Gas-rich Qatar has launched a mega-project to build three economic zones to attract investments in logistics, construction materials, energy, manufacturing, technology and other industries, a Qatari official was quoted on Tuesday as saying.
The OPEC member state has already started work on the first economic zone near the Hamad International Airport in Doha. The first phase of the project will be completed in 2017, said Fahad Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq, an autonomous government company overseeing the construction of the three economic zones near the capital Doha.
The Abu Al Fantas economic zone will cover an area of around 4 square kilometers (sq km) and will involve mainly technology, industries and logistic services, Al Kaabi told the Qatari Arabic language daily Sharq.
"Work is underway in Abu Al Fantas zone. The second and third phases will be finished in 2018 and 2019, respectively," he said.
He added another economic zone in the nearby Al Karaana area will be launched in two stages, with expected delivery dates in 2019 and 2022. The third zone, near the port of Umm Al Houl, will comprise three stages, which will be completed in 2017, 2019 and 2022, Al Kaabi said.
The Manateq CEO also mentioned that projects to be constructed by companies in the three zones will be served by an advanced land, marine and rail transport network.
Al Kaabi did not name the contractors for the projects, but Sharq reported that an unnamed company has already been awarded the contract for Abu Al Fantas zone.
The paper gave the following details about the economic zones:
Abu Al Fantas: Located next to Hamad International Airport, the 4.1-sq-km zone will be assigned for investments in technology industries, logistics, health care, energy, environment, telecommunications, warehousing and other services. The "contracting company" has started working on the first phase of the project.
Al Karaana: Spread across an area of 38.4 sq km, this zone will be assigned to investments in specialized industries and logistic services. The development is located on the road between Doha and Bu Samra area and industrial investment will include mainly construction materials, machinery and equipment, innovative industries, security and maintenance, warehousing products and catering.
Umm Al Houl: To be built on an area of around 33.5 sq km, this economic zone will be devoted to light industries. The zone is located next to the new port project south of Al Wakrah area. Industries will mainly include petrochemicals, construction materials, metals, foodstuff supply products, logistic services, machinery and equipment, and auto parts and services. Umm Al Houl will also comprise a boat and yacht repair and maintenance yard. Once the project has been completed, Manateq plans to exploit the coastal area near the zone to construct projects that will attract residents and visitors such as restaurants and cafes.
According to Sharq, the three zones also involve the construction of houses for workers, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls, mosques and firefighting centers.
"All zones will be managed by Manateq and will target various local and foreign individual investors and companies in a wide range of sectors. Manateq will ensure the supply of advanced and affordable services and logistics to the investors including water and electricity, as well as infrastructure facilities," the report said.
Manateq was established in 2011 as a shareholding company with a capital of QAR 5 billion (USD 1.4 billion). It is headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar's minister of economy and commerce.
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