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Qatar Railways Company Signs Contract with US-based Parsons International and Aecom

Lusail City on Track: Light Rail Transit System Gets Go Ahead

5-year, 155 million Qatari riyal (USD $42.5mn)contract for construction and project management of 30km Lusail Light Rail Transit system signed in New York

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood: "These announcements reflect the growing commercial cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar."

Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al-Subaie, Managing Director and Board Member, Qatar Railways Company: "The initiative is symbolic of the strong commitment to Qatar's future that we are committed to realizing."

Mohammed Al Hedfa, GCEO, QATARI DIAR: "Public transportation is absolutely central to Lusail. We are bringing together two world leaders to deliver the best in industry solutions for Qatar."
6 April 2011 (New York, NY)- Qatar Railways Company and Qatari Diar today signed a 5-year contract with Parsons International and Aecom to manage the construction of the new Lusail Light Rail Transit system, highlighting the growing business and investment ties between Qatar and the United States.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit system is central to the transportation infrastructure of Lusail City, one of the largest and most ambitious real estate development projects being undertaken in the Middle East and North Africa region. It will feature 30km of track, 7km of which are underground, 24 stations (seven of which are underground), service depots, and a viaduct.

The contract was signed in New York at the Business and Investment in Qatar Forum by Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al-Subaie, Managing Director and Board Member of the Qatar Railways Company, and John Dionisio, President and CEO of AECOM, on behalf of the AECOM/Parsons joint venture. The signing was witnessed by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar and Ray LaHood U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit System is part of the Qatar Railway project which is a $30billion integrated railway system that will cover all major areas in the country and consist of three transport modes: long distance, metro and freight. The Qatar Railways Company is wholly owned by QATARI DIAR Real Estate Development Company .

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al-Subaie, Managing Director and Board Member of the Qatar Railways Company said, "Qatar Railways Company looks forward to joining forces with Parsons and Aecom to develop the state-of-the-art new light rail system in Lusail. The initiative is symbolic of the strong commitment to Qatar's future that we are committed to realizing."

On the occasion of the signing, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, said "These announcements reflect the growing commercial cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar and demonstrate the importance of our mutual trade that is working to build economic prosperity in both our countries. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Qatar on these and future projects."

Lusail City, which covers 38 km² north of Doha, is not only Qatar's largest domestic real estate project, it is one of the most prestigious community developments currently being undertaken in the region and world at large.

Speaking at the New York event, Mohammed Al Hedfa, Group Chief Executive Office of Qatari Diar said, "Public transportation is absolutely central to Lusail. We are bringing together two world leaders to deliver the best in industry solutions for Qatar. I am delighted the contract was signed at this important event in New York."

QATARI DIAR and Lusail Real Estate Investment Company are Host Sponsors of the Business and Investment in Qatar Forum in New York.

-Ends-

About Qatar Railways
Qatar Railways Company was founded to support and coordinate the growth of Qatar's rail industry. In addition to securing the resources, personnel and organisational requirements necessary to ensure the rail sector's sustainability, the Qatar Railways Company also develops the appropriate legal and legislative frameworks to ensure that all local and international regulations are met.

As Qatar's premier railway authority, the Qatar Railways Company oversees the management, operation and maintenance of all local railways and lead coordination efforts with regional and international rail networks.

In creating Qatar's much-anticipated state-of-the-art integrated railway network, the Qatar Railways Company will manage the development of the West Bay People Mover, Lusail City's Light-Rail Transit system, and the integrated Qatar Railways Project, which will incorporate a metro system, long-distance passenger travel, and freight transport.

About Lusail Real Estate Development Company W.L.L.:
Lusail Real Estate Development Company, a subsidiary of QATARI DIAR Real Estate Investment Company, was established in September 2008 and is dedicated to executing the development, construction and ongoing operations of the flagship Lusail City development project. LREDC was created to facilitate relationships with Lusail City's primary stakeholders including the investors and development partners in the project.

Lusail City is a visionary development of the State of Qatar, master-planned by QATARI DIAR and developed by LREDC, to become a unique state-of-the-art city in Qatar, the region, and worldwide. The Lusail City development project is one of the largest and most elaborate developments being undertaken around the world, over a substantial area of 38 square kilometers where 200,000 people will live, work, raise their families and enjoy their lives. It will encompass not only new residential, commercial, and retail opportunities, but a full array of community needs, complete with schools, medical facilities, entertainment and shopping centers.

AECOM
AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments.

A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 100 countries and had revenue of $7.0 billion during the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2010. AECOM is ranked by Ethisphere as one of the world's 110 most ethical companies for 2011.

PARSONS
Founded in 1944, Parsons, an engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm with revenues of $2.7 billion in 2010, is 100% owned by the Employee Stock Ownership Trust. Parsons conquer the toughest logistical challenges and deliver design/design-build, program/construction management, professional services, and innovative alternative delivery solutions to private industrial customers worldwide as well as to federal, regional, and local government agencies. Parsons is a leader in many diversified markets with a focus on infrastructure, environmental, and defense/security.

For further information, kindly contact:
John Watts - Brown Lloyd James
+974 6687 6682 (Qatar);
+1 917 399 4612 (US);
johnw@brownlloydjames.com

© Press Release 2011