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Qatar was experiencing a boom in the infrastructure construction sector before the pandemic struck the country. Qatar’s construction activities suffered delays due to COVID related restrictions. Also, due to COVID crisis, around US$8.2 billion in unawarded contracts on CAPEX projects were requested to be deferred by the government in April 2020 . However, according to ConsTrack360’s Q1 2021 Survey, the infrastructure construction industry activity in Qatar is gaining momentum. Medium to long term growth story remains intact, driven by upcoming FIFA world cup 2022, and Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Qatar National Vision 2030 which was launched in October 2008 aims to diversify economy and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. As part of the vision, the country plans to spend on infrastructure and real estate projects which could boost the commercial construction growth in the coming years Qatar is focusing on developing its non-oil sector including infrastructure development in areas such as transportation and power and water plants to diversify its economy.
Going forward, due to increase in population and economic growth in Qatar more highways and associated infrastructure is needed. To cater to this, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) plans to deliver local roads and drainage associated infrastructure by outsourcing contracts. Ashghal awarded Dorsch Qatar a project worth QAR 16 billion (approx. € 3.75 billion) for Professional Services Contract for New Consultancy Supervision Services in October 2020 .
As part of budget 2021, the Minister of Finance allocated QAR72.1 billion to be spent on major new and ongoing projects including infrastructure projects and other developments related to FIFA world cup 2022, which could boost infrastructure construction in the country. Also, previously shelved Sharq crossing project linking Ras Bu Abboud and West bay is currently underway and is likely to be concluded within four years .
Ashghal concluded several highways, and local road projects and infrastructure work in 2020. Under Al Wakra’s main development project, the intersection on the Al Wakrah Tunnel was opened partially. Duhail Al Gharafa Bridge and parts of the traffic lights under Al Shamal Bridge were operational in August 2020, as part of development of Duhail Intersection.
In 2020, as part of infrastructure development programme, Ashghal commenced Roads and Infrastructure Project in the South of Al Mashaf. As part of public bus infrastructure programme, Ashghal signed 11 new contracts for constructing bus stops and warehouses costing QAR2 billion . `
UNStudio, a Netherlands based architecture practice, announced to build 37 stations for driverless Doha Metro system in September 2020, along with Qatar Rail Architecture Department. The three lines will begin from the Msheireb station to the downtown area of Qatar's capital city.
By the beginning of the academic year 2020-21, Ashghal opened Al Khafous Street, with a length of 3,700 meters, linking Al Furousiya Street in the west and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in the east. Ashghal partially opened a new bridge on the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in Bu Hamour, with 900 meters.
Also, Sabah Al Ahmad, a 29km-long Corridor which is four-lane dual carriage highway extending from Hamad International Airport, south of Doha, to Umm Lekhba Interchange, was inaugurated in February 2021. The highway is a prominent addition to the land transport network of Qatar and a key link between the south and north of Qatar through Doha . Ashghal also concluded construction of 28 km-long Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) network in February 2021 to irrigate green areas in Al Kharaitiyat and surrounding areas .
Further, the authority is focusing on offering integrated infrastructure, advanced roads and utilities across Qatar. To this end, Ashghal began executing the first package of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project in Umm Slal Mohammed, situated at the west of Al Shamal Road. The project will include construction of a 36 km road network with traffic systems, as well as over 4,000 parking spaces.
The project also includes construction of a 54 km long surface and groundwater drainage network linking to main surface water drainage network for protection against flooding. Also, a 15.8 km treated water network will be constructed to aid upcoming green areas. Additionally, a 10 km long potable water network will also be established.
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