Transport
From The Report: Qatar 2014
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Qatari authorities’ emphasis on infrastructure development is not surprising. Trade remains a key component of the state’s economic livelihood. Between 2000 and 2012, transport and communications’ share of GDP nearly tripled from 2.2% to 6.9%. Qatar allotted $45bn to finance transport infrastructure in 2013, and looking ahead, a growing transport and logistics sector fits within the government’s plans for the country’s future. Possible changes in construction conditions seem like the biggest potential challenge on the road ahead, while materials and contractor costs could rise significantly as more infrastructure projects continue to break ground. The authorities’ progress on Customs regulations is a positive sign, however, as smoother procedures lower costs and speed up projects.
This chapter contains interviews with Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi, CEO, Qatar Rail; and Nabeel Mohammed Al Buenain, Project Executive Director, New Port Project.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Gearing up: Continued investments in marine, aviation, road and rail ahead of 2022
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In the past decade, countries across the GCC have been initiating comprehensive infrastructure overhauls, constructing airports, seaports, highways and roads in rapid succession. In 2013 alone, the six countries making up the GCC set aside a total of $350bn for transport projects – $45bn in Qatar alone, Doha Bank’s group CEO, R Seetharaman, told delegates at Doha Bank’s Real Estate, Infrastructure & Urban Development Summit in April 2013. Qatari authorities’ emphasis on infrastructure…

Analysis

Making inroads: Tackling congestion with expanding road infrastructure and public transit projects
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Thanks to an influx of foreign workers and a steady birth rate, Qatar’s population is among the fastest-growing in the world. The population grew by more than 25% from 1.55m in 2008 to 2.01m in January 2014. The capital’s metropolitan area accounted for nearly 75% of the population in 2012, according to the government’s Permanent Population Committee. The growing population is a welcome sign of economic growth, but more residents also means a commensurate increase in the need for transport…

Interview

OBG talks to Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi, CEO, Qatar Rail
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Interview:Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi Which parts of the Doha Metro Project take priority for completion for the 2022 FIFA World Cup? When is the work slated to start and finish? SAAD AHMED AL MUHANNADI: The Qatar Rail Development programme (QRDP) is not being carried out for the 2022 FIFA World Cup alone. Qatar as a nation has long wished to have a high-quality rail network to directly support Qatar National Vision 2030. This is what drives the QRDP. Qatar Rail is a key element to many transformational…

Interview

OBG talks to Nabeel Mohammed Al Buenain, Project Executive Director, New Port Project (NPP)
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Interview:Nabeel Mohammed Al Buenain Given the anticipated completion date for the NPP, what is to be expected in terms of announcement of tenders and awarding of contracts for the construction of the project? NABEEL MOHAMMED AL BUENAIN: We have created transparency in the tendering process, particularly in terms of pricing. One of our main goals was to create a transparent platform on our website where individuals can access available tenders, pricing, information relating to prequalification…

Analysis

The sky’s the limit: Investment in a new airport and the growth of the national carrier are propelling the aviation industry forward
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Over the past two decades, the Gulf region has become home to a growing number of airlines as national carriers have emerged in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Three of these – Qatar Airways (QA), Emirates and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad – have grown far beyond the region, becoming some of the industry’s largest players. The impact of their success is visible. The Middle East aviation sector grew faster than any other region, with carriers recording an increase in passenger traffic of 12.1%…

Analysis

Ripple effects: Infrastructure investments in ports are supporting the growth of maritime services and logistics
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The Ras Laffan Industrial City and port were constructed through a partnership between Qatar’s state-owned gas firms and international energy companies to put in place the current liquefied natural gas (LNG) compression and export infrastructure. Today, Qatar has the world’s largest LNG tanker fleet and the largest LNG processing facility, enabling the state to export its gas resources throughout the world. The success of the facility and its positive effects for the overall economy have prompted…