Special Supplement
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Gulf blockade boosts Qatar industries T he blockade on Qatar by four Arab states has affected businesses, but also created opportunities for the country. As the diplomatic crisis began imposing a trade and travel ban on Qatar, one of the main concerns of the residents of Qatar was the access to all the products that were being imported from the blockading nations. However, the crisis turned out to be an opportunity for local producers with supermarkets storing locally produced items. Now, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in cooperation with shopping malls and large retail outlets, has unveiled the “National Product” initiative also. Under this initiative, malls and large retail outlets are displaying local products and goods bearing the slogan “National Product” prominently to facilitate consumers’ access to these products.
Qatar’s industries relied heavily on imports, most of which used to come from its blockading neighbours, but since the crisis began two months ago, Doha has investigated how it can become more self-reliant and sustainable. The blockade has sped things up instead of slowing them down. “Our orders have increased and there is an aboveproportional growth in the orders we are getting every day,” representatives of construction firms told the media, “...we are importing raw materials from Europe, from China and from the US. We have a challenge because previously the materials were coming in from Jebel Ali in the UAE.” Qatari officials say import cuts would not affect government projects. “When it comes to our projects,
Made in Qatar: Setting new
benchmarks in HVAC
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pioneering company since its establishment in 1955, Nehmeh has been recognized for many firsts—as first importer of many aftermarket products such as automotive batteries, paints and equipment to the first & largest showrooms for woodworking and automotive solutions in the region, and first in using latest technologies for industrial service solutions. Another milestone is also being the first manufacturer of heat exchangers in Qatar. Now, with over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing and over 60 years’ of operational experience, Nehmeh is once again pioneering the local manufacturing landscape with their new range of locally manufactured Air Handling Units.
An Air Handling Unit (often abbreviated as A.H.U.) is a central air conditioner station that handles the air that usually will be supplied into the buildings through ceiling vents which is connected by duct work which is in turn connected to the A.H.U. Air quality is treated through filtering elements, cooling and/or heating, humidifying and/or dehumidifying. As the first & only manufacturer of A.H.U.’s in Qatar, Nehmeh has ensured that world-standards are followed and industry-standard accreditations have been achieved. That is why it was an important step to be certified in ISO9001, ISO14001, OHSAS18001 by merit so as to ensure Nehmeh Air Conditioners strictly follow the procedure in each stage of production for high environmental standards of its products, and manufacturing processes, amongst other accreditation that are pending. “We value the words ‘Made in Qatar’” Simon A. Nehme, CBDO says, “so much so that we have added pride into it and all our products have now become ‘proudly Made in Qatar.’” “Being a manufacturer is not being merely a workshop, neither importing & reselling items ‘as-is’ nor being an assembler of various components; we manufacture most of the elements within our Air Handling Units (A.H.U.) and
Fan Coil Units (F.C.U.). But it is also a responsibility, in terms of reputation, quality, brand, and country. That is why we do not take it lightly and we will not jeopardize any of these factors as per The Nehmeh Way, our business code,” he asserts. This is a giant leap for the cooling industry in Qatar as for the first time, to have a locally manufactured A.H.U. “We will be naturally serving our home base in Qatar but we are already in talks for distributors in the region as exports are natural growth area for us.”
Nehmeh Air Handling Units’ NRS series range from 600 CFM to 72,000 CFM with various applications including Standard CFM, Low CFM Application and 100% Fresh Air as well as Heat Recovery System and a Hygienic System. With the ability to custom-build designs in a variety of combinations to suit developers, consultants and contractors’ requirements, a software has been developed by Nehmeh entitled NehCalc AHU software able to calculate and design indoor air quality, space cooling, energy saving proposal, following Eurovent new energy regulations. Another necessary item is the Fan Coil Unit, which is also manufactured by Nehmeh under the brand NRF Fan Coil Series has designed and follows the AHRI440 standard. Nehmeh is ready to serve 200CFM to 1400CFM low static fan coil series that is suitable to operate standard cooling and district cooling applications.
when it comes to Qatar 2022, we don’t foresee any issues even if this blockade continues for 20 years, we will keep delivering,” Abdulla Hamad al-Attiyah, assistant president at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), told Al Jazeera. “That impact you have seen could have been so much stronger on our projects, but currently, we do not foresee it because a plan (was) already in place since 2014.” Al-Attiyah says that “in 2017, Ashghal has signed contracts worth more than $3.5bn.” Of that amount, $1.7bn has been signed after the blockade, he says. “What does that give you? We believe that we can deliver infrastructure construction.” “We will deliver on our commitment to the World Cup, our commitment to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will be met one way or another.” The construction industry has been booming in preparation for the football World Cup in 2022. Large infrastructure projects are also being executed to meet the government’s development plan, the Qatar National Vision 2030. In order to fulfill that supply-and-demand cycle, businesses have stressed the importance of improved communications. “It has always been a challenge for entrepreneurs and local manufacturers to get access to knowledge, and at Qatar Development Bank, we›ve been trying to come up with initiatives,” Ibrahim Abdulaziz al-Mannai of Qatar Development Bank told Al Jazeera. “We implemented several initiatives to raise awareness of what is available in Qatar.” (Courtesy: Gulf Times reports)
MADE IN
QATAR Special Supplement Team Director – Marketing
James John
Supplement Editor
Sudip N.
Sr. Business Development Manager
Sanjai Noah Layout
A.K. Vinay Kumar Graphic Designer
Renju Varghese
Circulation Manager
Adel Hammam Printed by
Raya Commercial Printing Press
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MADE IN QATAR
Special Supplement Sunday, October 22, 2017
International quality, Local specialisation
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ational Paints strives to provide quality products at affordable prices that make peoples’ lives more cheerful and colourful. The company established its own factory in Doha Industrial Area in 1987. Utilizing the latest technological innovations in paint production, the company has offered a diverse range of solutions including Decorative Paints, Industrial & Protective Coatings, Furniture & wood finish paints etc. National paints has been at the forefront in developing paint products that are specifically formulated to suit the local weather conditions including a variety of conventional and specialized coatings that withstand the extreme climate of the Middle east. National Paints Factories Co. Qatar has acquired ISO Certification 9001/2000. ISO 14001/2004 was acquired on16 August 2005 for Quality Environmental Management System, and ISO 18001 for Health and Safety System. Due to the considerable experience built by the company over 30 years, and in line with market requirements, two new brands have been launched—Robson Paints and Oryx Paints—under the umbrella of the National Paints Factories Company. Robson has been designed in high-tech formulas and outstanding quality for professionals, to represent the highest quality products among all existing paint brands in the market. Oryx Paints represents international standards at economical prices. Adding both brands to the current National Paints will meet customer needs of different categories. All products—decorative paints, Epoxy coatings, industrial flooring paint and wood coatings—are produced and packaged in attractive containers for each of the two brands.
MADE IN QATAR
Special Supplement Sunday, October 22, 2017
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11 years’ branding expertise and beyond
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he Look Company (TLC) is celebrating 11 years of excellence in providing various branding solutions in Qatar, a well-established business with a proven track record in delivering world class events driven by passion, innovation and diversification enabling it to keep up with both local and global market trends. The Look Company is known for specializing in providing event and venue branding solutions for sports, retail and commercial customers globally. The company’s mission is to create brand destinations and to help all of their clients to communicate their brand’s message clearly. Recognized as the pioneer of the “Look of the Games”, the company’s expertise is in conceptualization of the entire available landscape and architecture, interior and exterior, to deliver a visually engaging fan and consumer experience.
Jacob Burke, president of MENA (Qatar), said “when the company first came in Qatar in 2004, we were originally known as The Fabric Communication Network (TFCN), whose expertise started with producing flags which later expanded to be a global sport event branding provider. In 2006, we were commissioned to help prepare the branding of one of the most historical event in Qatar- the 2006 Asian Games. With the huge success of its delivery, TFCN became what it is know now - The Look Company.” With two offices fully equipped in Canada and Qatar, it allows the company to take on local and international projects providing clients full turnkey branding solutions along with: n Creative Design n Project Management n Value Engineering n Budget Management n Production and Manufacturing n Unparalleled service delivery (set up, installation and decommissioning) n Service Maintenance and Carbon Footprint Sustainable Programs
providing flag solutions in government and private sectors. With every project delivery, the company is able to create a memorable fan experience and giving sponsors great brand exposure. The company’s aim is to always be ahead in the market in terms of innovation and creativity which leads to delivering world-class events that captivate, excite and interact with both spectators and participants alike.
The Qatar office has a 3500 square meters facility that is fully equipped with digital print production technology supported by a team of experts who are highly creative, innovative, flexible, dedicated and dynamic in the field. The Look Company has developed innovative Look and Feel solutions for branding venues in sports events and other brand related activities. Currently, the company provides solutions in creative design, sports and event branding, media advertising, interior enhancements, signage and wayfindings as well as
As a testament, The Look Company has been awarded the most prestigious awards in the printing industry for two consecutive years in FESPA 2016 and 2017.
By understanding the market trends, the company continues to develop strategic solutions to meet clients’ branding expectations. The Look Company has over the years established strong relationship with prestigious clients such as The State National Day Celebrations Organizing Committee, Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Stars League, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, to name a few. Today, The Look Company celebrates their 11th anniversary in Qatar and would like to thank all the loyal clients that has put the company on the path to success. Jacob Burke expressed, “I am proud to be part of the team who helped established The Look Company in Qatar. It is a time to thank our clients who continuously trusted us to deliver their events. It is with this trust that we are here today.” In addition, “we look forward to supporting Qatar to host a successful FIFA World Cup 2022,” concluded Burke.
Realising Qatar National Vision A country’s business environment can be understood by analyzing how the general population, businesses and the nation’s government reacts at the time of a ‘crisis’. What would be the options for the affected nation? To give up? Or tap in to the emotions and pride and derive courage from it to emerge stronger from the challenges? Qatar has been going through a crisis with the nation’s neighbours–due to an illegal and unjust land, sea and air blockade by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt. This led to several issues for Qatari businesses. But Qatar’s strategic response to the crisis saw a different result compared to the result hoped for by the blockading nations. The blockading Arab nations hoped to bring the Qatari economy to its knees to achieve the blockading nations’ larger illegal political agenda. But it has had precisely the opposite effect.
About Coastal:
Coastal Qatar now manufactures Stadium Seats by Forum Seating locally in Qatar at their Seat Manufacturing and Assembly Plant located in New Industrial Area, Qatar.
Coastal Qatar is a group of related businesses focusing on Steel Fabrication, Steel Galvanizing, Trading, Healthcare and Stadium Seat-Manufacturing. Coastal is known for its commitment to deliver on time with the highest quality, products and service to every single project undertaken since the firm’s incorporation. It is their unrelenting commitment to operation and delivery of excellence which is prescribed in the firm’s vision that has allowed Coastal to be who they are today. The conglomerate has been a key player in the Qatari Construction Sector and has been actively involved in several major projects such as Aspire Stadium, Hamad International Airport, Khalifa Stadium, Lusail Multipurpose Hall, Ministry of Interior Headquarters, National Museum of Qatar, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Rail Project and Sidra Medical Research Centre, to name a few.
The initiative to manufacture products locally in Qatar is Coastal’s contribution to the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Coastal Divisions: The Government of Qatar has been working hard to promote local production by Qatar National Vision 2030 and Coastal as a Qatari company believes it’s their duty to contribute to QNV 2030 and the country.
Under His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to transform Qatar into an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development by 2030. Under this vision, Qatar aims to reduce its imports and boost local manufacturing.
Coastal Qatar inaugural event at the firm’s new Stadium Seat Manufacturing and Assembly Plant located in New Industrial area, Qatar. The event was attended by top delegates of the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy and other government agencies.
Coastal Qatar has entered a ‘Technology-Partnership’ with Forum Seating who are known for their high-quality seats. Coastal’s State-of-the-Art Stadium Seat Manufacturing and Assembly Plant is capable of producing up to 16,000 Seats per month to meet the demands for FIFA stadiums.
Coastal Steel and Galvanizing Co. WLL : Coastal Qatar is among the few in Qatar in the business of Hot-Dip Galvanization. The firm’s Steel Fabrication and Galvanizing Facility is located in New Industrial Area, Qatar. The plant confirms to ISO 9001, 14001 and OSHAS 18001. The plant is a member of American Galvanizer’s Association and ASTM. Coastal state-of-the-art Steel Fabrication facility has the capacity to fabricate heavy structural and architectural steel. n
‘The Challengineering’ spirit of Coastal Qatar has been quick to seize the opportunity to serve the nation and thus decided to launch the firm’s ‘Make in Qatar’ Initiative which would directly contribute to the QNV 2030 and reduce dependencies on imports. Coastal Qatar now produce Stadium Seats in collaboration with European-based Forum Seating, locally in Qatar. The locally-produced stadium seats will be installed at major stadiums across Qatar that are under construction for the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup. Coastal also produces Dutch-based Kupan Toilet Cubicles locally in Qatar.
Coastal Healthcare : Coastal Qatar’s subdivision Coastal Healthcare’s joint venture with KIMS Healthcare Group successfully commenced operations of KIMS Qatar Medical Centre (KQMC) in Al Wakrah, Qatar in the year 2009. n
Coastal Qatar CEO Mr. Nishad Azeem with delegates from the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy at Coastal’s Seat Manufacturing and Assembly Plant located in New Industrial Area, Qatar.
Coastal Qatar manufactures Kupan Toilet Cubicles locally in Qatar
Coastal Trading and Contracting Co. WLL : Coastal Trading associates with a group of world-renowned manufacturers of architectural products which have become part of most of the prestigious projects in Qatar. The products include Carpets, Demountable Partitions, Ceiling, Auditoriums and Stadium Seating and Sports Flooring and Equipment. Coastal promotes ‘Green’ Products that meet the LEED criteria for Sustainable Building. n
H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, General Secretary, Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy with Sheikh Mansour Jabor Al Thani, Coastal during the inauguration of FIFA 2022 stadium seat manufacturing facility.
In addition, the firm aims to manufacture in Qatar a variety of the products that have been disrupted and to mitigate the challenges imposed by the blockade. “Our aim is to be the leading manufacturer of construction-related products in Qatar and strengthen the pride of ‘Made In Qatar’ products,” stated Mr. Nishad Azeem, CEO of Coastal Qatar.
Coastal Stadium Seat Manufacturing : Coastal Qatar has entered the Stadium Seating Manufacture in “technologypartnership” with European-based Forum Seating. This allows Coastal to produce Stadium Seats locally in Qatar. The locally manufactured stadium seats are poised to be used at major football stadiums that are under-construction for the FIFA 2022 World Cup, namely Al Bayt Stadium, Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Wakrah Stadium. n