As
part of its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with
the government’s diverse initiatives to encourage the local private
sector, Qatar Rail has solidified its commitment to support the private
sector in Qatar.
Since inception, Qatar Rail has been steadfast in
the inclusion of various local private companies in the delivery of its
projects. The company has long prioritised the provision of
opportunities to the Qatari private sector through its projects related
to build and design and accompanying works.
Since its establishment
in 2011, Qatar Rail began procuring civil works design and build
contracts for Doha Metro Phase 1, completing procurement of the last of
these contracts in 2014. To ensure local participation, Qatar Rail
stipulated that each civil works contractor must have at least one
Qatari member at the joint venture level with the vision that this will
fast-track the development of the local construction industry.
As a
result, the Qatari construction sector now has greater experience of
large complex projects and is better able to support development of key
national infrastructure for 2030 and beyond.
In addition to
participation at joint venture level, Qatar Rail requires its
contractors to maximise the use of local Qatari companies at subcontract
level. This obligation is written into every contract awarded by Qatar
Rail. Consequently, 1,998 subcontracts, which amounts to 84% of all
subcontracts, were awarded to Qatari companies.
Most recently, Qatar
Rail has awarded the service provider contract for Doha Metro Phase 1
and Lusail Tram systems. In line with the company’s commitment to
generate more jobs locally, this contract is shaped in a way that it
will create up to 1,500 jobs in the local private sector.
Furthermore,
Qatar Rail is now looking to provide opportunities for private sector
investment to partner with Qatar Rail on several future projects
including Transit-oriented developments, Park-and-Ride facilities,
future metro and tram projects, private use of state-owned transport
infrastructure for advertising, communications and other uses, renewable
energy schemes, provision of feeder systems for moving passengers in
the first and last portions of their journeys, and so forth.
Qatar
Rail’s Managing Director and CEO Engineer Abdullah al-Subaie said that
Qatar Rail is a staunch advocate of greater participation of the Qatari
private sector. Qatar Rail has awarded over 80% of the projects being
implemented so far to the private sector.
Since the beginning, Qatar
Rail has sought to encourage local companies to take part in joint
ventures with international companies. The local businesses can provide
their expertise on existing systems in the Qatari market, while
international companies can share their knowledge on the establishment
of a world-class rail network. Such partnerships add value to both the
company itself and the project it is implementing, al-Subaie added.
He
expressed sincerest thanks to all local partners. “Were it not for
their continuous support, our ambitious plans and achievements thus far
wouldn’t have been possible. It is their support that keeps us both on
track and on schedule”.
For his part, Chairman of Al Bidda Switchgear
Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani expressed his pride at the Qatar
Rail project as it supports the Qatar National Vision 2030, and added
that his company managed to deliver to this mega project products that
are fully manufactured on Qatari soil.
He noted that Qatar Rail has
continuously provided the company with the support needed, working with
them like partners rather than suppliers.
Meanwhile, Chairman of
Qatar National Aluminium Panel Company (Q-NAP) Sheikh Naif Ali al-Thani
expressed his commitment to continue to support Qatar Rail and the
delivery of the railway system.
“At Qatar National Aluminium Panel
Company we make every effort to ensure our products and services are
delivered to the highest standards, worthy of this landmark project we
are privileged to be a part of. The support that we received from Qatar
Rail is unwavering, your patronage has played crucial role in promoting
local companies and providing them with unparalleled opportunities for
growth. Through your leadership and guidance you have helped us shape
our business to best comply with the highest standards set not only
locally but internationally,” he said.
Mohamed al-Jufairi, managing
partner of NFFCO Qatar pledged to continue being a part of the project,
noting that it is a true reflection of Qatar National vision 2030.
He
said that the opportunities given to the company in some of the
packages are remarkable, recognising the immeasurable support and
commitment of Qatar Rail towards the country’s economic development.