-Important initial step in uniting country toward common goal of hosting successful 2022 FIFA World Cup with lasting national legacy

-Overall Stadium 'Master Schedule' to be announced in due course after consultation with FIFA

-Al Wakrah Stadium Project Management and Design Consultant tenders to be awarded in November and December

-Construction of Education City Stadium to begin in 2013

-Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Strategic Plan for 2012-2015 in place

DOHA: Monday 8th October 2012:  The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee signed five stakeholder cooperation agreements at a signing ceremony held at Doha's Four Seasons Hotel yesterday.  The signing ceremony is an important initial step with regard to uniting the nation toward the common goal of staging a successful 2022 FIFA World Cupä that contributes to achieving the aims laid out in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and leaves a legacy that will benefit the nation for decades after the event is staged.

The agreements were signed with Qatar Rail, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Aspire Zone Foundation and Qatari Diar - all entities with responsibilities and projects that will play a key role in delivering the infrastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatarä.

Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi said: 'The signing of the stakeholder cooperation agreements with our local stakeholders is a symbol of the unity that exists in Qatar in relation to successfully delivering the Middle East's first FIFA World Cup.   We will be signing more agreements in the near future to further unify local entities behind our common goal.'

Al Thawadi added:  'The World Cup is no longer merely an event that lasts 30 days.  Events of this stature have the potential to accelerate the progress of a nation and leave a lasting social, economic and cultural legacy.  Our aim is to ensure that the event contributes to achieving the targets set in the 2030 National Vision and to ensure this, it is of the utmost importance that the entire nation works together in a spirit of close cooperation.  We are working diligently with our stakeholders every day to ensure the correct foundations are in place for the ten years ahead.'

Qatar Football Association President, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, said: 'Today is a key milestone in our country's journey toward welcoming the world for football's greatest event in 2022.  Our nation is working together to ensure that the event is a success and benefits Qatar, in terms of football and for our people. '

The main objective of the agreements is to set the framework for coordination with stakeholders responsible for the delivery of projects.  It establishes clear guidelines for reporting on progress, identifying and implementing efficiencies and providing for early warning should there be any issues affecting the timely implementation of projects.

Representatives from Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee and the stakeholders will meet on a monthly basis as part of a Joint Working Group that will cover coordination on aspects involving logistics, health and safety, risk, quality control, security, environmental issues, sustainability and project management.

Stakeholders Quotes

Qatar Rail CEO, Saad Al Muhannadi, said: 'The signing of this agreement shows the strength of collaboration between Qatar Rail and Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022. This Cooperation Agreement is the first of several we as an organization will be commissioning to ensure delivery of the Qatar Rail Development Program. We will work jointly with a number of major infrastructure projects across Qatar to ensure our working practices are aligned in our end goal for delivery of our Qatar National Vision 2030.'

Speaking on behalf of Ashghal, Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi, President, said: 'We have already started engagement and cooperation with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, but this represents a step to formalise the whole process. We are all together, one team for 2022. We are really looking forward to more cooperation and integration between our plans and, the work of the Supreme Committee and the other stakeholders.'

Kahramaa President, Issa Hilal Al Kuwari said: 'The agreement establishes the framework for coordination between Kahramaa and the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in order to pave the way for cooperation from now until 2022 and beyond.  The agreement details the requirements from Kahramaa and the other stakeholders and outlines the support and effort required for the success of this event.'

Hilal Al Kuwari, Aspire Zone Foundation President commented: 'We are delighted to have been invited to attend this event.  The signing between these stakeholders represents the necessary steps that will need to take place over the next three years.  We, at Aspire Zone Foundation, are looking forward to working alongside the Supreme Committee in the upcoming future to ensure they have all the support required to host a successful World Cup.'

Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatari Diar said: 'Qatari Diar is delighted to enter into a strategic partnership with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.  We look forward to working closely with the entire team in delivering these globally significant projects.  Qatari Diar is dedicated to capturing the hearts and imaginations of the communities in which we serve and working towards the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.'

Stadium Development Update

The stakeholders present at the signing ceremony were also treated to a technical presentation from the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee detailing progress and notable upcoming milestones. 

The overall 'master schedule' for all stadium construction will be revealed in due course after consultation with FIFA.

Tenders for Project Management and Design Consultant for the Al Wakrah Stadium have been issued.  The Project Management tender will be awarded in November and the Design Consultant will be announced in December.

The Project Management tender for the redevelopment of Al Rayyan Stadium has also been issued and will be awarded in the first quarter of 2013.  Construction of the first new stadium - to be developed in conjunction with Qatar Foundation at Education City - will commence in 2013. 

Five stadiums are currently in the process of planning or tender.  Details on the remaining stadiums will follow in the near future. 

Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Strategic Plan for 2012-2015

The stakeholder signing ceremony follows on from the completion of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee's Strategic Plan, which covers 2012-2015 and was finalized in August.   

The strategic plan represents a significant milestone in the establishment and delivery of the overall FIFA World Cup programme.  The 3-year strategic goals and objectives were developed in order to realise the Committee's Vision and Mission, deliver on its commitments to FIFA, and with the objective of maximising the potential of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatarä as a catalyst for the delivery of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016 (NDS).  Central to the development of these goals and objectives is the alignment with the priorities and pillars of the National Vision and the NDS.

Commenting on the strategic plan, Secretary General Al Thawadi said: The basis of our strategic goals and objectives along with our mission and vision are the directives set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy and our commitments to FIFA.  Our mission is undoubtedly ambitious.  However, with the full support of our leadership, our stakeholders and our nation, I am confident that everything is in place for us to fulfill and exceed the goals we have set out to achieve.'

Notes: 

Qatar Rail: Qatar's RAIL Company has been established to design and implement an integrated world-class railway system in the state of Qatar. The company is aiming to be an essential part of Qatar's urban infrastructure and to be recognized as one of the most successful, safe and environmentally-friendly railway systems in the world. This system will meet the demands of Qatar's dynamic growing population. 

Ashghal: Public Works Authority "Ashghal" was established on the basis of the Emiri Decree No. (1) issued by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on January 20, 2004, as an autonomous body to oversee all infrastructure related projects as well as public amenities of the State. The Emiri Decree stressed on quality and perfection of work as per international specifications and standards.

The establishment of Ashghal marked an important turning point in the history infrastructure development of the State of Qatar which has embarked on a major phase of change and development in all aspects of life. 

Kahramaa: Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation 'KAHRAMAA' is the sole transmission and distribution system owner and operator (TDSOO) for the electricity and water sector in Qatar. KAHRAMAA was established in July 2000 to regulate and maintain the efficient supply of electricity and water to customers. KAHRAMAA's mission is to provide their customers with high quality electricity and water services, whilst creating value for its stakeholders. KAHRAMAA buys, distributes and sells electricity and water. KAHRAMAA is mandated to: Formulate Power & Water Purchase Agreements (PWPA) and provide necessary technical and corporate support for establishment of generation & desalination ventures; own, construct and operate electricity & water.

Aspire Zone Foundation: Aspire Zone Foundation is the spark that has ignited a fiery passion for sports and ushered an entire region of the world into a new era of sports development and sports as a means of healthy living.  Rising to international prominence through successful staging of 2006 Asian Games, Aspire Zone Foundation is home to some of the world's finest sport stadia and venues offering a stimulating combination of sport, sports medicine and research, and sport education.

Originally having been established in 2003 as a Sports City project, Aspire Zone Foundation has carried on to evolve and today works to develop sports champions, promote healthy lifestyles and galvanize the sports economy of today, and of the future, through a network of members Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, ASPETAR, and Aspire LOGISTICS.

Aspire Zone Foundation was voted the World's Leading Sports Tourism Development Project for the World Travel Awards 2011.

Qatari Diar:  Wholly owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company was established in December 2005 to support Qatar's growing economy and to co-ordinate the country's real estate development priorities. Qatari Diar is currently developing or planning 49 projects in 29 countries around the world.

Qatari Diar is becoming established as one of the world's most trusted and respected real estate companies because of its commitment to quality, local community, partnership and hallmark sustainability.

Qatari Diar's hallmark vision of sustainable development places community and local traditions at the forefront.

The Company aims to create and manage property investments and developments which not only comply with the best international standards, but which also strongly reflect local culture and values. As a result, Qatari Diar's projects deliver a distinctive and sustainable social, economic and environmental benefit to the community. In addition, Qatari Diar often enables local and international developers and investors to partner in its projects, and to work together in exploring other opportunities, both locally and internationally.

Contact Details:
Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Media
E-Mail: media@qatar2022.qa
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© Press Release 2012