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Qatar Foundation Partners with Siemens to Develop Enhanced Infrastructure Expertise in Qatar

Doha, Qatar, 11 December 2011:- Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and Siemens AG entered into an agreement today to further establish Qatar as a key regional infrastructure hub for Siemens and to further QF's mission to develop infrastructure knowledge from within the country.

"QF's mission is to unlock the human potential of our nation so as to support our country's ongoing transformation toward a knowledge economy," explained Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. "Today's announcement is an excellent example of how, by partnering with world-class technology partners, we will be able to fulfill this vision."

The Memorandum of Agreement, signed by QF Vice Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and President and CEO of Siemens AG Peter Loescher, took place at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha. QF Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and visiting German President Christian Wulff witnessed the signing.

QF supports Qatar on its transition from carbon economy to knowledge economy by developing human capital. It does so through strategic partnerships and initiatives in the fields of education, scientific research, technology, and health and community development.

"In a globalized world with complex challenges that must be met, partnerships need to be built on solid foundations, common values and integrity - qualities which are at the core of Qatar Foundation and Siemens values," Dr. Tidu Maini, Qatar Science & Technology Park Chairman.

Under the terms of the agreement, Siemens will:

Establish in Qatar a Service Headquarters for the company's regional Power Transmission and Distribution business.

Develop a Regional Competence Center for Rail bound Transport in Qatar - one that will help design, develop and customize rail products for unique needs within the region.

Build an Innovation Center at Qatar Foundation 's Qatar Science and Technology Park that will develop expertise in important sustainable projects.

"In the Middle East, Qatar has always been an area of great importance for Siemens ," said Peter Loescher, president and CEO of Siemens AG . "We are happy to forge this partnership, which can help build the necessary infrastructure and knowledge base that will not only benefit Qatar, but also Siemens and the broader region."

With already more than 90% of its population living in cities, Qatar is one of the most important urban markets within the Middle East and North Africa. Recently, Qatar announced it would invest some $60 billion to upgrade its infrastructure, including projects for a cleaner power supply, a more efficient railroad network and a more reliable supply of fresh water.

"We believe a nation's sustainability is the joint responsibility of both the private and public sectors, and we are honored to be able to partner with the Qatar Foundation on such an important mission," stated Martin A Porta, CEO of Siemens in Qatar.

Concluded Joachim Kundt, CEO of Siemens Lower Gulf Region, "Today's partnership with the Qatar Foundation will ensure the sustainable level of local expertise needed to help build and support this country's new infrastructure plans for its National Vision 2030."

-Ends-

Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.

QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development. QF's education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar's heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.

For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the fields of industry, energy and healthcare as well as providing infrastructure solutions, primarily for cities and metropolitan areas. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technological excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. The company is the world's largest provider of environmental technologies. Around 40 percent of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. In fiscal 2011, which ended on September 30, 2011, revenue from continuing operations totaled €73.5 billion and net income from continuing operations €7.0 billion. At the end of September 2011, Siemens had around 360,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at: www.siemens.com.

For more information on Qatar Foundation please contact:
Tariq Al Sada
Press Office Unit Head
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 4454 0991
Email: talsada@qf.org.qa

Anwar El-Shamy
Press Office Coordinator
Qatar Foundation
Tel: +974 55904407
Email: aelshamy@qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2011