produce, and sell limited-edition packs of facial tissues commemorating the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. FHH will make the special edition packs available in hypermarkets and supermarkets in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Morocco and Sudan starting from mid-September 2022. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab World. It is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 18, 2022, in Qatar, with matches being played across eight stadiums, hosting 32 teams.
Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), one of the world’s leading wellness groups and MENA’s leading manufacturer of hygienic products, serves consumers in more than 80 countries around the world. Originally established as a paper manufacturer, FHH has transformed into a wellness company dedicated to enhancing global health and wellbeing. Committed to becoming the shining star of the Arab FMCG business world, the group focuses on wellness, sustainability, pioneering CSR programs, and state-of-the-art production processes. FHH offers a diverse array of award-winning products including sterilized facial tissues, napkins, kitchen towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, adult briefs, jumbo rolls, as well as away-from-home products to accommodate all types of private and public institutions. In addition to its advanced range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and long-lasting germ protection solutions, it also brings innovative nutritional supplements, Motiva, to the market.
Roads leading to Lusail Stadium completed in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announces the readiness of roads leading to Lusail Stadium to welcome fans of Lusail Super Cup and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Finale. The journey to Lusail Stadium begins through the unique Al Khor expressway, and from the South where the gate of Lusail expressway is decorated with iconic 5/6 arches. For those coming from Doha South and other areas of Doha, Al Majd road is considered the ideal strategic road to connect Lusail Stadium with more than 30 residential areas.
Ashghal’s role went beyond constructing roads that connect areas together, as the scope of work extended to the construction of an advanced network of pedestrian and cycling paths, in an effort to create a healthy lifestyle and to connect nearby residential areas to the stadium and the most important leisure attractions and facilities., the most vital of which is the Olympic track that extends for 33km along Al Khor road. With the opening of 5/6 Park on Lusail road, the public has a place to enjoy their time near Katara, the Pearl, and Lusail. Al Khor Expressway is a direct way to Lusail Stadium with its car parking area in both directions. The expressway is 33km long and contains 10 interchanges. It is considered a vital connection point to link Northern and Eastern areas with Doha city, in addition to around 20 residential areas such as Simaisma, Umm Qarn, Tinbak, Wadi Al Banat, Rawdat Al Hamama, Lusail, the Pearl, Legtaifiya, Al Tarfa, and others. It also facilitates access to Mesaieed and Dukhan through its interchange with Al Majd Road.
Al Khor Road provides traffic capacity of 2000 vehicles per hour in both directions, thus improving traffic movement and reducing travel time to reach the stadium, while providing a path to the metro in its median island. With the urban development witnessed by Lusail City during the past few years, Al Khor Road has succeeded in becoming a development axis in the North-Eastern area of the country, along the East coast from Doha up to Al Khor and Ras Laffan. The road also connects Lusail Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium, and facilitates access to Al Rayyan Stadium and Education City Stadium through its connection with Al Majd Road, facilitating movement of fans between stadiums during the World Cup, as well as providing free traffic flow for those coming to and from various recreational areas such as Lusail Boulevard, 6/5 Park, Katara, Simaisma beach, Al Farkiya beach, amongst others.
Three world-class hotels set to open in Qatar
Three more international, five-star hotels are set to open over September and October, 2022 in Qatar, growing the suite of world-class hotels in the country as it readies for the World Cup. The Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach, St Regis Marsa Arabia Island and the Rixos Hotel Doha will soon unveil an exciting range of culinary concepts, extravagant pool and beach facilities, and incredible city views that will only add to Qatar’s position as one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world. With its authentic Arabian hospitality, inviting culture and exquisite guest experiences, Qatar, the host nation for the first-ever Fifa World Cup in the Middle East, continues to expand its hospitality industry to fulfil the country’s ambitious goal of attracting over six million international visitors a year by 2030. The three new hotels offer beach escapes to urban sanctuaries and much more.
Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach: A contemporary and elegant hotel located in the business district of Qatar, the Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is set to officially open this month. With a soft opening currently underway, the hotel’s 278 spacious rooms, suites, and apartments offer guests a chance to rejuvenate in the utmost comfort while enjoying picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf Sea. Guests can also revel in Qatar’s finest flavours at the hotel’s contemporary international restaurant, bāzār, and specialty coffee bar, Crema. A short drive away from the award-winning Hamad International Airport, the hotel is strategically located just minutes from the tranquil promenade of the Doha Corniche and some of the country’s iconic museums including the globally renowned Museum of Islamic Art and the expansive National Museum of Qatar.
St Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl-Qatar: Spanning an entire island, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl-Qatar, will offer an exceptional oasis experience to its guests from October 1. With architecture inspired by Andalusian heritage and Arabesque design, the St Regis Marsa Arabia Island will deliver a lifestyle that combines redefined hotel living with convenience and luxury. The hotel will feature exquisite culinary spaces including Nar, a Turkish contemporary restaurant, Roberto’s, an award-winning fine dining Italian concept, and Chotto Matte, a unique Japanese-Peruvian fusion, among others.
Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha: Set to open in October, the Rixos Gulf Hotel Doha will extend a world of relaxed stays, reimagined global cuisines, lively entertainment, and fun-packed activities, all of which are complemented by an exemplary display of Turkish hospitality. With direct access to a private beachfront, guests can enjoy Doha’s cool weather and warm sunshine while taking in the panoramic views of Qatar’s shimmering skyline. With less than 100 days to go to the World Cup, Qatar, continues to burgeon a collection of world-class hotels that make for the perfect getaway. Visitors can curate their ideal itineraries by exploring the plethora of leisure, nature and entertainment attractions found in the capital city and across the country.
2nd hotel launched in Doha Airport Terminal
Doha’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) has opened the Oryx Garden Hotel, the second airport hotel within its award-winning terminal. Situated in the North Plaza, this is the latest venue where passengers can unwind during a layover. The Oryx Garden Hotel is one of many new experiences that are part of HIA’s airport expansion project, which is all set to be launched in time for the widely anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The airport expansion project significantly expands HIA’s state-of-the-art facilities, which will include more than 90 brands in one vast shopping area, a world-class art collection, refreshing environment with lush greenery, and a 10,000 sqm indoor tropical garden with a 268-sqm water feature – a focal point for all travellers.
Comprising 100 rooms ranging from king to twin, as well as suites, the Oryx Garden Hotel offers guests complementary new generation WIFI throughout the premises, and ready access to a variety of retail and culinary options conveniently located nearby. All rooms are conveniently located within the terminal, moments away from boarding gates. The hotel boasts a modern and contemporary design, appealing to both business and leisure travellers, and can be booked around the clock for a maximum of 24 hours. Guests at The Oryx Garden Hotel will be able to enjoy Oryx Airport Hotel’s Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre located at the Airport’s South Plaza, near the iconic Lamp Bear art installation. With a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, spa and a squash court for passengers to use while transferring, the options to rejuvenate are endless. To reach The Oryx Airport Hotel, guests can conveniently use the passenger train connecting the airport’s North and South Plazas.
Microsoft launches first cloud data center region in Qatar
Microsoft has launched its first cloud data center region in Qatar in collaboration with the Qatari Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The 55th region for Microsoft globally will join the largest cloud infrastructure in the world, enhancing Qatar’s regional and global competitiveness, and consolidating its digital transformation. It will also boost local growth by supporting economic diversification, fostering talent and attracting foreign investment. With the opening of the Microsoft center, local and international businesses will be able to host their cloud data in Qatar, benefiting from high levels of reliability and performance.
Iconic Museum of Islamic art reopening in Qatar
Qatar Museums announced that the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is set to reopen on October 5 after a number of facility enhancements and a restructuring to its permanent collection. In addition to nearly 1,000 newly acquired works on display, MIA will exhibit Baghdad: Eye's Delight - a look at Iraq's cultural history as one of the most important cities in the Islamic world, with a special emphasis on the Abassid caliphs (750-1258 CE) and its legacy in the 20th century, when the city again became a thriving center for the arts, culture, and commerce. The opening of the Museum of Islamic Art was a transformational moment for Qatar, marking the nation's emergence as a new global cultural destination and paving the way for establishing other major museums and cultural institutions in the region. Designed by the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, the first floor of the reimagined MIA building will be dedicated to the story of the museum itself. Subsequent floors will feature the institution's greatest artifacts - from the Blue Qur'an to the Franchetti tapestry - along with historical tours on how the Islamic World spread throughout the Middle East and the Western world. MIA will reopen on October 5, a month before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Baghdad: Eye's Delight will open shortly after on October 26 and run through February 25, 2023.
Katara Hills LXR Hotels & Resorts to open soon in Qatar
Expanding its list of luxurious hospitality facilities, the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) will soon open a new five star resort for an exceptional retreat experience in its most stunning spots. An agreement has been signed between Katara and Estithmar Holding for the much-anticipated project, Katara Hills LXR Hotels & Resorts. This project, which is integrated with the rest of Katara’s sustainable cultural and tourism projects, is considered one of the advanced tourism projects, which keeps pace with what the country is witnessing from massive achievements and tireless efforts to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The new Katara Hills LXR Hotels & Resorts project will consist of 15 luxurious villas, each with its own private pool. Each villa will be strategically located in a unique spot above the Katara Hills to provide gusts with alluring views of the lush surroundings and the famous Katara Beach. The resort will also offer a range of facilities, including a 5-star spa, an opulent restaurant, and a special service team for all guests during their stay. The project promises to offer a peaceful retreat amid vast green spaces distributed along the Katara Hills all from one window. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the village’s various cultural, artistic, heritage and sports activities hosted all year long, which incorporates the concept of sustainable cultural tourism.
Worlds largest blue ammonia plant to be built in Qatar
QatarEnergy will build the world’s largest blue ammonia plant, which is expected to come online in the first quarter of 2026 and to produce 1.2 million tons per year. While conventional ammonia production emits CO2 if it is made with fossil fuel, during the production of blue ammonia any carbon dioxide generated is captured and stored. The facility, the Ammonia-7 Project, will cost $1.156 billion to build and capture and sequester 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide a year through the manufacturing process. Ammonia is mainly made from hydrogen produced from natural gas and nitrogen from the air. It does not emit CO2 when burned. It is principally used as a raw material for fertilizer and chemicals, but it can also be used as a low-carbon fuel in power stations. Thyssenkrupp and Consolidated Contractors Co. are the contractors of the project.
Umm Salal HC launches 24/7 paediatric urgent care in Qatar
The Primary Health Care Corporation’s (PHCC) Umm Salal Health Centre has launched a 24/7 Paediatric Urgent Care Clinic and more health centres will offer 24/7 general urgent care services soon. PHCC announced: As part of commitment to offer patients round-the-clock high-quality urgent healthcare that is easily accessible, quick and efficient, other 24-hour Urgent Care Services are expected to go live in other health centres in the coming months. With an ever-increasing population, there is growing demand for high-quality Urgent Care Services, making it a vital component of our healthcare offering. Umm Salal Health Centre, one of the 28 PHCC health centres across the country, has been providing urgent care services for adults, and has now expanded its services to offer 24/7 Urgent Care Services for children and young people, up to the age of 18. Through this service, people with non-life-threatening medical needs will be able to obtain treatment, including but not limited to: severe minor illnesses such as high fever or vomiting, mild or moderate asthma, skin rashes, croup, umbilical discharge, or ear and eye complaints. The 24-hour Paediatric Urgent Care Service is currently available at Muaither and Al Ruwais Health Centres and led by a team of specialist doctors and nurses, and supported by pharmacy and x-ray services. As a walk-in service, patients are offered the convenience of a fast and effective assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or advice, ensuring the most appropriate level of intervention and quality patient care. PHCC currently offers adult patients 24/7 Urgent Care Services for non-life-threatening medical needs, such as minor burns, mild to moderate dehydration, fever, severe dizziness, mild shortness of breath, vomiting, animal bites, and acute skin infections, at eight health centres, such as: Rawdat Al Khail, Al Rayyan, Al Kaaban, Al Sheehaniya, Al Ruwais, Muaither, Abu Bakr Al Siddiq, and Umm Salal Health Centres.
Development commenced for 8 beaches in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar has announced the commencement of development and maintenance works of 8 beaches in the country. These beaches are Al Ghariya Beach, Al Farkiya Beach, Simaisma Beach, Al Wakra Family Beach, Al Wakra Public Beach, Sealine Beach, Safa Al Touq Beach, Al Kharaij Beach. This comes as phase 1 of developing and maintaining 18 beaches in the country, in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality.
The beaches include a number of sport and entertainment facilities that fulfill the needs of visitors of all ages, such as pedestrian paths, kids playing zones, beach sports zones, pergolas, prayer rooms, washrooms, shower rooms, changing room, and light poles to enable night visits to the beach. All of this is to enrich the beach goers’ experience, as they can do many activities in one place. This is in addition to the artworks that will be done in some beaches in collaboration with a number of Qatari and resident artists in the country, in cooperation with Qatar Museums. Through beach development and maintenance projects, the Committee is keen on serving the physically challenged people, as these 8 beaches include access to the sea that helps them enjoy swimming in complete privacy and safety, while facilitating movement and access to various facilities. All beaches were designed to include seating areas to rest and enjoy the overall scenery.
Contract awarded for solar power plants in Qatar
QatarEnergy has awarded a sizeable contract to South Korean engineering and construction company Samsung C&T to build two solar power plants aimed at generating 875 megawatts of renewable electricity. This project includes 2 large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants to be built in Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC) and Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) and is expected to start electricity production by the end of 2024. The contract was signed by QatarEnergy Renewable Solutions, a wholly owned affiliate of QatarEnergy tasked with investing in renewable energy and sustainability projects. The company noted that the 2.3 billion ($630 million) Qatari Riyals IC Solar project will result in direct emissions reduction of more than 28 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime, especially from the North Field East and North Field South LNG expansion projects.
Wyndham opens newest property ahead of FIFA in Qatar
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which features approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries, continues to strengthen its presence across the Middle East with the opening of the 278-key Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach in Doha, Qatar. The managed hotel opens in collaboration with leading regional hospitality development entity, Hala Real Estate Development Company. Conveniently located just 500m from the City Centre Doha Mall and 600m from the DECC metro station, Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach is the closest beachfront hotel in the prestigious West Bay area. The hotel is also within walking distance of various corporate, government and leisure establishments in the West Bay area.
Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach offers modern premium rooms and boasts state-of-the-art leisure facilities for guests including a variety of on-site restaurants, a spa that includes a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and outdoor pool as well as a fitness centre. Business travellers can utilise the property's six spacious corporate meeting rooms, which have the combined capacity to host close to 350 people.
DECC park is all set to open in Qatar
The new park at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) is all set to be opened with the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar having completed all major works. The park will be opened along with the completion of the Doha Corniche Development project. The park with green spaces spread across 10,000sqm will be the first of its kind with padel spaces to serve fans and players, in keeping with the rising popularity of the game. The underground parking is equipped with elevators. The features include a central green plaza, an event space, children's play area, exercise area, shaded seats, cafeteria, restrooms, bicycle paths, bicycle parking lots, indoor pedestrian walkways and paths for walking and jogging. The walkways and cycle paths have locally-made recycled rubber floors. Surrounded by the Corniche, Al-Ad Al Sharqi and Exhibition Centre streets along with Street 811, the park is located among a large number of hotels, administrative and government buildings and private companies. The committee was keen to make it a new tourist and entertainment destination for all citizens, residents and tourists while providing various facilities that attract families.
Primary works completed on World Cup projects in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the important infrastructure works related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The work on the main roads that serve the stadiums has been completed and that a plan has been drafted for the roads near the venues for easy access. Ashghal has established a network of highways that covers Doha while linking it to all regions of the country. The projects encompassed the construction and development of integrated infrastructure that included setting up sewage networks, electricity networks and smart transportation systems, and developing lighting systems and traffic lights systems. These are in addition to developing the drinking water network and the surface water drainage network, as well as service roads, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and landscaping works. Ashghal has so far completed 98% of the highway and infrastructure projects, including the World Cup projects. Work is being carried out continuously and round-the-clock to deliver the rest of the projects.The authority is also working on projects meant to establish green areas on all roads in residential areas and in the areas surrounding the World Cup stadiums. Ashghal has so far delivered more than 863km of the roads connecting World Cup stadiums. These include Al Majd Road, Al Khor Road, Lusail Road, G-Ring Road, and Al Rayyan Road. It has also almost completed works of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, Duhail Al Gharafa Bridge, Khalifa Avenue, and E-Ring Road. Major intersections were opened in recent months on G-Ring Road, Salwa Road, Dukhan Road, and Al Shamal Road while enhancing the traffic flow and reducing the travel time to the stadiums. Ashghal has also completed the works of the New Orbital Highway project in the north and west of Doha and opened Al Wakra Road.
FEED study contract awarded for a gas field project in Qatar
McDermott has secured a front-end engineering design (FEED) contract with state-owned oil and gas company QatarEnergy for the North Field South (NFS) expansion project. Under the contract, McDermott will be in charge of developing FEED studies for offshore and onshore pipelines, cables, and associated facilities. The project will be managed from the company’s Doha office with support from Chennai, India.
The NFS infrastructure is part of the North Field Expansion Project (NFXP). This new contract adds to McDermott’s previously secured deal for the jackets, topsides and pipelines for NFXP. The North Field lies off the northeast shore of the Qatar peninsula and covers an area of more than 6,000 square kilometers. It is one of the largest single non-associated natural gas fields in the world. The aim of the expansion project is to increase Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity from the current 77 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 126 MTPA, through the North Field South (NFS) and North Field East (NFE) expansion projects.
Five new schools opened with international & sustainable standards in Qatar
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has opened five new preparatory and secondary schools for boys and girls in a number of population centers in the country, in order to provide the best possible educational experience for students and to achieve Qatar's development goals and National Vision 2030. The new schools will start receiving students with the beginning of the new academic year 2022-2023, with each school able to accommodate 786 students 36 of them have special needs, divided into 6 classes, and the remaining students (750 students) divided into 30 classrooms.
The schools are distinguished by their modern buildings that unite with the educational system in facilitating the work of administrative and teaching bodies and making the educational process smoother and richer for students. Each school includes a sports hall, a theater, science laboratories, art workshops, computer Labs, outdoor playgrounds, in addition to an air-conditioned school assembly yard and dedicated parking. The Ministry was keen to implement the country's sustainability standards during the construction of the schools, as it used environmentally friendly materials to ensure the classification of new school buildings as green buildings according to national standards, while also implementing security and safety conditions and ensuring easy access for people with special needs. It is worth noting that the five schools opened by the Ministry are part of the PPP schools project and are part of a total of eight schools for the first package that will be opened through this partnership.
Bids submitted for crucial offshore development project in Qatar
Up to four leading international contractors or consortia have submitted bids to state-owned giant QatarEnergy for a sizeable offshore contract involving further development of its Idd El-Shargi North Dome (ISND) offshore oilfield. The technical bids were recently submitted, after being delayed on a few occasions. The most recent ISND contract is widely touted to be valued at upwards of $400 million and comprises up to three offshore platforms. Following the submission of technical bids, commercial offers for ISND are likely to be submitted within a month or two and QatarEnergy is expected to finalise its preferred bidder before the end of this year.
US$381 million contract awarded for offshore projects in Qatar
Milaha has won an engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract from QatarEnergy valued at more than QR 1.4 billion (US$381 million). Milaha had secured a five-year contract with QatarEnergy to deliver EPCI services for offshore projects in Qatar.
Corniche walkways & tunnels work nearing completion in Qatar
The Doha Corniche Development works are about 95% complete and progressing in full swing. The walkways and three tunnels will be soon opened for pedestrians and cyclists. Al Dafna Tunnel, Corniche Station Tunnel and West Bay Station Tunnel are the ones to be opened to enhance the movement of pedestrians and connect the paths with the neighbouring places. The new tunnels are equipped with escalators and elevators for the elderly and people with disabilities. Bicycle paths enhance movement between the Corniche and Al Bidda Park, Theatre Park and Hassad Tower. The tunnels also have a rainwater drainage network, firefighting systems, and green areas extending to the entrances from the sea side. The tunnels are spacious to accommodate a large number of pedestrians. The Doha Corniche development project, implemented by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places, also features for each tunnel two cafes with outdoor seating, directly overlooking the sea.
The Dafna Square project, opposite the Dafna Tunnel, contains two cafes, each with an internal area of 20sqm and 48sqm external courtyard.
The Corniche Square across the Corniche tunnel has two coffee shops, each with an internal area of 46sqm and 49sqm, respectively and 95sqm for the external courtyard.
Al Bidaa Square, opposite Al-Bidaa Tunnel, has two cafes with an internal area of 20sqm and outdoor yard of 48sqm.
New VIP cinema to be opened in Qatar
Qatar Film & Film Distribution Company announced that it plans to open a new VIP cinema in Katara Cultural District to be named Katara Cinema on August 4, 2022. The cinema will comprise four VIP screens. Katara Cinema will be equipped with the latest technologies as well as other hi-tech equipment, to keep pace with the latest developments in the world of film entertainment, and to be an outlet and a special entertainment site for all citizens, residents, and visitors in Qatar.
Swire Energy Services & Petrotec new contact in Qatar
North Oil Company Qatar (NOC) has awarded a new 5-year contract to the partnership of Swire Energy Services (SES) and Petroleum Technology Company W.L.L (Petrotec). The contract, representing a support package to NOC’s offshore operations, will commence on June 1st, 2022. The contract is a further five-year development of the relationship between NOC, SES and Petrotec established in 2017. In addition to provision of offshore containers the contract scope also includes further support services including provision of manpower, transportation and maintenance services. The contract will be supported from Petrotec’s new QR180m state of the art service centre in Ras Laffan.
Work commenced for Dhow Boat Marines in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar announces the commencement of work implementation on Dhow Boat Marines Construction Project on three locations in the Doha Corniche area, the first is near Al-Bidda pedestrian underpass , the second is near Al Dafna pedestrian underpass, whereas the third is near The Sheraton Park in cooperation with Qatar Tourism, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Municipality and Private Engineering Office.
The dhow boat marines contribute to highlighting features of The Corniche area from a tourism and entertainment perspective, especially considering the increase in the number of visitors that the country is witnessing in preparation for FIFA World Cup 2022 organization. Consequently this enhances investment in infrastructure in the region and plays a role in developing it as a high-end tourist marine destination.
The project contributes in providing and preparing modern facilities with high standards and specifications that serve the needs of boat owners, considering the highest standards of quality and safety during the design and construction. This contributes to achieving environmental awareness consequently improving the quality of life. Overall, the project includes within the second and third sites; a drainage network and low voltage electricity network, and the third site also includes a drinking water network. In turn, these marines will provide parking for dhow boats. The project was designed in a simplified way, based on the unification and consistency of materials used to match the underpasses located in the Doha Corniche, where sustainable materials were used that can withstand weather conditions, considering the possibility of expanding the marinas and increasing the number of parking spots in each marina in the future.
Work on key foul sewer network completed in Qatar
The Public Works Authority 'Ashghal' announces the completion of works on an 11-kilometer-long foul sewer network in Al-Kheesa and Rawdat Al-Hamama Areas by implementing 30-meter-deep lines to accommodate flows connecting adjacent networks in Wadi Al-Banat, Al Ebb and Lusail Areas. This newly constructed network is part of foul sewer infrastructure development works in areas North of Doha. Upgrading works within the project included installing foul sewer lines stretching from Zekreet Street to Merigeel Street via Street 999, to collect foul flows, facilitate their discharge and provide well-developed sewer connections to replace the traditional septic tanks.
Completed works within the project serves several areas witnessing a significant urban growth as it collects the sewage of other existing projects in the area. It will also improve the quality of life as well as the health and environmental conditions in the area. The scope of works contained a total of 11 km of foul sewer network lines that involved 6.5 km of micro tunneling works and 4.5 km of shallow foul sewer lines, in addition to 154 square meters of interlock installation works.
Management agreement signed for Steigenberger Residences in Qatar
Deutsche Hospitality, the umbrella brand of the German hotel company Steigenberger Hotels, has announced the successful signing of the management agreement for the Steigenberger Residences Doha, Qatar. Complementing the recently opened flagship Steigenberger Hotel Doha, the Residences will include 278 uniquely furnished apartments offering the warm comforts of a home and a space that allows guests to revel and relax in. The Steigenberger Residences Doha is planned to open in Q3 2022 – just in time for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, starting November 21, 2022. Ranging from one, two, and three bedroom units, the Residences feature modern design elements and aesthetic touches such as gleaming marble floors that create an opulent contemporary atmosphere. Guest facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, gym, yoga room, the GOCO Spa and the culinary offer of five restaurants and bars, as well as a separate lobby and reception area. The Residences will be connected to the retail facility of the master development. The serviced apartments are a convenient 10-minute drive to Hamad International Airport and within walking distance from the business park.
Road work completed on Jasim Bin Hamad Street in Qatar
Ashghal announced the completion of works on an 800m service road along Jasim Bin Hamad Street. The relevant infrastructure works on it was part of the Road Improvement Works (RIW) Project in Various Areas of Greater Doha, Phase 6B. The works involved 1.5km pedestrian paths, new lighting systems, 91 parking bays, surface water and rainwater drainage network (0.6 km) and a new foul sewer network (0.6 km), along with directional signs and road markings. the importance of building a service road for a vital route like Jasim bin Hamad St., as it has high traffic and is connected to main roads like Khalifa St., Omar bin Al-Khattab St., and Al Jazira Al Arabiya St. the service road will enhance traffic safety, regulating vehicular flow, and reducing traffic congestion on the main road. The road also serves the nearby health and commercial facilities, as it provides easier access to these amenities & the residential areas.
Work completed on Dukhan road beautification in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar announced the completion of Dukhan Road beautification works from Al Wajba Interchange to Al Sheehaniya Interchange. Additionally, the pedestrian and cycling paths were connected from Al Seej Area to the pedestrian path in Al Riffa Street and from umm leghab to Al Sheehaniya Interchange and from it to the roundabout leading to Camel Racing track Area and Al Wajba Interchange. In addition, trees were planted alongside the road and the median 3kms in length in Al Wajba Area and through Al Wajba Interchange. This was done in continuation of the committee’s plan to beautify several roads in the country, in order to create a healthier, and more sustainable environment, increase life quality and develop the civilized scene in different areas in the country.
The project aims to beautify Dukhan Road and connect the pedestrian and cycling paths from Al Seej area to the cycling path in Al Riffa street, and from umm leghab to Al Sheehaniya Interchange and from there to the roundabout leading to Camel Racing Track. The project also included trees planted on the sides of the highway and in the Median Island with a length of 3km in Al Wajba area, passing by Al Wajba intersection, in addition to planting trees in the sides of the road right after Umm Al Afaei intersection reaching to Al Sheehaniya Interchange with a length of 9km, and planting trees in the sides of the pedestrian and cycling paths. The committee has implemented several main works that included planting green spaces with an area of 150000 m² and 5076 trees that vary between palm, local trees and trees that adapt with the Qatari environment, we also implemented a pedestrian path of 3400m and a cycling path of 6030m, to encourage a healthier lifestyle and the use of alternative transportation means to reduce pollutants emitted from vehicles exhausts, in addition to providing 15 benches, bike racks and garbage containers to ensure the comfort of road users.
The total length of the project is 15800 m, and the beautification works are considered to be a great addition to the project’s site, as Dukhan Road is one of the vital roads that serve road users of Ahmed Bin Ali stadium, one of the stadium that will host the 2022 World Cup and the rest of commercial and residential facilities in the region.
Partners to be announced soon for a giant gas project in Qatar
Gas companies Exxon Mobil Corp., TotalEnergies SE and ConocoPhillips are likely to win stakes in a multi-billion dollar project aimed at uplifting Qatar’s gas exports. The state-owned petroleum company Qatar Energy could announce the decision by this weekend, with firms including Shell also involved in the bidding war.
Qatar may initially announce partners for the first phase. That part will see QatarEnergy build four liquefaction units, known as trains, each with a capacity of 8 million tons per year. The first gas flows aren’t expected until 2026. Qatar, which vies with the US and Australia to be the world’s biggest LNG exporter, has delayed the decision for at least two years. It has enough money to complete the project alone and would only choose equity partners if it got decent offers.
Contract awarded for residential tower in Qatar
Mazaya Real Estate Development Company, Qatar announces the signing of a contract to develop a residential tower for AlNamaa Real Estate Development Company in Lusail City. The contract was signed by Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Mazaya Real Estate Development Company, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of AlNamaa Real Estate Development Company. The project is located directly on the waterfront beach, with a height of 21 floors, and includes approximately 120 housing units, varying between chalets and apartments consisting of 2-4 bedrooms. The tower also includes a range of commercial facilities and amenities, including a gym and a swimming pool. The development of the project will start as soon as the required approvals and legal procedures are completed, and the construction process will continue for approximately 30 months, with the project to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. The residential units will also be sold in the coming months.
Ashghal fully opens Mesaimeer Interchange in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has fully opened the Mesaimeer Interchange along with the final route connecting Al Wakra to Doha. According to a statement on Sunday, drivers coming from Mesaieed Road can reach Nuaija, Fereej Al Ali, Rawdat Al Khail Street and D Ring Road while saving travel time by 70%. The opening marks latest achievements of the key junction after being converted from the highly congested roundabout to the first 3-level interchange with nine tunnels linking five main roads: Doha Expressway, E Ring Road, Rawdat Al Khail St., Industrial & Mesaieed Road, and providing ease of access to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and G-Ring Road. The interchange works are 6.1km in length and have the capacity of 20,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. Mesaimeer Interchange, an icon of architecture by Ashghal, is a vital link that provides free traffic flow towards five main roads that serve high-density residential areas and the Industrial Area and other vital facilities such as Al Thumama Stadium. Doha South area has seen the development and construction of a network consisting of main roads such as G-Ring Road, Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, Industrial Area Road, E-Ring Road, D Ring Road and Rawdat Al Khail Street, which contributed significantly not only towards improving traffic, but also enhancement of commercial activity in the area. The road users coming from Al Wakra and Al Wukair can directly access Nuaija and Fereej Al Ali up to Doha Central through Rawdat Al Khail street. Ashghal has upgraded Mesaimeer Old Roundabout into a three-level interchange and developed parts of the roads linking with the interchange, he explained. Ashghal has developed Rawdat Al Khail Street up to D-ring Road and removed Fereej Al Ali roundabout, expanded the street in addition to provide a bridge linking between the Industrial Area and Rawdat Al Khail Street. Ashghal has also developed part of Doha Expressway and removed traffic signals with Wholesale Market Street to ease traffic flow, and most importantly to provide a new road guiding comers from Al Wakra, Al Wukair and Sabah Al Ahmad corridor to Doha, in order to link the south with the north, which has reduced the travel time and traffic congestion.
Mesaimeer Interchange is the first in Qatar that connects five main roads - Doha Expressway, Mesaieed Road, Industrial Area Road, Rawdat Al Khail Street, and E-Ring Road, as it also facilitates access to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, G-Ring Road, D-Ring Road. The importance of the interchange is increased as it links between the south of the country, Doha Central and the north. In addition to linking traffic between Industrial Area and the heart of Doha through its connection to Rawdat Al Khail street which interchanges with D-Ring road, C-Ring road, up to B-Ring road, as well as the areas between Nuaija, Al Thumama, Bu Hamour, Al Maamoura it also facilitates access to Al Wakra, Al Wukair, and Industrial Area. The interchange is located in key areas that consist of many vital facilities, especially Al Thumama Stadium, one of the World Cup stadiums. The interchange will include three pedestrian bridges to secure fans access to Al Thumama Stadium and surrounding residential areas. The interchange will also serve many important educational, health and commercial facilities such as the Medical Commission, Meteorology Department, in addition to many different schools, health centers and nearby shopping malls. Mesaimeer Interchange integrates with Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor through its connection to Al Thumama Stadium thereby providing a strategic link between Mesaieed Road and Doha Expressway to ease traffic flow between the north and south of the country passing by Doha. The vital interchange facilitates access to its nearby residential areas such as Al Thumama, Mesaimeer, Bu Hamour, Nuaija, Al Wakra and Al Wukair, and reduces traffic congestion from these areas to Hamad International Airport, southern regions and Doha, and from there to the northern areas in the country.
Work progressing on track for fish market in Al Ruwais
The construction progress of the Fish Market at Al Ruwais Port was discussed at a co-ordination meeting between Al Shamal Municipality and Aswaq Company. The project is expected to open for business by the end of this year. The participants also discussed the various phases of implementing the project and the construction and architectural designs. The contractor of the project, Al Shamal Municipality's Technical Affairs Department director Faisal al-Sada and a representative of Mwani Qatar Company – Al Ruwai Port were present. The project, spread across 9,810sqm will include various related commercial and services activities such as fish stalls, fish cleaning stalls, a supermarket, multipurpose shops, ice plant, fridge storehouse, and drying storage. It will serve the residents of Al Shamal and the surrounding areas.
New residential villa compound floresta garden 2 launched in Qatar
United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, announced the launch of ‘Floresta Garden 2’ in Floresta Gardens precinct, the second residential villa compound at The Pearl Island, with villas now offered for leasing. This luxury villa compound exudes elegance and warmth inspired by contemporary Mediterranean lifestyle and consists of 32 villas only, divided between 16 standalone villas and 16 semi-attached six-bedroom villas, all of which have luxurious specifications and spacious interiors, in addition to state-of-the-art facilities that include a multiuse hall, gym, squash, tennis court, padel, and basketball courts, as well as children’s playgrounds, swimming pools, jacuzzi and sauna. Located East of Viva Bahriya precinct, Floresta Gardens is one of the most prized locations at The Pearl Island, offering a variety of community living options, all characterized by a Mediterranean-style architecture, in addition to easy access to Floresta Galleria, a 3,500-sqm mall that caters to daily needs of residents including grocery and miscellaneous services.
Al Khor & Al Thakhira sewage treatment works completed in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced the completion of the main components of the New Al Khor and Al Thakhira Sewage Treatment Works (STW) project. The plant entered trial operational phase to serve more than 200,000 people in the cities of Al Khor and Al Thakhira in the North of Qatar. The project aims to provide effective and sustainable solutions to preserve the environment and improve environmental conditions in these areas, by establishing a new and advanced plant that uses the latest global systems for wastewater treatment in order to produce treated water that meets the highest international environmental specifications and standards. The completion of the project led to decommissioning the old and temporary treatment plants with limited capacity. The flows were diverted from the existing temporary treatment plant in Al Thakhira which has been put out of service at the end of 2020. Flows were also diverted from the old treatment plant in Al Khor, which was decommissioned during the third quarter of 2021. Al Khor and Al Thakhira STW was designed and built with a capacity of 56,200 m3 per day, with the aim of treating wastewater flows coming from the collection areas in Al Khor and Al Thakhira. The plant works using the latest advanced treatment technologies such as sequential batch reactors for biological treatment, followed by ultra-filtration, ultra-violet and chlorination systems for disinfection and tertiary treatment. The project included the construction of a new pumping station to transmit the wastewater flows in the Al Thakhira area, the development of the existing pumping station in Al Khor. This is in addition to the construction of various transmission pipelines with a total lengths of about 114 km, including 66 km of pipelines to convey wastewater from Al Khor pumping station to the new pumping station and then to Al Khor and Al Thakhira STW, and 48 km of pipelines to convey treated water from Al Khor and Al Thakhira STW to different locations in Al Khor for irrigation purposes.
Al Maha Paediatric Specialised Care Centre opened in Qatar
The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani officially opened Hamad Medical Corporation’s new Al Maha Pediatric Specialized Care Center. The Al Maha Pediatric Specialized Care Center offers expert long-term and acute care for children with special needs. This unique center, the first of its kind in the region, is an ideal facility designed to create a home-like environment aimed at promoting a better quality of life for children with long-term care needs. The Center reflects the achievement of one of our National Health Strategy’s key goals, which is to provide high-quality care based on international best practice standards. The Al Maha Center is located within the Al Wakra Hospital campus, thereby enabling fast access to this major general hospital if required. The Al Maha Center is spread over 20,000m² of floor area, which includes a range of inpatient and outpatient areas. There are six inpatient units with 105 beds, of which 69 are private rooms, as well as 13 outpatient clinic rooms.
The Center offers a pediatric healthcare environment that includes not only high-quality treatment rooms for children but also family spaces and fun areas to stimulate the children and encourage better family engagement. In addition, the center provides family and attendant education facilities. The patients’ medical needs can be provided in one location, including medical, diagnostic and therapy services (such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive technology, audiology services, seating and positioning and feeding and swallowing as well as psychological support and intervention). The Center also provides innovative services such as aquatic therapy offered in a state-of-the-art multi-level hydrotherapy pool, music and art therapy, virtual reality treatment, in addition to other related services designed to provide the best opportunities adapted to the specific needs of each child. Treatments and diagnosis are provided in 26 individual therapy rooms and four group therapy rooms, as well as three gymnasiums. In addition to patient and family areas, the Center includes a cafeteria and mosque as well as training and conference facilities for staff professional development and family consultation purposes.
Subsea services contract awarded in Qatar
MMA has secured an integrated vessel and subsea services contract to provide offshore construction support services in Qatar. The multi-purpose support vessel MMA Pinnacle will be deployed in Qatar to provide a range of subsea services in support of a tier-one contractor working on a pipeline installation campaign. The campaign is set to commence in early June 2022 and is expected to continue until December 2022. This project marks a major milestone for MMA, securing a significant integrated subsea services contract which utilises our subsea skills and vessel in combination.
Four Seasons announces luxury development at Pearl-Qatar
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a leading luxury hospitality company, has announced a new project featuring private residences and serviced apartments currently under construction in The Pearl-Qatar landmark development in Doha. The new property is in partnership with Q Bayraq Real Estate Investments, a specialized real estate investment development company focused on high-end projects in Qatar. Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar offers a unique opportunity to be part of a community of residents and guests enjoying incredible on-site amenities and the unparalleled luxury service for which our company is renowned worldwide. Situated on a private beach and surrounded by lushly landscaped gardens and pools, the 19-storey building will offer a new level of resort-style luxury living in the heart of the city. Available for short and long-term stays, 161 fully-furnished apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms will feature full kitchens, ensuite laundry and expansive living areas including outdoor terraces, all beautifully finished by Wimberly Interiors with bespoke details throughout.
In addition, 84 Private Residences will be available for purchase for those looking to make Four Seasons part of their everyday lifestyle. For guests looking to enjoy this new residential-style experience, all accommodations will be fully serviced by a dedicated team of Four Seasons people, creating an ideal base for doing business in Doha, or for vacationers seeking a resort experience with easy access to all the city has to offer. Private Residence owners will enjoy enhanced privacy and exclusivity while having complete access to the property's services and amenities. Adding to the experience will be five restaurants and bars including a signature dining experience by Michelin-starred Chef Joël Robuchon; a wellness centre with spa and salon, well-equipped fitness studio and indoor lap pool; a supervised indoor/outdoor kids club; a private screening room with open kitchen and outdoor terrace; and two outdoor pools (one adult and one for families) and private beach, all managed and serviced by Four Seasons. In addition to the on-site amenities, Four Seasons guests and residents will be within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, shopping, cinemas and other entertainments in the immediate area. For those arriving by water or wishing to explore, The Pearl-Qatar is also home to many marinas.
Bids invited to lease 6 cafes at corniche waterfront in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar announced a bid to operate and lease 6 units to serve as cafes that provide food and beverage services. The cafes are located within three plazas on the waterfront of Doha Corniche. It pointed out that the three plazas are Al Dafna, Al Corniche, and Al Bidda plazas, where each plaza is connected to a pedestrian underpass that connects the waterfront with the city of Al Doha, and thus is easily accessible from several sides, where each pedestrian underpass from the waterfront side includes two units (cafes) with an outdoor seating that directly looks over the sea. Each cafe will be provided with all utilities including water, electricity and all necessary connections and connections to air-conditioning system, provided that the tenant purchases and installs their own internal air conditioning unit, indicating that the tenant can make the necessary finishes.
Features of each unit:
Each unit (cafe) consists of two levels, the lower level includes the main unit of the cafe, and the upper level includes an outdoor seating looking over the sea. The unit is connected to the plaza on one side, and to the pedestrian underpass on the other making it easier to access.
Characteristics of the units in each plaza:
Al Dafna Plaza; contains 2 cafes, each with an internal space of 20 square meters and an external space of 48 square meters, reaching a total of 68 square meters for each cafe.
Al Corniche Plaza; contains 2 cafes, each with an internal space of 46 square meters and an external space of 49 square meters, reaching a total area of 95 square meters for each cafe.
Al Bidda Plaza; contains 2 cafes, with an internal space of 20 square meters and an external area of 48 square meters, reaching a total of 68 square meters for each cafe.
Work completed on Inner Doha Foul Sewer Network Project
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced the completion of main upgrading works of Ibn Al Aghlab and Al Hada Streets and opening them to traffic, as part of the development works in Central Doha within the Construction of Foul Sewer Network for Inner Doha Project. The development of the two streets will contribute to improving the traffic movement and reducing congestion in the area. The streets will also connect between two main roads which are the C-Ring Road and the Airport Road, which will serve several commercial establishments and facilities in the area. The completed works included the development of 730 metres of roads, installation of 39 new lighting poles and provision of around 150 car parks and pedestrian sidewalks. About 2 km of sewage and storm water drainage network lines were constructed, in addition to the development of TSE lines and installation of house connections. Works are currently being completed on 8 Streets in Umm Ghuwailina area. The remaining infrastructure works includes around 500 metres of TSE and Surface Water network, 36 Street light poles and around 4,000 square metre of road works.
2 major real estate projects to be partially ready before Qatar 2022
Qatari Diar's investment inside Qatar has reached around QR 50bn. The city of Lusail is one of the company's most prominent projects, stressing that it reflects Qatar National Vision. Some of the company's projects are Qatar National Convention Center, the Sheraton Park, Legtaifiya Lagoon, and the Commercial Avenue in Abu Hamour. As for the Darb Lusail and Saad Square Projects some of the work related to the two projects will be completed ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar The two projects were 96.5% and 85% complete, respectively.
Darb Lusail, which is a commercial avenue, will be a unique experience of Downtown Lusail that reflects the rich Qatari culture. It will be an important destination for shopping, working, and living. Al Saad Square, consists of four towers that have 50 floors each, in addition to two towers that will have 70 floors. The project will also have 14 other buildings offering different commercial uses, in addition to four or five floors underground for parking space.
First batch of LNG ship-owner contracts awarded in Qatar
QatarEnergy signed a series of time-charter parties (TCP's) with a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL) for the long-term charter and operation of 4 LNG ships, constituting the first batch of TCPs awarded under QatarEnergy's massive LNG shipping programme. Concurrent with the signing of the TCPs, back-to-back LNG carrier shipbuilding contracts were signed between MOL and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group (Hudong), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), for the construction of four new LNG carriers to serve QatarEnergy's LNG growth projects and future fleet requirements. These contracts mark the start of the construction phase of QatarEnergy's historic fleet expansion programme in support of our LNG expansion projects.
The signing of the first LNG ship-owner contract marks the successful conclusion of the ship-owner invitation to tender that was launched by QatarEnergy in March 2021 to a large group of LNG ship owners for the chartering of LNG carriers for its future requirements. Other ship-owners that have been selected by QatarEnergy as part of such process will be announced in due course. QatarEnergy had earlier entered into an agreement, in April 2020, with Hudong to reserve LNG ship construction capacity in China for QatarEnergy's future LNG carrier fleet requirements, including for the North Field expansion projects. The contracts signed today mark the commencement of design and construction of the first four new LNG carriers from Hudong, announced in October 2021.
Works completed on roads & junctions project in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announced the completion of construction works at Wadi Al-Banat Junction, as part of the Roads Improvement Works for Roads and Junctions in Various Areas of the Greater Doha Project, Phase 7. This recently constructed junction is highly important as it connects Al-Khor Road with Al Shamal Road on one hand, and provides a link between Al Ebb, Leabaib and Al Kheesa areas on the other. It also connects these 3 areas with the Jeryan Nejaima area to the South. The junction comprises 3 lanes in each direction to continue straight, and 3 other lanes to turn left in all directions. Development works involved road works at a total length of 2.3 km, and the construction of a 1.5 km service road serving residential areas at the southern side of the junction. In addition, the scope of works also involved the construction of 5.3 Km of stormwater drainage network lines at a depth of 32 metres using the micro tunneling method, an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), an irrigation network of 3.8 km, electric cables as well as installing traffic signals and 120 lighting poles. Ashghal has carried out Road Improvement Works for Roads & Junctions in Greater Doha (Phase 7) through Al Jaber Hadeed Company which is a local company and under the supervision of Gulf Engineering & Industrial Consultancy (GEIC).
EPC contract approved for a $239m PVC project in Qatar
Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Company (MPHC), Qatar announced in a statement that its Board of Directors has approved the award of an Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contract for a new Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plant by its joint venture; Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC), with a total contract value of USD 239 million. QVC is a joint venture between MPHC with 55.2% stake, Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) with 31.9% stake and QatarEnergy with 12.9% stake. The new PVC plant’s construction is expected to be completed by mid-2025. The plant targets a nameplate capacity of 350,000 metric tons per annum of Suspension PVC (S-PVC).
The new plant will be integrated with the existing QVC facilities, located at Mesaieed Industrial City, and will source feedstock (i.e., Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)) from the existing facilities. The new plant will further maximize synergies on account of efficient water & power usage; existing supply chain capabilities; while assuring sustainable operations. The new PVC plant aims to meet the growing demand in the PVC-consuming industries, such as the construction industry. PVC produced at the new plant is expected to meet the domestic market demand and provide opportunities to export internationally. PVC as a product, can be handled, stored & shipped safely and seamlessly; and could be coupled with other similar products produced in Qatar to provide opportunities for optimized logistical cost structures. The launch of a new PVC plant will improve MPHC’s strategic positioning in the downstream sector while its enhancing shareholder value. The project aims to create a competitive and sustainable PVC production facilities, that will further consolidate MPHC’s industrial output, while building strength through operational excellence and responsible growth, and diversifying its reach to newer markets.
Work completed on largest sport museum in Qatar
ACCIONA Cultural Engineering (ACE), together with local partner UCC as a Joint Venture, is responsible for delivering the Museography works, fit-out and MEP for the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, the world's largest museum dedicated to Olympics and sport. ACE&UCC-JV is responsible for coordinating an international team of specialists, including creative professionals, architects, engineers, artists and replicas manufactures, content creators, AV hardware, digital and media experts, lighting designers and museography specialists, all working together to deliver one of the world's most innovative and technologically advanced museums dedicated to sports. These works include the partial design, development and implementation of the museum as a whole including the Museography Exhibitions, the complete technical development of the fit-out and the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) of the project.
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum occupies an area of 19,000 m2, including a Cafe, Gift Shop, Members Lounge, Restaurant, Congress Area, Library, Auditorium, meeting rooms and eight galleries covering almost 9,000 m2 of exhibition space. It is located next to the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, one of the key venues that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November 2022.
Works completed on underground tank project in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed Al Aziziya Tank Project for rainwater collection, in cooperation with Aspire Zone, to enhance the rainwater drainage networks in Al Aziziya area. The tank was designed and constructed underground with a capacity of 28,000 cubic meters as an alternative to using almost 3000 tankers for dewatering. The depth of digging the tanker reached 90,000 cubic meters which is equivalent to digging 35 Olympic swimming pools. Latest implementation techniques have been used in this project to accelerate the construction process within the preparation plan of FIFA World Cup 2022. The cooperation between Ashghal and Aspire Zone contributed towards completing the project design in record time along with implementation within the boundaries of a land belonging to Aspire Zone and its close proximity to Khalifa International Stadium. Teams assigned from both parties coordinated directly through common workshops to establish design solutions that are in line with the initiatives of environmental sustainability applied by Ashghal. Under the supervision of Parsons International, the project was contracted to Metito Overseas Company as the main specialised contractor on the project.
Three new museums and waterfront art mill planned in Qatar
Qatar plans to build three more museums in capital Doha, including the 559,700-sq-ft Lusail Museum, as the Gulf nation gears up to welcome the world for the biggest sports extravaganza - Fifa Football World Cup 202. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, Lusail will be dedicated to the influence of Middle Eastern and Islamic art on the wider world. The four-storey building will span 559,700 sq ft and will include exhibition space, an auditorium, library, and educational hubs.
Rem Koolhaas’s architectural firm, Office for Metropolitan Architecture, will be designing the Qatar Auto Museum, which will chart the evolution of the automobile from its invention through today and how it has influenced culture in Qatar. Plans are also afoot to renovate a disused flour mill on Doha’s waterfront promenade into the Art Mill, a creative campus that will feature more than 861,000 sq ft of exhibition and performance space. That project was first announced in 2015, with the Chilean architecture group Elemental leading the renovation. The campus will accommodate artist residency programmes and studio space for creatives, as well as conservation and storage facilities. The silos in the mill will be open to the public this October 2022.
A major public art programme has also been initiated ahead of the opening of the World Cup this November 2022. Forty recent and commissioned artworks by Qatari and international artists will be installed in various sites across Doha this year, including parks and shopping areas, educational and athletic facilities, Hamad International Airport and Q-Rail stations, as well as select stadiums.
Contract awarded for Bul Hanine & Maydan Mahzam fields in Qatar
Fugro has won a contract to deliver a high-value multi-year seabed Geo-data acquisition and geo-consultancy services to QatarEnergy as part of the redevelopment of the Bul Hanine and Maydan Mahzam fields in offshore Qatar. Operating from three state-of-the-art vessels (Fugro Proteus, Pacific Grouse and Bourbon Enterprise), a Fugro team of survey specialists will perform a range of in-depth geotechnical and geophysical assessments, as well as establishing environmental baseline data. They will be joined by geo-consultancy experts who will carry out comprehensive foundation assessments and provide expert advice on pipe-soil interaction. Fugro is a long-term strategic partner of QatarEnergy and a key provider of high-quality Geo-data to the state-owned energy company. It has committed a wide range of digital technologies to the Bul Hanine and Maydan Mahzam redevelopment project, including digital data flow and processing, GIS dashboards and the full support of Fugro's newest remote operations centre (ROC) in Doha, Qatar.
Logistics City Interchange on G Ring Road Opened in Qatar
The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has opened the Logistics City Interchange to traffic which is located at the south entrance of the G-Ring Road at the Free Zone, southwest of Hamad International Airport before the Airport Interchange, in line with the county’s plan to complete expressway projects being implemented by Ashghal. The new interchange consists of two levels and three bridges each of which has three to four lanes in each direction, in addition to four exits, making the capacity of the junction to approximately 10,000 vehicles per hour. Additionally, Ashghal built three tunnels surface water drainage network, treated water lines for irrigation purposes of the surrounding green areas, and communication network, and service roads on both sides of the interchange, extending for two kilometres in length.
Strategic Interchange: Ashghal points that the Logistics City Interchange will link the east and west Free Zone directly to Hamad International Airport, G-Ring Road, and surrounding roads such as Ras Abu Abboud Street, Airport Road and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. The interchange is also integrated with Doha Metro to facilitate access to Free Zone station. The new interchange is important as it is located in a logistical area of strategic importance, as it will facilitate the movement of commodities and goods from Hamad International Airport and the Free Zone to all areas whether inside or outside of Doha, where G-Ring road is located and leads to south areas, Industrial Area, Al Majd road. It also intersects with Ras Abu Abboud street reaching Corniche and Doha Central. The Highway Projects Department manager, affirmed that the expressway network accomplished by Ashghal has achieved a qualitative improvement in traffic across Qatar, & the construction of a new interchange on the G-Ring road will mainly serve the Free Zone, as it does not have a direct connection with G-Ring road. Therefore, the interchange will directly link the Free Zone with the G-Ring road and surrounding areas across the State.
G-Ring Road : The Logistics City interchange is integrated with the G-Ring road, making it the 9th vital interchange extending of 22km in length. The G-Ring road is one of the most important interchanges of which the expressway network consists of in the State of Qatar. As an expressway, it provides uninterrupted traffic flow which will positively result in less traffic congestion on other roads in other areas, integrated with other interchanges in the expressway network such as: Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and Ras Abu Abboud street. The G-Ring Road provides new vital entrances to Industrial Area from the south connecting it with Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Mesaieed Road, Bu Samra border and north areas by connecting with Al Majd road, and a direct link to Logistics Village, to and from Hamad International Airport.
Al Khufous Street and link roads opened in Qatar
The Public Works Authority - Ashghal announced the opening of Al Khufous Street and the link roads to full traffic with road work of about 6.2 km completed, to connect the areas of Murraikh, Muhairja and Luaib with many vital and nearby health, educational, commercial, and sports facilities. The Public Works Department had developed 3,700 meter long Al Khufous Street, 1500 meter long Asia Champions Street 2019 and 1,075 meter long Al Baaya Street, as well as a number of secondary streets such as Muhairja Street, Umm Al Tin Street and Al Saneea Street.
Al Khufous Street will improve the traffic movement in the area after being radically upgraded. The one-lane street has now been converted into a road of three lanes in each direction to accommodate about 10,000 vehicles per hour, reducing mobility time to more than 60%. The opening of Al Khufous Street will ensure direct traffic movement from Al Sadd along with Doha Expressway, bypassing the parallel Al Waab Street towards Muhairja, Murraikh as well as Al Rayyan & Musaither and Al Furousiya Street. Al Khufous St. and link roads serve residential areas such as Murraikh, Luaib & Muhairja and provide an alternative route to Al Waab St., alleviating traffic and making easy access to sports facilities nearby like Aspire Zone and Khalifa Int'l Stadium.
Barzan Gas Plant inaugurated in Qatar
Qatar has inaugurated the Barzan Gas Plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City to produce and process natural gas from the North Field to serve the requirements of local power generation and water desalinization. The plant will also produce associated hydrocarbon products for supply to local refinery and petrochemical industries as well as for export to international markets. The plant is named after the famed historic Barzan Towers, also known as the Umm Salal Mohammed Fort Towers, which were originally built in the late 19th century.
The Barzan Gas Plant is capable of producing almost 1.4 billion standard cu ft of sales gas per day for local power generation and water desalination; 2,000 tons of ethane per day as feedstock for the local petrochemicals industry; 1,500 tons per day of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) for export to international markets; 30,000 barrels of condensate per day for processing in the Laffan Refinery and export to international markets; and 3,500 tons of sulfur per day for export to international markets. Qatargas operates the Barzan Gas Plant on behalf of its shareholders: QatarEnergy (93%) and ExxonMobil (7%)
Work completed on beautification & road works around Legtaifiya station in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed all landscaping works and construction of roads surrounding Legtaifiya station and opening them to traffic. The works are part of the Road Improvement Works in Various Areas in Greater Doha project (Phase 6), and included providing a shared pedestrian and bicycle path, planting trees and green spaces in and around the station. The new roads provide two entrances to the Legtaifiya station - the first is from Lusail Road and the second is from the Pearl Road. These roads contribute to facilitating access to the station and other health and recreational facilities in the area. The company announced that this comes as part of Ashghal’s efforts to develop the transportation network in Qatar, enhance the integration between the road and the rail network, and facilitate traffic. The new roads serve Legtaifiya station in the Doha Metro Red Line and the recently opened Lusail Tram Line. Ashghal was keen to speed up the pace of work to complete the first phase of road works to coincide with the start of operation of the Doha Metro Red Line, and to complete all works including beautification, parking lots, and others, with the opening of the first phase of Lusail Tram services at Legtaifiya Station.
In addition to the implementation of road works with a length of 2.2 km, a 3.3 km shared pedestrian and bicycle path was provided, and 192 trees were planted, in addition to providing 17,000 sqm of green spaces. The area around the Legtaifiya station was also provided with seating for visitors, and parking for bicycles. This is part Ashghal’s efforts to increase green areas and encouraging exercise in green spaces. The project also included the implementation of infrastructure works including about 1.2 km of sewage network, and 2 km of surface and storm water drainage lines, in addition to 1 km of treated water lines to be used for irrigation. Works also included the provision of advanced lighting systems, with installation of 48 street lighting poles, in addition to 272 LED lights on the floors and on the stairs in the area surrounding the station to give an aesthetic look to the green area in general. In addition, 210 parking spaces were provided, besides crossings for people with special needs. In the context of supporting local materials and manufacturers, the percentage of local materials in the project reached 80 percent of total works, as materials and elements such as lighting poles, lamps, directional boards, traffic signs, sewage pipes, rainwater drainage, asphalt and prefabricated manholes were supplied.
Study begins on railway project between Qatar and Saudi Arabia
The construction of the GCC railway network connecting Qatar to the neighbouring Saudi Arabia will kick off soon. The 2,177-km Gulf Railway is a proposed railway system connecting all six GCC countries in Eastern Arabia. The project, expected to cost $250 billion, will be shared by these countries in accordance with the length of the rail network in their territories. Each of the six nations will be responsible for implementing the portion of the project that lies within their territory, whilst also constructing their own railway lines, branch stations and freight terminals. Given their size, the UAE and Saudi Arabia will spend the most on the project, followed by Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Qatar Rail will develop the network in the country, while it will be done by Etihad Rail in the UAE and Oman Rail in the sultanate. All necessary groundwork to implement the grand project has been completed, including the detailed engineering designs and work plan. Sponsorship offers and bids for the much-awaited railway are expected to go out within this year. As per the network’s distribution, the railway will connect Qatar to Saudi Arabia and will be used to transport goods and passengers from and to both countries within hours, providing an easier and more efficient way of travelling for the community.
Al Rakiyat fort restoration project completed in Qatar
Qatar Museums' (QM) Department of Architectural Conservation has completed the restoration project of the historic Al Rakiyat fort in the north-east of the country. Historical sources place the origins of the fort between the 17th and 19th century. Its unique, local building style and historic integration into the country’s landscape have made Al Rakiyat (‘the well’ in Arabic) one of the oldest and most important desert forts in Qatar. Following its initial restoration in 1988, the archaeological site suffered environmental damage that took a toll on the structural components of the historic building. The current QM-led restoration effort followed leading global conservation standards and restoration techniques, using traditional and authentic building materials. Restoration works focused on the main structural components of the building, including plaster, flooring, installation of a wooden ceiling, doors, and treatment against pests. Heritage preservation is a core component of Qatar’s national strive towards economic, human, social and environmental development, recognising that all forward-looking progress must be informed by the country’s distinctive Arab and Islamic values and identity. The Al Rakiyat fort now stands as an enduring landmark of Qatar’s cultural identity, giving forthcoming generations an important insight into the defence architectural.
Excavation works commenced on main drainage tunnel in Qatar
In a new step towards implementing its plan to develop the drainage network infrastructure in Al Wakra and Al Wukair, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announces the commencement of excavation works of the main drainage tunnel within the Drainage Tunnel Project in Al Wakra and Al Wukair, which will extend for over 13 km. Ashghal inaugurated the operation commencement of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that will be used for the tunnel excavation. The main tunnel will accommodate the drainage flows from the current and future drainage network in different areas in Al Wakra and Al Wukair, and transfer these flows to Al Wakra and Al Wukair Sewage Treatment Works, which will have an initial capacity of 150 million liters per day and is set to be the first project in the country to be implemented through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The drainage tunnel in Al Wakra and Al Wukair is one of the largest drainage tunnels in Qatar so far, with a total length of about 13.3 km and a diametre of 4.5 metres. The cost of the project amounts to 859,100,000 Qatari Riyals. The main drainage tunnel, which will operate by gravity, will extend from Al Khuwaytim to the Birkat Al Awamer areas. The excavation works will be carried out by two deep Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM), at a depth of about 60 metres underground. The project includes the construction of eight shafts from land to the bottom of the tunnel, with depths ranging from 50 to 63 metres underground. These shafts are made to execute the deep excavation works, and carry out inspections and periodic maintenance of the tunnel. The shafts will also help in connecting the tunnel with the drainage network in nearby areas in the future. The design life of the main drainage tunnel is about 100 years. The tunnel's innovative design adopts the best construction practices and will be implemented in accordance with international standards of health, safety, environment and sustainability management. That is in line with the country's vision in the sustainable infrastructure field. In addition, the project consists of two additional packages which are the Drainage Networks Branches in Al Wakra and Al Wukair, and the Treated Sewage Effluent Lines in Al Wakra and Al Wukair. This integrated network provides an advanced and comprehensive wastewater management solution at low cost of operation and maintenance. The total cost of the project with its three packages amounts to more than 1.5 billion Qatari riyals. Ashghal started the project implementation works in November 2020, and it is expected that works will be completed in the Q2 of 2024. The project will be subject to a maintenance and operation period of 400 days after completion by its contractors PORR-HBK-MIDMAC JV. Parsons International Limited has been assigned to supervise the design, implementation and operation of the project.
The Drainage Network Branches that are being constructed as part of the project aim to serve the commercial and residential areas in Al Wakra and Al Wukair. The total length of these small tunnels is about 15 km, with an internal diametre ranging from 400 mm to 2400 mm, and a depth ranging from 9 m to 46 m. The tunnels will be implemented using micro-tunneling techniques through 60 shafts. This package is implemented by Qatari Group for Trading and Contracting at a cost of QR 399,808,530.
The Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) transfer pipes will be developed with a total length of 29 km and a diametre ranging between 600 mm and 1400 mm. These pipes will transport treated sewage water from the receiving sewage treatment plant to different locations in the water collection areas, to be used in irrigation of areas green, among other purposes. The network has been designed to link the existing network with the projects being implemented to provide complete operational flexibility for future operations and maintenance as needed. This package is being implemented by UCC and Infraroad JV, at a cost of QR 298,090,000.
Plans unveiled to develop 17 villages & compounds in Qatar
Ezdan Real Estate Company has unveiled an integrated multi-tiered plan for the comprehensive development of 17 villages and compounds in 2022, including residential villages in Al Wakra and Al Wukair and residential buildings in Doha, entailing construction works. The revamp works will include flooring replacement, wall paints and full-range maintenance operations for buildings, as well as replacing most furniture, electrical appliances and air-conditioners. The planned operations will cover structures, furniture, electrical appliances, air conditioners, etc. and therefore we have brought forth the plan, which is to be implemented in successive stages. The development plan has already been launched in a number of villages and residential compounds and included a set of external and internal renovations; buildings, fences and gates, in addition to providing residential units with furniture and modern electrical appliances. Works will also include renovating floors and kitchens, developing carports and sidewalks, as well as refurbishing the main entrances and external lighting, kids’ zones, swimming pools, main playgrounds, gyms, mosques, social clubs and other facilities.
Minor Hotels announces property in Qatar
Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor has announced the signing of an upcoming addition to its portfolio in Qatar. NH Collection Doha Oasis Hotel & Beach Club is slated to open in mid-2022 and will be the first NH Collection property globally with a beach club. The hotel is currently in the later stages of development and is located in the Ras Abu Abboud area along Doha’s eastern coast, midway between the city centre and Hamad International Airport.
The fully redeveloped hotel will have 300 guest rooms, across a mix of Superior and Deluxe Rooms and over 50 suites, all with a design blending modern and classical elegance. Th suites will include 156 sq. metre Emiri Suites, a 193. sq. metre Presidential Suite and Royal Duplex Suite, offering 332. sq. metres of luxurious space. The F&B offering will be strong, with six restaurants and bars, including two speciality restaurants and rooftop bar. Additional facilities will include both male and female spas and gyms, a large ballroom totalling 1,200 sq. metres and divisible by two, and a mezzanine level with additional meeting rooms, a business centre and supporting conference space. The new hotel will also have a beach club with a swimming pool set amidst gardens and padel tennis courts, plus substantial parking.The new property is owned by members of the Darwish Family, a notable household in Qatar, who operate in various trading sectors.
4 years long-term contract awarded in Qatar
Descon Engineering announced that it wins 4 years long-term contract in Qatar. The Project was awarded by Qatar Fertilizer Company - the world’s largest single-site producer of ammonia and urea. The scope covers Turnaround for Qatar Fertilizer Plants. This is the first time Qatar Fertilizer has awarded Turnaround for all its plants (six in all) to a single contractor Descon Engineering. Qatar Fertilizer operates six trains of Ammonia and Urea plants, Melamine plant and Urea Formaldehyde (UFC) Plant in its facility at Mesaieed, State of Qatar. The estimated manhours for the first Turnaround are 222,000. Descon continues to serve its clients as partner in progress and remains committed to deliver excellence in execution.
Lusail Tramway begins commercial operations in Qatar
Alstom, a global leader in rail transport and sustainable mobility, has announced that the first tramway in Qatar has entered commercial service in time for the World Cup 2022. The tram network has been developed by Alstom in consortium with Qatari Diar Vinci Construction (QDVC), a joint venture between Qatari Diar (51%) and French infrastructure giant Vinci Construction Grands Projets (49%). With a network length of 28 km, this is the largest tramway system project in the Gulf region which also includes 7 km underground. The new transportation system will serve Lusail, a new city located north of Doha, by providing an eco-friendly mobility option for residents. It has 25 stations within Lusail and connects to the Doha Metro. The network is operational with 28 Citadis X05 new generation trams which have a capacity of 209 passengers each. In 2014, Alstom, as part of LRTC Consortium along with QDVC, was awarded a contract by Qatar Railways Company to supply a turnkey tramway system that is catenary-free above ground. Alstom’s role in the consortium was to provide the design, manufacturing and commissioning of 28 Citadis trams, track works including hardscaping, power supply equipment (Bulk and TPS substations, catenary and APS), and Urbalis 400 CBTC signaling as well as platform screen doors. The Citadis X05 model offers innovative options in terms of dimensions and configurations. The vehicle is 98% recyclable. Each Lusail 32-m long tram is composed of five modules per single unit. The design and colour are inspired by the traditional Qatari boat, the Dhow, on the side of the rolling stock, we also note a pearl - historical symbol in Qatar. The vehicles are fully low floor to enable easier access for all passengers. The Lusail tramway turnkey system offers passengers a high level of comfort, and it includes passenger information and security systems both at station level and on-board. The trams are eco-friendly and equipped with a full electrical braking system and LED lighting.
Rest lounge & parking slots completed for Olympic Cycling Track in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the work of rest and parking lounge for the Olympic Cycling Track on Al Khor Road, which includes a park and service facilities for the cyclists. The lounge is located at the beginning of the Olympic cycling track, near the Golf Signal, on a total area of about 36,800 square meters. It provides parking, cycle service and maintenance kiosks, fitness area, Masjid, washrooms and a green area along 13,000 square meters. The kiosks will include a shop for rental, maintenance and selling bicycles. It will also include restaurants, cafeteria and supermarkets that are currently under bidding. The rest lounge also includes parking slots for bicycles and cars, as well as benches to rest and prayer rooms.
The project includes 167 car parking slots, 57 bicycle parking slots and a covered fitness area with 15 equipment. The Masjid in the facility includes space for 150 worshippers, Imam's room, washrooms, and ablution area. The project also includes plantation along 13,000 sq m with 197 trees, five multi-purpose commercial kiosks, which are already ready, and 10 more kiosks are planned on an area of 24 sq m, besides building a shop for maintenance and rental of bicycles on an area of 60 sq m. Additionally, a maintenance building is built for Ashghal, and it includes office of Qatar Cyclist Club, besides washrooms, and seating provisions for visitors.
Shareholder agreement signed to establish Pearl Hospital in Qatar
United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, has announced the signing of a shareholder agreement with Ruzgar Healthcare Holding to establish and operate The Pearl International Hospital at The Pearl Island. The Pearl International Hospital represents a new milestone in the added-value services and facilities that UDC is introducing for residents of The Pearl Island. The partnership with Ruzgar Healthcare will specifically set new standards for state-of-the-art medical services and will offer an unrivalled patient experience in Qatar. In addition to the new hospital, UDC is also finalising the development of 'United School International' with the aim of making the Island an all-inclusive development.
The Pearl International Hospital, which will be located in Medina Centrale, will span 11,000sq m hosting all medical specialities with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, superior medical services, and skilled professionals to provide clinical excellence and patient-centred care. The general hospital is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2022.
More health centres planned to open across Qatar
The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has revealed plans to open more healthcare centres to join its 28 other facilities across the country. The new healthcare centres are expected to include Al Mashaf, Umm Al Seneem and Al Sadd, in addition to the current Al Khor Health Centre, which will be replaced with a new one. These changes will occur after the actual opening of Al Ruwais Health Centre, followed by South Wakra Health Centre.
Le Royal Meridien Doha set to open in Q1 2022
Le Royal Meridien Doha, located in the heart of Lusail city and seamlessly connected to the Parisian-inspired palatial Place Vendome Qatar, is set to open in the first quarter of 2022. With 377 inspirational contemporary rooms, suites and residences, the hotel's distinguished neo-classical architecture radiates timelessly chic aesthetics and an artistic re-interpretations of Qatar's rich pearl diving heritage. Le Royal Meridien Doha will be part of Qatar's latest multi-billion Qatari Riyals' mixed-use development, Place Vendome Qatar. Housing the largest ensemble of luxury and premium brands and an awe-inspiring family entertainment center, Trocadero, the colossal project is reflective of Qatar National Vision 2030 and is designed to attract regional and international visitors. Managed by one of the world's leading hotel operators, Marriott International. The upcoming year will attract international travellers to the global events held in Qatar that include FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and being the closest hotel to Lusail Stadium and Entertainment City. From its picturesque waterfront location, contemporary chic city and sea view rooms and luxurious apartments, Le Royal Meridien Doha's effortlessly elegant design, plush finishes and fashionable laid-back boutique feel, will appeal to families through the renowned Le Meridien Family Programme and a one-of-a-kind kids club and diner. Creative meeting spaces and a captivating wedding venue with a private luxury bridal suite, making the hotel an ideal destination to hold remarkable corporate and social events that unlocks inspiration.
Agreement signed to establish a technology centre in Qatar
Cityneon Holdings, a global entertainment company based in Singapore that specialises in unique, immersive, and large-scale experiences, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) to establish a facility at Qatar Free Zones. The facility will cater to growing entertainment technology and experience markets in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
Cityneon's new facility will be built across 15,000sq m in Ras Bufontas Free Zone and will include an international experience and entertainment technology centre, an innovation lab focused on R&D in animatronics and robotics, and a large-scale production workshop.
50 parking lots completed to serve sports events in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced completion of construction works of 50 new parking lots to serve sports events of the 2021 Arab Cup and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with a total capacity of more than 51,000 cars and 5,600 buses on a total area covering approximately 3 million square metres, in coordination and cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and other service entities. The new parking locations include dedicated parking lots for cars, buses and taxis, and were implemented within just three months. New parking spaces were provided in addition to the existing ones, to facilitate fans’ access to the stadiums, avoid congestion and improve traffic movement in the areas surrounding the stadiums during matches. Ashghal handed over the new parking lots to the SC to manage their operation during the sports events in coordination with the concerned authorities at the Ministry of Interior. The 50 new parking lots are divided into 26 parking lots that directly serve the stadiums directly, and 17 parking lots in different places far from the stadiums that serve the public by providing a Park & Ride service using the Metro as well as the bus network of the Karwa transportation company. 4 parking lots were implemented to serve the training grounds, in addition to the construction of 3 multi-use spaces. As for the parking lots that serve the stadiums directly, 7 parking lots were implemented to serve Al Bayt Stadium, with a capacity of 19,000 cars and 1,930 buses. As for Al Janoub Stadium, 3 parking lots were built to serve it with a capacity of 1,800 cars and 750 buses. In addition, 5 parking lots for 4,000 cars and 370 buses were built to serve the Education City Stadium, in addition to 4 parking lots for Al Thumama Stadium serving about 11,400 cars and 400 buses, and 3 parking lots to serve Stadium 974 with a total capacity of 2,900 cars and 350 buses. As for the parking lots that were built outside the stadium boundaries and in various places, they can accommodate about 11,900 cars and 1,800 buses. Thus, the total of all parking lots (50 sites) provides more than 51,000 parking spaces for cars and 5,600 for buses, and these are additional parking spaces other than the existing ones built earlier around stadiums.
Bids opened for giant liquified natural gas expansion in Qatar
A trio of leading international engineering, procurement and construction players is battling it out for a sizeable onshore contract from Qatargas for work on the first expansion phase of its giant North Field. At least three EPC contractors recently submitted technical bids for the fourth package (Package 4) of the giant liquified natural gas expansion scheme. Package 4 comprises sulphur-handling facilities destined for the first expansion phase North Field East (NFE) that aims to ramp up the emirate’s LNG production capacity to 110 million tonnes per annum by 2025. Those said to have submitted technical offers for Package 4 include Italy’s Saipem, Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas and South Korean giant Hyundai E&C. Commercial offers for the prized onshore contract are likely to be submitted early 2022. While Qatar has already dished out awards for Packages 1,2 and 3 meant for the NFE project, the award for the fourth package is likely to be finalised by the first quarter of 2022.
Roads & drainage management contract awarded in Qatar
AECOM announced that is has been awarded a four-year secondment contract with Ashghal, Qatar’s Public Works Authority. Over 200 AECOM professional staff members will work within Ashghal’s Roads Projects Department, providing management and oversight of Ashghal’s Local Roads and Drainage Program, which is responsible for developing infrastructure that raises the standard of living for all residents. AECOM’s secondees will support the further modernization and expansion of Qatar’s surface transport network, improving its accessibility, safety and sustainability for all users.
Contract signed for Winter Wonderland project in Qatar
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani attended the signing of a contract to establish and operate the Doha Winter Wonderland Project between Qatari Diar, Qatar Tourism and Elegancia Group. The now unique Qatar version theme-park will be ready just in time for Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup, adding yet another exciting activity to next year’s calendar. The park will be operated by International Marketing Group. It will extend over an area of 200,000 sq.m. and will include six areas for amusement rides with more than 50 world-class games for different ages. It will also include marine sports, marine club, family chalets, and an area for parties and various events. Doha Winter Wonderland project will be a qualitative addition to tourism projects in Qatar, as it will be more than just a games area but rather an integrated entertainment destination comparable to the most prominent international entertainment cities.
Work completed on border crossing temporary expansion in Qatar
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced completion of the temporary works related to the upgrade and development project of Bu Samra Border Crossing, in cooperation with the Permanent Committee for the Management of Abu Samra Border Port of the Ministry of Interior, to facilitate entry of arrivals coming to Qatar, ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021. This will enable the expansion of the main port to increase the capacity before the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The temporary expansion would increase the port’s capacity and improve the experience of visitors and fans coming to attend the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, and that this achievement was accomplished in record time as a result of close cooperation between relevant entities.
As for the works implemented within the first phase of the project, it included turning the arrival tracks into registration and PCR test points for the Ministry of Public Health, kiosks for payment, as well as 12 tracks for the Emigration Department. It also included construction of additional inspection yard that can accommodate 32 vehicles at a time, along with of 4 check points for customs, 4 tracks for vehicle insurance, and 4 tracks for final checking before entering the country. The total development works of the main crossing are completed by third quarter of 2022 in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2022, the developed port will provide services for travelers from and to Qatar with twice the capacity, including a number of new buildings and corridors, in addition to truck checking points serving 500 trucks at a time, with a total area covering 190,000 square metres, to meet the requirements of the port users. It is also worth noting that Ashghal is keen to encourage local products and Qatari manufacturers when implementing all its projects, as many locally manufactured materials were used in the temporary and permanent works.
$124m contract awarded in Qatar
Taihan, South Korea announced that it has signed a contract with Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) to expand the Facility-E power transmission system. The first supply amount is 27.7 billion won of the total volume, and considering the follow-up section of 118.6 billion won, the total contract amount reaches 146.3 billion won (USD 124 million). Taihan undertakes the core business to build new power grids to supply the power produced in this power plant to entire regions of Qatar. It is a full turnkey project including product supply, electricity and civil engineering work, and completion test. The construction of power grids for all transmission levels up to 220kv and 132kv, including 400kv, the highest voltage among Qatar’s underground cables, is included in the project.
Al Sudan bus station with electric charging units opened in Qatar
Marking a key milestone on the way to Qatar's transition to electric vehicles, HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti inaugurated Al Sudan Bus Station, equipped with charging equipment. The new terminal is part of the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme that the Ministry of Transport (MoT) is carrying out in collaboration with various stakeholders. Al Sudan Bus Station is strategically located near the Sudan Metro Station and Al Sadd Sports Club southwards. The western side of the station is neighbouring the Aspire Zone, the Villaggio Mall and the Torch Tower and other nearby destinations. ‘Built on an area of 65,216 sq m, the station accommodates seven bus bays that can operate 22 buses per hour, distributed on four routes with a total capacity of 1,750 passengers per day, to reach seven destinations, particularly the metro stations and bus stations located within a close range’. The station building features an iconic curved canopy, contributing to the brand identity associated with bus stations. The canopy evokes the ripples of sand dunes with the cladding on the underside featuring linear baguette elements evoking the beautiful craftsmanship of traditional hand-made Qatari objects such as woven baskets. Public bus stations include ticketing outlets, offices for the operating company employees, a passenger waiting area and other visitor service facilities.
Forest school project launched in Qatar
ISL Qatar hosted the popular community outreach initiative bigbmeetup’s ‘Estedama’ themed edition during Qatar Sustainability Week, and the innovative ISL Qatar ‘Forest School Project’ was launched on the occasion. The event brought together many national and international authorities and enthusiasts to debate topics focused on sustainability in Qatar. ISL Qatar in partnership with Bosco Menezes (founder of bigbmeetup and bigbfotografi) organised ‘Estedama’ (Arabic for ‘Sustainability’), a round table eco conversation moderated by Menezes. The ‘Forest School Project’ promises to augment and enhance ISL Qatar’s extensive school gardens. From a learning perspective, the ‘Forest School Project’ is designed to develop students’ awareness of biodiversity, promote eco-friendly activities, alongside inspiring curriculum changes. The project launch coincided with the culmination of the first ISL Qatar ‘Sustainability Week’.
Al Daayen Park project completed in Qatar
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar has announced the completion of main works on Al Daayen Park Project with the participation of students from Simaisma and Al Daayen Schools who planted trees in the park, as part of “Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees” campaign to “plant million trees”, implemented by the Committee in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality. Al Daayen Park includes open green spaces with an area of 25,000 square metres, with benches and retiring facilities, along with 450 trees, making it a preferred visit space for families of Al Daayen and Simaisma. It also includes dedicated kids' play areas, a sports arena, and dedicated paths for pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists. The park is also designed to be user-friendly for people with special needs. The project also included the provision of services including a female prayer area and toilets. Aesthetic lights with dimly lit lighting poles ensure privacy for the visitors. It is worth noting that visitors to the park can use Al Daayen Municipality parking lots, with 50 parking lots, and more parking lots are in the pipeline.
Industrial intersection construction project started in Qatar
Within the expressway program, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has started construction works on the project of Mebaireek Interchange and upgrading of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, known as Industrial Intersection on Salwa Road. The project aims to enhance traffic flow on Salwa Road for commuters heading to Industrial Area and the surrounding areas such as Ain Khaled, Al Murrah, New Fereej Al Ghanim, Muaither, Al Sailiya, Mebaireek and Abu Nakhlah. The project is due by the third quarter of 2022. Ashghal will build a new two-level interchange between Al Sailiya Interchange and Mesaieed Interchange, connecting Salwa Road and Mebaireek Street. The proposed interchange includes two main bridges, 330 meters long each, with several exit points, loops, and accesses to local roads connected to the new interchange, facilitating traffic movement in all directions. The works of the new intersection include construction of bypass roads and local roads with a total length of about 3km, in addition to the construction of 3km of pedestrian paths and 3km of bicycle paths, whereas the area of tree plantation on both sides of the intersection is about 41,000 sqm. The upgrade project includes the development and expansion of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, converting the roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection to connect Salwa Road, Al Furousiya Street, and East Industrial Street.
Agreement signed for photovoltaic energy systems installation in Qatar
Siraj Energy, a joint venture between QatarEnergy (51 percent) and QEWC (49 percent) signed two MoUs with Qatar Foundation and Woqod related to cooperation in photovoltaic (PV) energy and systems applications. The first MoU, signed between Siraj Energy and Qatar Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and to developing and implementing strategies that contribute toward shaping a sustainable future for Qatar. The study and evaluation will include the determination of the most effective capacity to be cabled to existing systems by considering the optimization of available land areas, sustainability, and efficiency. Siraj Energy targets to complete the study and evaluation by end of the second quarter of 2022. Siraj Energy and Woqod signed the second MoU, which facilitates Siraj Energy’s investment in the installation of PV systems in Woqod stations (Rawdat Egdaim [347 kWp], and Golf Course [339 KWp] by utilizing available spaces and help achieve efficiency and sustainability requirements. Siraj Energy will finance, engineer, construct, procure, test/commission, operate, and maintain the systems. Siraj Energy and Woqod are targeting to complete the projects during the second quarter of 2022.
Hydrogen energy cooperation agreement signed in Qatar
Qatarenergy and South Korea’s Hydrogen Convergence Alliance (H2Korea) signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of hydrogen energy. The agreement provides a framework of cooperation in the development of the hydrogen sector in both countries, encouraging growth of the hydrogen industry and expansion of the hydrogen supply chain, in addition to supporting efforts within multilateral fora to accelerate cooperation for hydrogen related technologies worldwide.
Agreement signed to collaborate the LNG-to-power market in Qatar
Nakilat and Karpowership have signed an MoU to collaborate in the LNG-to-power market and jointly own and operate Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs). FSRUs together with powerships deliver energy to any country around the world, by utilizing a cleaner and more reliable fuel than many existing options. The MoU outlines an ambitious plan for the immediate future. Nakilat and Karpowership hope to set up a new joint venture and deliver the first FSRU by 2023.
$29 billion projects to build four new natural gas production lines in Qatar
Qatar Gas Company announced it has started with its $29 billion projects to build four new natural gas production lines in the industrial city of Ras Laffan. The state-owned firm plans to increase liquified natural gas (LNG) production capacity to 110 million tons per year from 77 million tons. Production is expected to start by the end of 2025, and total daily output is expected to hit around 1.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Work will complete soon on community market in Qatar
The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has announced the provision of shops for productive families in the 'Community Markets' project at The Pearl-Qatar. The ministry announced the project was nearing completion and would serve productive families and home-based businesses at The Pearl-Qatar. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and United Development Company (UDC). The 'Community Markets' project aims to provide multiple outlets for productive families free of charge. It will include 29 shops for selling sweets, traditional foods, traditional clothes, abayas and perfumes, as well as restaurants and others. the project includes a social development centre to train productive families in handicrafts and on the best practices to enable and encourage them to establish their own companies, thus contributing to enhancing the economic and social development and prosperity of Qatar. Through this project, the MADLSA seeks to develop an integrated system of services and support the promotion of economic activities carried out by productive families, through community markets that serve as an incubator to support home-based businesses.