BUILDING ON A HUGE PIPELINE OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN QATAR
It has been wisely and famously said that investment in infrastructure is a long term requirement for growth and a long term factor that will make growth sustainable. Qatar’s expansive and ambitious infrastructure has lent tremendous opportunities to the nation’s dynamic contracting sector. The second panel of the Leaders in Construction Qatar Summit featured Alex Hanna, Senior Director – Qatar, Khatib & Alami and Jesús Sancho, Managing Director Middle East, ACCIONA.
Kicking off the discussion, Hanna identified social infrastructure and housing as key elements of Qatar’s infrastructural network. He said: “Since the first launch of Qatar’s Vision 2030, we have seen the nation become a far more developed economy that has grown accustomed to major programmes of work.”
Sharing insights and predictions about the coming years for Qatar, Hanna said during the conference: “We see the next decade being a period of continued growth. But, it will also be competitive because everyone wants to work here in Qatar.”
The country is currently mapping its journey towards a ‘knowledge-based economy’ as it takes marked efforts to diversify away from its oil-driven economy.
During the panel, Sancho highlighted a recent announcement by the government of Qatar, about its budget, which entails $57.8bn in expenditure, of which 40-43% were allocated to major projects including in infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, tourism, and education.
Qatar’s infrastructure is being supervised and governed by Ashghal, Qatar’s Public Works Authority, with all stakeholders in the country working around the framework and mandate(s) provided by the authority.
Ashghal is central and inarguably crucial to all infrastructure work in Qatar, with road and rail serving as the cornerstones.
A collaborative work relationship with Ashghal is fundamental for stakeholders engaged in contributing towards Qatar’s infrastructure. As a Qatar-based stakeholder, if you are not working with Ashghal, “you better pack and go!” remarked Hanna during the panel.
Commenting on the nature of Ashghal projects that Khatib & Alami are working on, Hanna said: “Our projects with Ashghal tend to mitigate major infrastructure problems which are caused due to climate change and urbanisation.”
On his part, Sancho explained how - in collaboration with Ashghal - ACCIONA is adding value to the country’s infrastructure.
He said: “We have been closely associated with Ashghal for many years and have been bidding for the projects, especially the sewage treatment area.”
Qatar’s drive for sustainability is reflected in stakeholders’ way of working. “We are happy to see Qatar’s committment and concern about sustainability and we can contribute in that respect,” Sancho said.
The country’s vision for a sustainable future is deep-rooted in the construction and infrastructure around the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, which promises to be a “connected and green” event, Hanna concluded.
I“Over the last ve years, we have seen many different theme parks in Qatar. We are also seeing resorts popping up in the middle of the desert. There is great diversification underway.”
Martin Baeuerle, Operations Manager, Cundall
n transitioning from a business destination to a leisure destination, Qatar is making significant headway in its global position and perception, and in diversifying away from an oilbased economy.
Through our discussions with key stakeholders and consultants heavily focused on Qatar’s construction landscape, we found that the region is indeed brimming with opportunities, and its potential will be unlocked in the years to come, with the FIFA World Cup 2022, being a “stepping stone” in that direction.
The heightened construction activity across Qatar is fuelling its economic development. And, it will be interesting to see how the region’s efforts deliver on an ambitious yet feasible mandate.
Construction Week successfully wrapped up its Leaders in Construction Qatar conference, shining the spotlight on the bustling activity, growth and major upcoming events and projects.