Qatar likely to award $17bn projects this year

Qatar is pushing ahead with its massive transport infrastructure programmes this year, with $17 billion worth of projects up for grabs, a report said. Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashgal) has lined up 30 highway projects for award in 2013. As of February, a total of $1.88 billion has already been awarded, including the $640 million Package 13 on the Doha Expressway. “Without a doubt, 2013 is a pivotal year for Qatar’s transportation programmes. Never has there been a better time for companies skilled with managing and servicing major infrastructure projects to enter and expand their presence in one of the world’s fastest growing projects markets,” said Edmund O’ Sullivan, chairman, Meed Events, organiser of the 4th Annual Qatar Transport Conference scheduled for May 28-29 at the Renaissance Doha City Centre Hotel. In addition to the Expressway Programme, the massive transport schemes that have yet to be awarded include the Local Roads & Drainage Programme, the Integrated Rail Programme, Lusail City Development as well as various bridges, tunnels air & maritime port expansion programmes. With the Fifa 2022 World Cup less than a decade away, there is a greater urgency for Qatar to award transport projects that will be critical to the country’s successful staging of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle, he said. The conference has been designed to provide a comprehensive guide to Qatar’s multi-billion dollar projects market and detail where the business and investment opportunities will be in the coming 12-18 months, said the statement. In particular, there has been a massive interest in Qatar’s high speed and freight rail projects, Phase One of which involves the 195 km freight line linking Port Mesaieed to Ras Laffan. The next phase will focus on the construction of the 150 km high-speed connection to Bahrain, and the final phase will involve the construction of a 165 km network linking Dukhan to Al-Shamal and Doha City. Another project that will pick up in activity is the Doha Metro, for which the Gold & Green Lines are expected to be awarded at the end of second quarter this year, while the rolling stock and systems contracts will be handed out early next year and the O&M packages in 2015. Among the experts confirmed to speak at the conference include Eng. Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, chief executive officer, Lusail Real Estate Development Company, who will deliver the keynote address – a presentation of the vision for the Lusail City Development detailing the latest progress and upcoming plans relating to vital transportation infrastructure in the city. Other presentations and panel discussions will cover the entire spectrum of transport projects in Qatar, including rail, ports, freight, and airport developments, said the statement. TradeArabia News