Qatar Projects Magazine Issue 61/62 by media-counsel

JK WHITE CEMENT UAE

GET TO KNOW THE CEO CHRISTER ERIKSSON P08

PROJECT FOCUS

S&T INTERIORS AND CONTRACTING DELIVERING TURNKEY SOLUTION WITH A DIFFERENCE P10

MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN DOHA

A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF CONNECTIVITY, CONVERGENCE AND COLLABORATION P94

QATAR RAILWAYS COMPANY WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION P42

T H E

L E A D I N G

Q A T A R

T R A D E

M A G A Z I N E

AQUABLADETM

We tamed the power of water

Ideal Standard presents AquaBladeTM, a new era in toilet flushing technology. With simple clean lines and contemporary styling, AquaBladeTM has been designed with aesthetics as well as performance in mind: a smooth, gently curved surface with no overhanging rim combined with an exclusively engineered system of channels to create a powerful 360Â° cascading wall of water from the very top of the toilet bowl. BAHRAIN: MARMARA TRADING Co. Bahrain +973 1773 7735 www.marmaratrading.com

KUWAIT: ALSHAYA TRADING Co. W.L.L Kuwait +965 2 266 0900 www.alshayatrading.com

IRAQ: AL TAIBOON GROUP Baghdad +964 7 901 364026 www.altaiboon.com

LEBANON: ETS. ABDULRAHIM DIAB S.A.L. Beirut-Unesco +961 0 186 8146/7 Beirut-Jdeideh +961 0 125 4294/5/6 www.abdulrahimdiab.com SALAMEH CERAMICA Beirut +961 1 852 285 / +961 1 851 385 www.salamehceramica.com

JORDAN: AL MUNA Co. Amman +962 6 554 8851 www.al-munaco.com

OMAN: MAIN DISTRIBUTOR BAHWAN BUILDING MATERIALS LLC Muscat +968 2 465 0000 www.suhailbahwangroup.com DISTRIBUTOR ALSHAYA UNITED LLC Muscat +968 2 461 9681/3/4 www.alshayatrading.com

IDEAL STANDARD GULF FZCO Jebel Ali, Dubai, P.O. Box 261559, United Arab Emirates, Tel. +971 4 80 42 400, www.idealstandardgulf.com

QATAR: MOHAMMED YOUSUF KAFOOD & SONS Doha +974 4 463 7777 www.kafood.com SAUDI: AL-GHAMDI CO. FOR SANITARY WARES Riyadh +966 11 4646279 Jeddah +966 12 6696263 Dammam +966 13 8340248 www.amghamdi.com

Join us:

UAE: SULTACO Dubai +971 4 338 5929 Abu Dhabi +971 2 633 4425 Al Ain +971 3 763 1609 Sharjah +971 6 575 9878 www.sultaco.com

EDITOR’S PAGE 05

EDITOR

TRAVEL THE BEST EDUCATION In this issue of Qatar Projects we feature the country’s most recently announced mega-project, a 34-kilometer-long highway incorporating 10 lanes, part of Al Khor Expressway. It is being constructed by Turkish giant Tekfen, another example of the evercloser links between Qatar and Turkey. In a recent interview,Turkey’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Omer Faruk Korkmaz, highlighted the two countries evolving relationship at all levels, and promised that that would grow further in both regional and international terms. At the same time, he called upon Qatar to invest in Turkey’s education sector, pointing out that there are many European universities in Turkey, but no Arab university. This, I believe, is important and often overlooked. There are, for instance, linguistic, cultural, educational, political and personal challenges that Arabic students face when they join European and American universities. Yes, many Arabs speak excellent English, but it’s still not a level playing field. One’s mother tongue always gives one an advantage in education if the university is in a country where that student’s language is spoken. It can be no other way. As a European, born in the UK, I would love to have been educated in France or Italy, but my knowledge of those languages, particularly the former, is scant. I’d have gone to lectures and been totally puzzled! However, I consider travel, in its broadest sense, to be the finest education on the planet, and if at all possible being educated on foreign soil is a gift that will last a lifetime. I was educated in the UK, but travelled widely upon leaving school, and to be totally honest that was worth 50 years in a university. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking universities, but I believe that

they are only one aspect of a properly rounded education – and I’d put travel right at the top of the list. Discovering different cultures, meeting people with different ideas and challenges to your own, trying new cuisines ... the list goes on. And once experienced none of it ever leaves you. Sadly, most of what I was taught in school left me a long time ago, yet what I learned in India, for example, has not – but that’s just me. And I see in the news that many of the world’s big companies are now looking to ‘sign up’ high school graduates ahead of university graduates. The thinking behind this is twofold: firstly, they can more easily mould high school students into the individual companies’ cultures and philosophies, and secondly, there is now a general belief that far too many young people are attending university, and not all of them are suited to it. I personally feel that this is a very healthy trend; some youngsters, for instance, would be far better off learning a trade if they have an aptitude for it, but sadly schools and parents seem committed to pushing almost everyone through university. Moreover, some of the degree course subjects nowadays are simply bizarre. So for many, perhaps having a gap year travelling and then being trained in-house by a company they are invited to work for seems a far more commonsense route.

Rod Millington Editor

06 C0NTENTS

COVER STORY QATAR RAILWAYS COMPANY WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

P42

FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE

UNITED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

QATAR PORTS MANAGEMENT CO. P39 Qatari ports are a vital part of the ongoing growth and success of the nation; a nation that has taken a prominent regional and international role due to its strategic geographic location and its constantly increasing economic influence. Indeed, there is no doubt that the transport sector, particularly maritime, plays a crucial role in the sustainability.

P32

It is no secret that Qatar is globally recognized as a prestigious destination for workforces and those seeking to ride on the Gulf region’s economic wave. Therefore, it is understandable to see the correlation in the increase in demand for executive offices, and in particular offices located in the most charming of neighborhoods. The Abraj Quartier at The Pearl-Qatar is thus setting the bar high with its hi-tech, high quality state-of-the-art commercial office development. The twin towers, also known as AQ-01 and AQ-02, are identical structures set within a formation that consists of seven towers in total. 42-storeys high, they stand at approximately 201 metres each on opposite sides of the main access road leading to The Pearl-Qatar and are the defining features of the whole development; a mixed-use island where more than 45,000 residents will ultimately reside.

MSHEIREB PROPERTIES P94

AL MANA REAL ESTATE P102

Culture and heritage are at the heart of Qatari society, with the country’s’s social warmth, bottomless hospitality, music, handicrafts and distinctive architecture helping to create a land buzzing with energy and history; a nation with all of the amenities of modern life, from advanced technology through to international retail brands, but with a rich and fascinating past.

Almana Real Estate is well-known and highly respected in the market for delivering a broad array of superior quality services across the development lifecycle. A division of the Almana Group, ARE has been active in the State of Qatar for over 30 years, and is today recognised as one of the leading property development companies in the country.

C0NTENTS 07

GET TO KNOW... P08 I have over 15 years’ experiences working in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. I completed my Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a degree in Product Management from Chalmers University of Technology, and a Senior Management programme from INSEAD.

CONTENTS PROJECT FOCUS P10 Established in 1977, S&T is one of the largest interior fit-out and contracting companies in the GCC regions with headquarters in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Over the last four decades, the company has grown beyond the origins of Oman to compete on the world stage, with operations in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, UK, France, Italy, India, Sri Lanka and Brunei. S&T Interiors and Contracting is part of Services & Trade Group of Companies, a leading multinational and multiproduct conglomerate with operations in 14 countries. In nearly four decades, S&T has diversified into several businesses over and above its core activities of Interiors & Contracting into Real Estate.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE P12

WORLDCUP 2022 P14

For five years global growth has been stuck below its longterm average, and experts warn that 2017 may be the sixth. There are, quite naturally, clear differences from country to country, but taken as a whole the problem seems to arise from a combination of low growth, minimal inflation, increasingly unproductive economic policies.

Khalifa International Stadium, originally built in 1976 and located in the western district of Al Aziziyah, is currently enjoying a major overhaul, with the capacity being expanded to 68,030 in anticipation of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The renovation is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.

WORLDWIDE NEWS P18 The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Lekela Power have signed an agreement for the development, construction and operation of a 158MW wind farm in Taiba N’Diaye, Senegal. OPIC has committed $250m in financing and $70M in reinsurance to Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye.

REGIONAL NEWS P20 Simaisma Resort Qatar’s undiscovered oceanfront oasis, has been named ‘Qatar›s Leading Villa Resort’ for 2016 by the World Travel Awards. Simaisma, a Murwab Resort, took home the coveted title after being selected from among three nominees competing for the award during a Gala Dinner held at the St. Regis Hotel in Dubai to honor the award winners.

MEGA PROJECT FOCUS P16 The expressway programme, undertaken by the Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashghal), is a significant infrastructure project. Indeed, it is the project that quite literally joins everything else together! Upon completion, the Expressway will improve traffic flow, increase safety, reduce congestion and lessen travel times, as well as provide improved environmental outcomes.

LOCAL NEWS P22 Al Meera stated that for the first half of the year, the company recorded gross profit of QR 215.4 million, representing an 8.0% increase, despite a drop in gross profit percentage from 16.3% (last period) to 16.0% (this period). Meanwhile, gross shops rental income increased by 50.1% from QR 23.3 million last year, to QR 34.9 million this year.

08 GET TO KNOW THE CEO

GET TO KNOW... CHRISTER ERIKSSON IN THIS ISSUE WE GET TO KNOW MR. CHRISTER ERIKSSON, CEO OF JK WHITE CEMENT’S UAE OPERATIONS. THE COMPANY IS ONE OF THE TOP THREE WHITE CEMENT MANUFACTURING GROUPS IN THE WORLD, AND IS RENOWNED FOR ITS VISIONARY APPROACH TO BUSINESS AND ITS EXCELLENT WORKING CULTURE.

Qatar Projects: Can you give a little information on your background; when did you join in the company? Christer Eriksson: I have over 15 years’ experiences working in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. I completed my Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and a degree in Product Management from Chalmers University of Technology, and a Senior Management programme from INSEAD. I joined JK White Cement UAE in 2015 and have been associated with the company since then. I have found a driven organisation where the road map is very clear and people are putting all of their efforts into ensuring their own departments attain optimal performance, thus achieving a common organisational goal. Qatar Projects: How did your company perform in 2015; where do you see future growth coming from? Christer Eriksson: The company started its operations in the first quarter of 2014, and by the middle of 2015 we were on our journey to achieve the goals we had set. By the end of the year 2015, we had set a new benchmark as we were by then present in more than 28 countries across the globe, primarily serving the MENA region. The Middle East alone is among the highest

CHRISTER ERIKSSON, CEO OF JK WHITE CEMENT’S UAE

consumers of white cement and is also the highest in terms of per capita white cement consumption in the world. The biggest projects, such as Dubai staging the World Expo 2020 and Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, will be major ingredients in paving the way ahead, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait also performing well. Qatar Projects: Can you explain a little about the projects you are involved in or looking to become involved in? Christer Eriksson: The projects in the Middle East, such as the Etihad Rail Project, Dubai Expo 2020, and the Riyadh Metro Project, are leading the way for the industry.There are many more projects that are in the pipeline and will be executed soon, meeting the vision of overall growth and prosperity in region. Qatar Projects: Which other countries, aside from the UAE, does your company operate in, and will this expand in the next few years? Christer Eriksson: Our plant in the UAE services the markets of the Middle East, APAC and Africa regions. At present, we are supplying to more than 34 countries across the globe. The quality of our product has been acknowledged in all of

the markets we currently serve, and we are working on moving into new territories in the years ahead. Qatar Projects: What do you see as your company’s biggest challenge over the next 10 years? Christer Eriksson: Our brand is already accepted across many parts of the world, and with growing awareness of the brand our next major step is to scale up the production capacity to allow us to cater to an ever-increasing demand. The other factors which we consider as important are that we create new white cement-based applications and popularise the existing white cement-based applications for overall sustainability of the industry. Our team is continuously working on products that are eco-friendly in order to contribute towards a greener earth. Qatar Projects: How do you see the potential for opportunities in the Gulf region, particularly in the countries your company operates in? Christer Eriksson: The Middle East is among the leaders in terms of white cement consumption. Moreover, the growing population and demand for aesthetics and architecturally informed construction is on the rise. This in turn gives a boost to the many opportunities in

GET TO KNOW THE CEO 09 the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia definitely leads the way, but there is a whole world of opportunities right across the Gulf. Qatar Projects: What do you consider to be the ‘secret’ behind your company’s success? Christer Eriksson: Our expertise and experience in the manufacturing of white cement gives us enormous strength. We also have a robust team, which is well versed in the culture of the organisation and is always prompt in terms of customer service. JK White Cement has always led the way as an application-based white cement manufacturer, and has been at the forefront of the industry as a whole. Qatar Projects: I understand that your Fujairah plant is JK Cement’s first outside of India. Could you

please explain why you selected the UAE for overseas expansion? Christer Eriksson: Yes, the plant in Fujairah is JK Cement’s first overseas manufacturing unit. The company has set up this unit as part of its vision to serve the Middle East, APAC and Africa regions. Since the Middle East itself is among the leading consumers in the world in terms of white cement and its various applications, it gives us a wonderful opportunity to grow along with the region. And of course, the UAE serves as a world hub in terms of endless trading opportunities. Qatar Projects: Does JK Cement intend to open any other GCC facilities during the coming years?

Christer Eriksson: The opening of additional facilities is part of the strategic plan. Qatar Projects: What are your main priorities for the coming years? Christer Eriksson: The Middle East will always remain our main priority in terms of business, and the most important thing is to retain the very best people, which is vital in today’s dynamic and highly competitive market. Furthermore, we aim to keep our operational excellence for best product quality and customer service to ensure continued client satisfaction.

10 PROJECT FOCUS - S&T INTERIORS AND CONTRACTING

DELIVERING TURNKEY SOLUTIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, CONCOURSE 3A

OFFERING SOLUTIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE TO THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, S&T IS AN IDEAL DESIGN PARTNER WITH A PROMISE TO DELIVER THE BEST

Creating Lasting Impressions Over 150 landmark projects have been executed by S&T in the luxury hospitality sector and high-end residential and commercial projects. Langham Hotel, London; Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi; Dubai International Airport Project Concourse 3A; Mövenpick City Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Ritz Carlton Al Bustan Palace Hotel, Muscat; Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Hotel, Muscat; Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, Belgium are among the prestigious projects of S&T.

Current projects S&T is currently undertaking F&B areas, spa and gym fit-out works for Kempinski Hotel, Al Mouj, Muscat; supply and installation of ID works for Rotana Hotel, Muscat; interior fit-out works for food and beverage areas for W Hotel; supply and installation of timber doors and joinery works for J W Mariott. One of the major ongoing projects of S&T is the retail area fit-out for the Muscat International Airport development project. The airport expansion is the largest project to ever be

undertaken in the history of Oman. Another S&T’s prestigious project is executing the interior fit-out package of the new head office building of National Bank of Oman. In Qatar, S&T is the fitout partner for one of the most significant projects the Mandarin Oriental in Doha, part of the Msheireb Downtown Doha development. In Dubai, one of S&T’s largest project is Fit-out work for the Lapita Hotel. When S&T takes on projects, they add real value with a unique combination of local expertise and global experience. The distinct advantage S&T brings is highquality, customized turn-key solutions, scalability, high-profile project experience, price and timely turnaround. In the last four decades, S&T has perfected the art of skilled craftsmanship with a dedicated team of experts and in-house manufacturing capabilities to become a one-stop solution for interior fit-out and contracting services globally. They work with a strong belief that customers are their partners and actively work and collaborate with them to develop long-term partnerships.

By working in tandem with design teams and client specifications, they transform inspirations into reality.

About S&T Established in 1977, S&T is one of the largest interior fit-out and contracting companies in the GCC regions with headquarters in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Over the last four decades, the company has grown beyond the origins of Oman to compete on the world stage, with operations in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, UK, France, Italy, India, Sri Lanka and Brunei. S&T Interiors and Contracting is part of Services & Trade Group of Companies, a leading multinational and multiproduct conglomerate with operations in 14 countries. In nearly four decades, S&T has diversified into several businesses over and above its core activities of Interiors & Contracting into Real Estate, Oil & Gas, Mining, Information Technology, Healthcare, Trading, FMCG and Procurement for Hospitality industry along with other non-operating investments.

PROJECT FOCUS - S&T INTERIORS AND CONTRACTING 11

Qasr Al Sarab, Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi , UAE Joinery Works

Kempinski Hotel, Dubai , UAE Joinery Works

Dorsett Hotel, London, UK Manufacture & Installation of bespoke Case Goods & Joinery to Restaurant, Executive Lounge & Spa Areas

150+ LANDMARK PROJECTS EXECUTED MIDDLE EAST | EUROPE | ASIA Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman Joinery and Gypsum Works

Dubai International Airport, Concourse 3A Joinery Fit-Out Works and Supply of Furniture

Langham Hotel, London Modifications and Interior Fit-Out of Rooms, Business Suite & Lounge

JW Marriot, UB City, Bengaluru, India Supply of Loose Furniture

Trident, Hyderabad, India Interiors for 110 Guest Rooms & Suites

InterContinental London,The O2 Interior Fit-Out for Public Area & Ballroom

The Beaumont Hotel, London, UK Manufacture & Installation of bespoke Case Goods & Joinery to Bedrooms for the New Boutique Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru, India Interior Fit-Out including all Mill Work and Joinery, Loose Furniture and Case Goods

FRAGILE GLOBAL GROWTH, BUT STILL BIG OPPORTUNITIES’

or five years global growth has been stuck below its long-term average, and experts warn that 2017 may be the sixth. There are, quite naturally, clear differences from country to country, but taken as a whole the problem seems to arise from a combination of low growth, minimal inflation, increasingly unproductive economic policies, and more and more damaging politics. It cannot be overestimated, for instance, how nervous the financial markets are about the UK departing the European Union (Brexit). The ripples of Brexit are being felt all around the world. And it will get worse. Only 36% of the UK electorate voted to leave, 34% voted to remain, and 30% did not vote at all. Put simply, the votes comprised

17,421,887 ‘leave’ votes and 16,146,297 ‘remain’ votes, indicating 12,931,353 eligible voters did not vote, and approximately 18 million inhabitants are not eligible voters. Not really a clear mandate then. Worse still, many of the leave voters have changed their minds, yet the UK government continues to plough on regardless ... now ignoring the majority of the people. Companies are leaving for greener pastures. And should Article 50 get implemented in March 2017, it’s a good bet that the UK will cease to be a major power on the world stage. This has considerable implications for world financial markets. New OECD and Unctad reports suggest Britain’s economy will stumble in 2017 and that the financial crisis it is helping to fuel is

about to be felt in developing countries most of all. Both reports were thick with cloud and short on silver lining. And let’s not forget the China slowdown. So whilst the IMF expects the world economy to expand by 3.2% in 2016 and 3.5% in 2017, this is down from its previous forecasts of 3.4% and 3.6%, respectively. “The global recovery has weakened further amid increasing financial turbulence. Activity softened toward the end of 2015 in advanced economies, and stresses in several large emerging-market economies showed no signs of abating,” the IMF said in its executive summary. It went on to say that China doesn’t face an easy road ahead as it transitions its economy to domestic consumption from its

current export-based economy. “Given China’s important role in global trade, bumps along the way could have substantial spillover effects, especially on emerging market and developing economies,” the report said. GDP Growth in the Region to Accelerate All pretty gloomy so far I admit, but what of the MENA region? Well, fragile global growth, considerable geopolitical risks and still low oil prices continue to put at risk any robust resurgence in the region. But against a background of very real risks to MENA’s economic position, experts still argue that GDP growth in the region is expected to accelerate to 2.8% in 2017. The UAE has shown itself to be fairly resilient to the ongoing problems of low oil prices and weak global demand, thanks

primarily to its somewhat diversified economy, particularly when being compared to other Gulf nations. So whilst GDP growth is slowing down, the overall pictures looks relatively healthy thanks to respectable nonoil exports. Qatar, which is set to run a budget deficit this year following 16 years of fiscal surpluses, continues to plug the gap by tapping the bond market, successfully selling $1.3 billion in domestic bonds twice in 2017. In the meantime, in an effort to increase OPEC revenues from oil trading, which account for more than 90% of Qatar’s total exports, a preliminary agreement by OPEC members has been reached to cut back on oil production, following years of a produce-atwill approach that has been a major cause of prices tumbling dramatically.

In Saudi Arabia, economic growth continued to slow in Q2, again not helped by the still low oil prices and higher credit costs for private businesses. The latter have arisen from contracting internal liquidity due to the country’s large financing needs. In an attempt to curb what is a hefty fiscal deficit, the Kingdom’s first ever public sector wage cuts have been announced. These measures will most probably affect growth, as nearly two-thirds of Saudis are employed in the public sector. So those with expectations of a sustained ‘bounce back’ in emerging market growth after the slowdown of recent years will be left feeling rather frustrated. The 2000s were a short-lived ‘Golden Age’ for the emerging world, with a number of never-to-berepeated props for brisk growth that probably

won’t be seen again. Growth over the next two decades will be closer to that seen in the 1990s than in the early 21st century.

Adjusting to a New Reality The future may not be strewn with rose petals, but neither is it apocalyptic. For those companies with good, workable strategies there are still big opportunities for growth and expansion in the Gulf. And the latest figures from the World Bank’s ‘country rankings of business efficiency’ support this optimistic outlook. The top 10 performers included both the UAE and Bahrain, with the report citing research that demonstrates that improved performance in the rankings is linked with lower levels of income equality, thereby reducing poverty and encouraging shared prosperity.

The UAE jumped up eight places to 26th in the rankings, with the report highlighting three important reforms taken in the country over the past year: (1) it has become easier to start a business by streamlining name reservation and articles of association notarisation; (2) construction permits have been eased by implementing risk-based inspectors; and (3) minority investors have become more protected through the increase of shareholder rights and their role in major corporate decisions. So as all regional economies adjust to a ‘new reality’, it will be vital that they preserve their business openness, efficiency and competitiveness, while making some often difficult policy choices that will affect their citizens. As the old Chinese saying goes, ‘May you live in interesting times!’

14 LOCAL NEWS

15 WORLD LOCAL CUPNEWS 2022

PROVISIONAL FOUR-STAR RATING KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM, ORIGINALLY BUILT IN 1976 AND LOCATED IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF AL AZIZIYAH, IS CURRENTLY ENJOYING A MAJOR OVERHAUL, WITH THE CAPACITY BEING EXPANDED TO 68,030 IN ANTICIPATION OF THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP. THE RENOVATION IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2016, AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN RECOGNISED AS ACHIEVING EXCELLENT SUSTAINABILITY STANDARDS.

Indeed, Khalifa International Stadium has received a provisional four-star rating in the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). This is the very first certificate for a renovation project to be issued by GORD. “We are very proud of this recognition, which highlights our undertaking during the renovation of Khalifa International Stadium to also make it a more sustainable venue. In addition to this, fans will have the possibility to opt for the more sustainable means to reach the stadium, through easy access to transportation infrastructure including the nearby Doha Metro stations,” commented Eng. Mansoor Al-Muhannadi, Khalifa International Stadium – Project Manager of Aspire Zone Foundation.

Eng. Mohemed Ahmed, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Project Manager for Khalifa International Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium – Al Khor City was equally as delighted with the achievement, explain: “This is a huge step for Khalifa International Stadium. It has taken a lot of hard work to ensure this redeveloped facility meets stringent sustainability targets. The stadium scored particularly highly in several areas, including its location, the proximity of public transport, sourcing materials regionally, and the fact it was renovated and redeveloped to the highest international standards rather than being built from scratch as a brand new facility.” Through this award, Qatar-based GORD has underlined the fact that SC is supporting a local company as it makes good progress

towards 2022. “We are pleased to work with both Aspire Zone Foundation, the delivery organisation for Khalifa International Stadium, and GORD in establishing a sustainable legacy, not only for Qatar, but for the entire region,” Eng. Ahmed added. The SC insists that every 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium be awarded a minimum fourstar GSAS rating in order to meet FIFA sustainability requirements for the competition venues. Al Wakrah Stadium received a four-star rating for its design in 2015. GSAS ratings for both Khalifa and Al Wakrah stadiums projects mean they are two of the most sustainably designed stadiums in the Middle East and North Africa region. GSAS is a green building certification system. Established in 2009 in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, the

system takes into consideration familiar international green building codes and has tailored them to suit the GCC countries’ climate and traditions. Federico Addiechi, Head of Sustainability at FIFA, concluded: “Greener stadiums are essential for the sustainability and legacy of FIFA World Cups and that is why FIFA expanded its requirements, making sustainability certification mandatory for all stadiums. As part of this process, we analysed and approved the GSAS standard chosen by the Supreme Committee and are very pleased to see that the redevelopment of the Khalifa International Stadium has already fulfilled the requirements for provisional certification."

16 MEGA PROJECT - FOCUS

10 LANE HIGHWAY GETS GO AHEAD DOHA AT BLUE HOUR

QATAR’S MINISTER OF MUNICIPALITY AND ENVIRONMENT, HE MOHAMMED BIN ABDULLAH AL RUMAIHI, HAS SIGNED A $2 BILLION DEAL WITH TURKISH COMPANY TEKFEN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A HIGHWAY THAT FORMS PART OF AL KHOR EXPRESSWAY.

This project will take in a 34-kilometerlong highway incorporating 10 lanes, plus a wide array of viaducts, road junctions, overpasses and underpasses. The company will complete the project in 36 months. Linking Doha with Lusail, Al Khor and the new stadia, this mega-project will consist of five lanes in each direction and will also include eight intersections and pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle lanes. Turkish Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ahmet Arslan, commented: "The Al Khor Expressway project will be a great example of collaboration between Qatar and Turkey in the field of construction. Qatar is going to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup and introduce great projects through its 2030 National Vision. Turkish contractors have immense knowledge, experience, and a skilled workforce in order to accomplish these projects." Arslan added that the number of projects undertaken by Turkish contractors in Qatar has reached 119, amounting to $15 billion in value. Tekfen, a conglomerate based in Istanbul, has subsidiaries engaged in a diverse range

of construction activities, including power generation, airports, petroleum, roadways, infrastructure projects, and building complexes. It primarily operates in Turkey, the Middle East, the Caspian region, and North Africa.

Qatar and Turkey Building a Solid Relationship Arslan, explaining that Qatar is considered as the backbone of Turkey’s ties with Gulf countries, underlined the complementary roles of both economies,

NEW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION IN DOHA, REGION OF LUSAIL. QATAR

MEGA PROJECT - FOCUS 17 saying: "One of the largest energy producers of its region, Qatar can supply Turkey's energy requirements while Turkey has whatever Qatar needs, especially agricultural products."Addressing the Qatari Ambassador to Turkey, Salem Mubarak Al Shafi, and other dignitaries during at announcement of the $2 billion agreement, he went on to say: “Signing a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is one of

Turkey's aims. We would like to have your support to be able to execute this agreement and also accelerate our economic relations with Qatar.” To underline this growing relationship, the Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has met with HE Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

A Visionary Project The expressway programme, undertaken by the Public Works Authority of Qatar (Ashghal), is a significant infrastructure project. Indeed, it is the project that quite literally joins everything else together! Upon completion, the Expressway will improve traffic flow, increase safety, reduce congestion and lessen travel times, as well as provide improved environmental outcomes.

In total, the ‘Expressway Projects’ programme is an undertaking of truly global scale and vision. Once completed, the benefits will further assist the State of Qatar as it continues its rapid growth. The programme as a whole consists of 28 projects, which require both the delivery of new roads and the upgrading of existing roads to ‘expressway’ standard.

NEW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION IN DOHA, REGION OF LUSAIL. QATAR

18 WORLDWIDE NEWS

NEW WIND FARM TO BE BUILT IN SENEGAL The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Lekela Power have signed an agreement for the development, construction and operation of a 158MW wind farm in Taiba N’Diaye, Senegal. OPIC has committed $250m in financing and $70M in reinsurance to Parc Eolien Taiba N’Diaye.

OPIC president and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield said: “This is a transformative project for many reasons, principally for the new and clean energy it will supply to Senegal. “OPIC partnering with Lekela illustrates the opportunity for renewable resources to make a significant contribution to total energy

needs. OPIC is proud to support the Taiba wind project and its role in advancing Senegal’s economic prosperity.” Lekela CEO Chris Antonopoulos said: “Energy is critical to the African continent and its continued growth. Lekela is uniquely positioned as a long term investor to provide

clean, secure, reliable and competitive renewable energy in Senegal and across Africa.” The project is expected to boost Senegal’s available power capacity by 24%.

UNITED AIRLINES STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON NEW US AIRPORT FACILITY

United Airlines, in association with the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System, has broken ground on its new $162M United Technical Operations Center (UTOC) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in the US. The project forms the next phase of the airline’s ongoing expansion at its Houston hub.

Plans include the addition of 18,600sq m of additional hangar capacity for maintaining widebody aircraft. Work will also involve the construction of a new warehouse distribution centre, technical services building as well as administrative offices. United executive vice president and chief operations officer Greg Hart said: “With

flights from Houston to destinations around the globe, this new facility and the employees who work here will provide critical support to our worldwide operations. “This significant investment in our Houston facilities will enable us to support more aircraft than ever before in Houston and allow us to return them to serving our

customers more quickly, while providing a workplace that our people can take pride in.” The new facility is anticipated to be complete in late 2018, with the project expected to create about 200 new jobs. Once completed, the facility will accommodate widebody aircraft, including Boeing 767s, 777s, 787s and Airbus A350s..

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SINGAPORE’S LTA AWARDS $234M CONTRACT Lum Chang Building Contractors has won a SGD325M ($233.8M) contract from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to construct viaducts and a new platform at Tanah Merah station in Singapore. The scope of the work will also include the extension of the existing East-West Line MRT tracks to connect to the new four-in-one East Coast Integrated Depot at Changi. The two middle tracks at Tanah Merah interchange station will be used for trains travelling both bounds between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations. LTA said in a statement: “With an additional platform, there will be one pair of dedicated tracks for East-West Line and Changi Airport Line respectively, allowing trains of the Changi Airport Line to arrive and depart at Tanah Merah station at shorter intervals as compared to today, thus enabling faster travel to Expo and Changi Airport.” Construction works for the additional platform are anticipated to commence by the end of 2016 and be finished in 2024.

KMC CONSTRUCTIONS WINS $190M INDIA ROAD CONTRACT India-based KMC Constructions has secured a INR12.74bn ($190.5M) contract from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the construction of a road segment in Himachal Pradesh, India. The scope of the work will include the development of the 26km-long NerchowkPandoh section, and the Pandoh bypass section of the National Highway 21. The project will feature two bypasses, the 8km-long Mandi Bypass and the 5km-long Pandoh Bypass, three twin tube two lane tunnels, six major bridges, 11 minor bridges and three vehicular underpasses. The development will be delivered on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis and is set to be complete within 30 months from the date of commencement. The Himachal Pradesh section is part of phase IV B of India’s National Highways Development Projects (NHDP).

20 REGIONAL NEWS

SIMAISMA, A MURWAB RESORT NAMED QATAR’S LEADING VILLA RESORT BY WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

In recognition of its mastery in envisioning and conceiving an enchanting resort that personifies the true meaning of luxury and privacy, Simaisma Resort Qatar’s undiscovered oceanfront oasis, has been named ‘Qatar’s Leading Villa Resort’ for 2016 by the World Travel Awards. Simaisma, a Murwab Resort, took home the coveted title after being selected from among three nominees competing for the award during a Gala Dinner held at the St. Regis Hotel in Dubai to honor the award winners.

On this occasion, Tarek Nour, General Manager of Simaisma, said: “We are truly honored to be named Qatar’s Leading Villa Resort for 2016 by the World Travel Awards; a highly sought-after title that crowns our endeavor in creating the ultimate blissful escape for families in Qatar”. “Simaisma Resort is a one-of-a-kind destination, where we have essentially created a tranquil environment that mesmerizes both the heart and the soul. That’s why we are always delighted to take our guests on tour of our oceanfront oasis and its luxurious facilities, giving them a taste of what this magical place truly has to offer.” He added. Located on the grounds of Simaisma, each one of the Resort’s 52 villas is both luxurious and spacious with a spectacular array of personalized amenities. Guests have access to a range of facilities such as; basketball and tennis courts, health club and kids playground. For adventurous guests, Simaisma Resort’s Water Sports Center and

Tour Service provider offer leisurely activities for the entire family. When it comes to dining, Simaisma Resort has an exciting gastronomic journey of its own, designed to cater to ‘everything palette’. From sophisticated fine dining to casual poolside fare, each and every dish is prepared

fresh with local ingredients, cultivating diners’ senses with flavor. For a hearty family gathering, guests can enjoy a delicious meal delivered to their room, or prepared for them and their loved ones at one of the Five-Star Resort’s private gazebos.

CITY CENTRE QURUM COMPLETES OMR 5 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT City Centre Qurum - the community’s much-loved shopping destination, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim – announced the completion of the final stage of its OMR 5 million redevelopment project. The redevelopment work which began in April 2016 includes 3150 square meters Centrepoint - the multi-brand retail concept of Landmark Group, which includes Babyshop, Splash, Lifestyle and Shoe Mart. These new retail outlets add to an already strong line-up of retail, restaurant and entertainment options including Carrefour Hypermarket, VOX Cinemas, H&M and Magic Planet. The expansion also includes 177 additional car parking spaces, bringing the total number of parking spaces available to shoppers to 1055 spaces. “I am pleased to confirm that the redevelopment project is now complete and that we were able to deliver it in a timely and cost-effective manner,” said Watfa Humaid Al Harthy, Senior Mall Manager, City Centre Qurum. “Centrepoint is a welcomed addition to City Centre Qurum’s comprehensive retail line-up and the latest addition is a testament to our commitment to introduce the latest retail

concepts to meet the needs of our community while creating great moments for everyone, everyday.” Since opening, Centrepoint has performed exceptionally well and we have witnessed an

increase in both footfall and sales. Our launch in City Centre Qurum had been one of the most successful to date – commented by Centrepoint management team City Centre Qurum now has approximately

26,500 square metres of retail, offering more than 13 diverse dining and café options, 91 retail destinations and distinct entertainment options.

REGIONAL NEWS 21

DRAKE & SCULL ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF WAEL ALLAN AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Drake & Scull International PJSC (“DSI” or the “Company”), a regional leader in engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning, announced the resignation approval of Mr. Khaldoun Tabari from his post as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the appointment of Mr. Wael Allan, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) as the company’s new Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wael will assume the new role which marks the final phase of a sixmonth management transition process initiated with his appointment as (COO) in the first half of the year. Mr. Tabari submitted his resignation to the board on August 2016 for approval until the new CEO appointment was finalised. Wael Allan succeeds Khaldoun Tabari, who will step down from his current role as the Group CEO and continues to serve DSI as a Non-Executive Board Member, Member of the Executive Committee, Vice-Chairman and a major shareholder. Wael Allan is an industry veteran with more than 26 years of global management experience spanning EPC

and construction across USA, Europe, Far East and the Middle East. Prior to his appointment at DSI, he served as the CEO for Arcadis Middle East, and progressed through senior management roles for reputed firms including Hyder Consulting, Skanska USA Buildings, Washington Group International and Raytheon Engineers and Constructors, amongst others. “Khaldoun’s valuable contribution towards DSI’s remarkable growth continues to inspire us and have laid the foundation of our future growth path. We are pleased to have him continue to lend his expertise and wisdom as the Vice-Chairman in guiding the company during and after the transition to the new management structure. I am confident that Wael Allan’s vision and commitment will help DSI emerge stronger, leaner and more efficient through these challenging times, drawing on his considerable 26 years of global engineering and management experience.” said Majid Al Ghurair, Chairman of DSI PJSC. Khaldoun Tabari commented on the

occasion by stating: “As we mark 50 years of our Middle East operations, I believe this is the right time to hand over to Wael Allan and the senior team that will now chart the future course of the company. I believe that our fundamentals remain robust and our clients and partners continue to value our experience and pioneering

innovations in our key markets. I would like to wish Wael and our employees well for the exciting period ahead, and thank our board, our investors and stakeholders and our employees for their support and dedication which inspired and empowered our growth and success.”

$735M GAS PROCESSING PLANT FOR SAUDI ARABIA South Korea-based Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) has won a $735M contract from Saudi Aramco to construct a gas processing plant in Saudi

Arabia. The facility will be located in Uthmaniyah, 325km east of the Saudi capital of Riyadh, and will have a capacity to process 1.4bn standard cb ft of gas daily.

According to Hyundai E&C, this contract is expected to be a catalyst to winning more bids in the Middle East as low oil prices slow new construction projects.

The project is expected to be complete at the end of 2019

22 LOCAL NEWS

AL MEERA RECORDS QR 102.4 MN NET PROFIT AND 10.6 PERCENT INCREASE IN SALES FOR H1 2016

Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (QSC) recently disclosed its semi-annual financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2016, with net profit attributable to the owners of the company amounting to QR 102.4 million. Commenting on the company’s achievement, Al Meera stated that for the first half of the year, the company recorded gross profit of QR 215.4 million, representing an 8.0% increase, despite a drop in gross profit percentage from 16.3% (last period) to 16% (this period). Meanwhile, gross shops rental income increased by 50.1% from QR 23.3 million last year, to QR 34.9 million this year. Al Meera’s operating income

also increased by 10.6% compared to the same period in 2015. Al Meera's sales for the first half of this year grew 10.6%, from QR 1.22 billion to QR 1.35 billion, compared to the same period in 2015. These financial results come as a result of Al Meera’s expansion plans to serve the diverse communities in the state of Qatar and meet the needs of all citizens and residents wherever they are, with competitive prices that take into account all segments of society. As of June 30, 2016, total equity stood at QR 1.33 billion on a capital base of QR 200 million, and earnings per share for the period was QR 5.12, a 1.5% increase from H1 2015.

Since its inception in 2005, Al Meera has reflected the natural evolution of cooperative enterprises, which were established during the last thirty years to meet the different needs of the Qatari community. Throughout the company’s decade-long history, Al Meera has remained committed to providing high quality products and services to its customers at competitive prices in a distinctive and ethical way. Al Meera has proudly made progress in all areas, including developing an expansion strategy that matches with the Qatar National Vision 2030’s urban development plans. And today, Al Meera is pleased to announce that it is in the process of finishing the final stages

for opening 5 stores out of the 14 announced last year, which are due to be open in the near future in Bu Sidra, North Sailiya (Al Miarad), Al Wakra (West), Leaibab 2 and Um Salal Ali. Al Meera's new community malls are constructed in a modern and contemporary design. Each mall includes a supermarket along with shops, restaurants and other stores. The malls are also constructed in accordance with international standards and equipped with the latest interior designs and lighting systems that ensure a distinctive shopping experience.

LOCAL NEWS 23

KIDZMONDO DOHA AND AL RAYYAN ART CENTER JOIN HANDS TO CREATE PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES Adding to its rich array of educative establishments and entertaining activities, KidzMondo Doha, Qatar’s one-of-a-kind miniature edutainment city, has signed a partnership agreement with Al-Rayyan Art Center, one of the leading ‘Action photography’ and ‘Conceptual art’ service providers in Qatar. The signing was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Nasser Bin Hassan Al Thani, who founded the art center to deliver quality photography, advertising, event management and other creative products and services, covering both conceptual and technical areas that match clients’ best interests. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Ayman Al Jamil, CEO of Aura Holding and Mr. Nabil R. Barakat, General Manager of KidzMondo Doha, who said "Under the new partnership, Al Rayyan Art Center’s professionals will be taking photographs of the Kidizens (kid citizens) as they role-play through KidzMondo Doha’s establishments. Youngsters can then visit the Art Center’s stand on the premises to acquire their photos, as an everlasting memory of their unique experience at the edutainment city." He added "Al Rayyan Art Center’s partnership with KidzMondo Doha is designed

to complete the children’s journey at the kidsized city, with a token of remembrance for the special time they spent exploring establishments and learning about the adult professional world in a fun and entertaining way." KidzMondo Doha is regarded as the "city

of education and entertainment," and features an interactive kid-sized city developed for and managed solely by children, between the age of 2 and 14. The self-sufficient city, with its own economy and currency (Kidlars), includes over 80 real-life simulation activities across diverse

business environments, and allows children to dress up and role-play realistic tasks in a safe, interactive and educational environment, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

24 LOCAL NEWS

CASE SHOWCASES FULL LINE OF EQUIPMENT AT OPEN DAY EVENT IN QATAR

Qatar is the fastest growing construction market in the Gulf region and, with the Qatar National Vision 2030, massive projects are in the pipeline. They include new roads, a deep-water port, the Doha transportation corridor and a new metro system, as well as infrastructure projects related to the hotel industry, sports facilities and tourism. With the major developments underway and the planned projects, CASE Construction Equipment and its official distributor in Qatar, Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Heavy Equipment (NBK) are able to support the construction sector with the brand’s latest equipment and technologies designed to give customers the economic, environmental and safety advantage in a wide range of applications. Key decision makers and operators in the country’s construction industry were invited to see first hand how CASE and NBK are able to help their businesses. The brand and importer showcased the high quality range of CASE equipment and demonstrated how it can further

enhance the productivity and increase the profitability of construction businesses. Models from the CASE Heavy Line and Compact Line were on display at the customer event: they included the CASE 821F wheel loaders for the aggregate sector, the SR150 and SR130 skid steer loaders, 570T and 580T backhoe loaders, and TX170-45 telehandler.Also on display were two 20-tonne and 37-tonne excavators that compete in the country’s biggest segment, crawler excavators – a segment that accounts for 60% of earthmoving equipment sales in Qatar. A live show featuring skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders and crawler excavators entertained the visitors while demonstrating the efficiency of the machines and the ease of access for servicing. CASE representatives from Europe and the U.A.E. were present at the event, where they were joined by professional demonstrators from the UK and Germany, who provided visitors with the opportunity to see first hand the outstanding performance and reliability of

CASE equipment. Raffi Keuylian, General Manager of Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons – Heavy Equipment Division, was very pleased with the event: “The CASE Open Day helped us create awareness about our premium line of CASE construction equipment and educate our potential clientele about our after sales services, training, parts support

and financing solutions. We were able to meet key decision makers and influencers and show them what we can do for their businesses.This was the first time our heavy equipment division has hosted an event of this size, and it will be a trendsetter for our division.” In an increasingly competitive and diversified market, NBK is committed

LOCAL NEWS 25

to providing high quality construction equipment to their clients and help them achieve excellence in their operations. CASE supports NBK with the team based in its regional office in the Dubai Airport Free Zone Area, backed by the brand’s global organization. It is also opening a spare parts depot in Jebel Ali to ensure a fast and efficient parts support. The oldest CASE partner in the region, NBK and the brand are working together to continuously raise the level of professional support it provides customers. The excellent quality of NBK’s service to its customers

has earned it the certification of Pinnacle Dealer, the highest level in the CASE Pinnacle Excellence programme, which it has achieved by meeting the highly demanding requirements the brand has set for the development of its network. Mr. Keuylian explained: “We have a dedicated team consisting of a Product Manager and 4 sales engineers who are entirely focused on the brand, and we work very closely with the CASE teams to maintain customer relations and satisfy their needs. CASE also helps us train and develop our staff through web-based and face-to-

face sessions. Going forward we are planning to increase the number of sales engineers to meet the demand of a market that we expect to grow significantly in the coming years,” concluded Mr. Keuylian.” Franco Invernizzi, Senior Business Director CNH Industrial Construction Equipment for Africa and Middle East, concluded: “In NBK we have found an outstanding partner, which has shown it is capable of giving CASE customers the best sales and service support, which they expect from our brand. Qatar is undertaking an ambitious programme of investments

in its infrastructure and, to achieve its goals, it will need the high quality, reliable equipment supported with highest level of professional service that we are able to provide in partnership with NBK. This is a market of strategic importance for CASE, and we are investing, together with NBK, in strengthening even further the CASE teams on the ground and in ensuring they have everything they need, such as the new warehouse in Jebel Ali, which will help us provide an even more efficient parts support.” CASE Construction Equipment sells and supports a full line of construction equipment around the world, including the No. 1 loader/backhoes, excavators, motor graders, wheel loaders, vibratory compaction rollers, crawler dozers, skid steers, compact track loaders and rough-terrain forklifts. Through CASE dealers, customers have access to a true professional partner with world-class equipment and aftermarket support, industry-leading warranties and flexible financing. More information is available at www.CASEce.com. CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be found online at www.cnhindustrial.com.

26 IMAR TRADING & IMAR CONTRACTING COMPANY - CASECOMPANY STUDY - CASE STUDY 1 TRADING & CONTRACTING

THE COMPANY THAT PROMISES TO DELIVER IMAR TRADING & CONTRACTING CO. OFFERS A FULL TURNKEY INTERIOR SOLUTION, FULFILLING THE NEED FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING, PROCUREMENT AND FIT-OUT, TO THE VERY HIGHEST STANDARDS.

IMAR TRADING P.O. BOX 22403 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44 131770 E: MJ@GROUPIMAR.COM.QA

The company’s extensive managerial, technical and operational workforce has a proven track record, working on some of the most prestigious projects in Qatar. Its role within the project environment is all-encompassing, which is key to providing a successful delivery. From the initial involvement with the project team at feasibility stage, IMAR is constantly planning its strategy to deliver the project’s scope, time, cost and quality objectives. To find out more, Qatar Projects spoke to Mr. Muhieddine Al Jamal, the company’s Business Development Manager. “IMAR was founded by Mr. Hanna Shammas in Lebanon in 1995, and promptly establishing its reputation for excellence in the construction industry,” explains Mr. Muhieddine.” It specialised in architectural interior fit-out, before expanding to Qatar in the year 2000 under the management of Mr. Mustafa Kassar, the Branch Manager. “In 2010, IMAR expanded its activities in Lebanon in the field of general contracting and residential development with the addition of a new management team, which has more than 25 years of

relevant experience. “Our mission is to become the foremost provider of an extensive range of innovative interior solutions in the region. We aim to do so by continuously promoting high quality construction products and services to demanding clientele. This mission is met by coordinating the efforts of producers, developers, designers and clients. “Our corporate promise resolves around our everlasting commitment to excellence and growth. We will work at all times to meet customers’ expectations while focusing on problem solving. By advancing our skills, remaining up-to-date

with innovations and maintaining solid customer relations, we will continue to be recognised for our quality work and services through mutual trust; anticipating customer needs; reliability and ontime delivery; cost-effective procedures and techniques; technical competence; ongoing training of personnel; proper communication; and teamwork.” With high quality suppliers in Lebanon, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and the US, Mr. Muhieddine concludes: “We have had a lot of positive feedback from clients, and no major complaints from either clients or suppliers.”

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BIM QUALITY ASSURANCE – THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process to analyze different aspects of the entire project lifecycle – from conceptual design to operations, on a virtually constructed model representing the real facility. Design coordination, visualizations, construction sequence planning, sustainability analysis, quantity take-off, progress monitoring, analysis of operation and maintenance data, etc. are some of the examples of the types of processes that BIM can support. For these processes to be successful, the main precondition would be the correct input; in this case the building information model. A wrong input will provide a wrong output. Thus, controlling the quality of the two fundamental aspects of BIM – the data and the 3D model, are critical for all processes of BIM. Why is quality so important? Building information models evolve during the project duration.They are built for different purposes by different stakeholders. The models built by one team, may require to be updated by another team to put it to a different use. This requires that multiple stakeholders are collaborating and sharing

information with each other in an organized and open way. But often, the information is at risk of being manipulated or misinterpreted by different project participants, putting the use of BIM at risk. Thus, it is important that the BIM requirements are set in a written document and are contractually agreed by all parties in the project. It will be then each team leader’s task to ensure that their team is following these specifications with due diligence and providing the desired deliverables. Providing quality output is a way to establish trust among the project participants, without which the project will end up in dispute or delays. What are the main challenges? BIM is a combination of people, processes, policies and technology. All of these aspects must be managed in order to achieve the quality desired in a defined BIM workflow. Due to the fact that there are always multiple parties involved in a typical BIM project, communication is one of the major challenges in monitoring and controlling the quality. Project participants may be working from different locations in the world having their differences in time, culture, language

and work methodologies. To avoid delays occurring from miscommunication or misinterpretations, regular project meetings shall be arranged between team members. Documenting the standards and specifications is also an important step to bridge the communication gap. BIM is a constantly evolving subject. New innovative ideas and products are pouring into the market continuously. Assessment of the technology and its training must be provided to the team before the project begins. Often, the people working on the project do not have the right tools (hardware and software) and training to execute the tasks efficiently. This negatively impacts the project schedule as well as the quality standards. In projects with tight deadlines, it has been observed that the people are working under immense pressure while creating the building information models. There is not enough time given for checking or assessing the outcome based on the project guidelines.This has a direct impact on quality. On projects where large amounts of information are required to be integrated with, a building information model, human

errors are also likely to occur more frequently than otherwise. Taking the advantage of the latest technologies and bringing automation into routine processes of modeling as well as checking, not only increases efficiency but also allows the modeling team to focus on improving quality. ‘Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort.’ – John Ruskin The benefits of BIM can only be reaped if the two fundamental components – the information and the model, are created accurately as per the project’s requirements.To achieve this, quality control needs to become an integral part of the process. To maintain the trust amongst stakeholders and avoid delays due to misinterpretations, clear BIM requirements shall be agreed and quality standards must be set at the very beginning. Even though within tight deadlines quality control may sound like a burden, it is indeed a necessary evil that requires an organized approach to achieve reliable results and benefits out of building information modeling.

28 LOCAL NEWS

IDEAL STANDARD LAUNCHES NEW TESI COLLECTION

Ideal Standard, the leading provider of innovative and design-driven bathroom solutions, has blended form with function to create Tesi, a collection of bathroom ceramics, furniture and fittings, which combine perfectly together to create a versatile and affordable bathroom range. Created by Ideal Standard designer, Robin Levien, Tesi is a cross category solution, with options which work perfectly in family bathrooms, cloakrooms and en-suites alike. The collection is slender, elegant and agile: it’s precisely adapted to suit environment and lifestyle needs, performing effortlessly in every role and never failing to achieve perfect balance. All of the toilet bowls within the Tesi collection are fitted with AquaBlade flushing technology, offering the best aesthetic on the market with superior hygiene, less splashing and noise reduction. With AquaBlade, the toilet flushes from the top of the bowl, washing the entire inner surface with no tricky to clean overhanging rim, and is unique to Ideal Standard products. This ease of maintenance is transferred across all elements of the collection’s design. Hidden fixations on the wall hung bowl and bidet create a clean, luxurious look. Even the toilet seats, a detail which could be easy to overlook, have been crafted with the customer in mind.The soft close option features a quick release take off mechanism, making cleaning hassle free for the end user. There are five basin options. With a range as wide as Tesi, scaling down for the smallest

room is no problem. There are cloakroom options available, the pure and simple design adapting to smaller sizes with ease. One can choose from 60cm, 55cm, 50cm and 45cm basin options, with a choice of full and semi pedestals, as well as 55cm semi-countertop option for those wanting to combine with marble. A selection of minimal vessels with very thin modern rim - 100cm, 80cm, 60cm – is available to combine with Tesi furniture. Tesi ceramics integrate seamlessly with

the range’s elegant and practical bathroom furniture. The intelligently conceived Tesi furniture pieces bring smart discreet storage to busy bathrooms. With a comprehensive range of units, there is a configuration to fit any room layout. Neutral, yet unquestionably contemporary, the Blue Matt, Brown Matt, Glossy light Grey and Glossy White finishes complement the ceramics’ sleek contours. Ceramic and furniture elements integrate harmoniously for a beautifully streamlined

effect. Soft close doors and drawers bring a satisfying sense of effortlessness to the whole experience. Tesi mixers express quality, style and versatility in equal measure. Characterised by clean geometric lines and counterbalanced by soft, round forms, they perfectly complement the stylistic qualities of Tesi Ceramics. There is a wide range to choose from, each having a perfect home in the right bathroom. There is a variety of basin mixers: standard, grande, piccolo, high spout, vessel and built-in. All are wonderfully slim in design and feature a ceramic disc cartridge to control the flow and temperature of water with impeccable precision. They feature 5 lpm flow regulators to ensure water saving, hence reducing the household bills.The shower and bath & shower, exposed and built-in, mixers are packed with Click Technology, giving the option of using the fittings at 50% of their capacity, therefore achieving 50% less water consumption. Ideal Standard International designer, Robin Levien, said: “Tesi delivers the perfect combination of functionality, affordability and beautiful aesthetics. The collection uses contemporary shapes to update a design classic, creating a range of products which can be used to build a bathroom that is unique to its owner, while providing the ease of maintenance and timeless appeal that many end users look to obtain from their home décor.”

GETTING TO KNOW HERTZ HERTZ29 1

QDVC’S VEHICLE SOLUTION PROVIDER Hertz has been a global leader in vehicle hire for many years; how has the company managed to retain its preeminent position in what is a fiercely competitive industry? With best-in-class capabilities consistently available at Hertz’ global network, the company offers its customers a seamless car rental experience across the world. Hertz Global operates in approximately 10,000 corporate and licensee locations throughout approximately 150 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. At Hertz Qatar, we focus on customer and employee satisfaction. We have more than 3,500 units of the latest vehicle models to satisfy all our customers’ needs, ensuring to provide “Hertz Standards Vehicle Policy”. Our people at Hertz Qatar make the difference. We have more than 160 employees from different countries and various nationalities. Our consistent investment in our people, supported by our core values, help give a unique experience to our clients. We are always tailoring the best offer that suits our customer needs. How have you created a culture that can handle

constant evolution in the workplace? As a General Manager, I encourage everyone’s participation on the decision making processes, asking staff to provide ideas on some important issues we are facing. We promote and value employee engagement as a key element of our culture and one of the enablers of our company’s success. Engaged and flexible staff together with an increased use of technology is key for us to improve efficiency and productivity. How long has the company been operating in Qatar and is it a growing market? Almana Hertz Rent A Car has been operating Hertz Qatar for more than 22 years, providing customer with the superior car rental experience they expect from a global, renowned brand such as Hertz. Our company is part of Almana Group which is one of the biggest companies in Qatar providing business ranging from trading, automotive, finance, travel, technology, real estate, and more. Since Almana Group is the dealer of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Ford, Lincoln and Peugeot, we are privilege to be able to offer the newest models in the market before any other car rental company and with competitive

rates. Car hire in Qatar is witnessing a great demand due to the surge in not only the number of tourists visiting the country, but also in the number of expats moving here for work related reasons. What do you see as the biggest challenge for the industry in the years ahead and in particular for Hertz? Despite the economic issues, we have to survive and adapt. Our challenge for 2017 is to come up with additional locations, more car models, and launch our heavy trucks business, which will cover all needs of the Building and Construction sector. We continuously study the market’s needs and to adapt our offer. We keep open to new marketing ideas and digital channels, adapt to fast pace consumer trends, invest in new technologies, and continue to increase partnerships. Please describe your relationship with key companies in Qatar such as QDVC? Hertz Qatar provides transport solution to different companies and boasts a great experience in vehicle leasing. One of our major clients is Qatari Diar Vinci Construction (QDVC). We started

our successful business relationship in 2012 and from then on we became their vehicle solution provider. We are very thankful for their business and the trust they put in us. We have been providing vehicle leasing services to their Lusail Light Rail Project (LRT) and New Orbital Highway Contract 2 (NOH2) since 2014. At Hertz Qatar, we ensure there is only minimal administrative requirements for our corporate

customer. We offer up to 5 years lease options, freedom to choose from various models and brands, 24/7 customer service, proactive lease management and vehicle solutions completely tailored to our customers’ needs. We also provide vehicle servicing and maintenance, around the clock recovery and breakdown service, vehicle registration management, and vehicle insurance and repair supervision.

GENERAL MANAGER - SANAA OUAHMANE

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130 CMTC - CASE STUDY CMTC - CASE STUDY

A MORE INNOVATIVE APPROACH When selecting a supplier and contractor, you need a company with a proven track record and high integrity. Or to put it another way, you need CMTC, a business that delivers a professional, efficient and cost-effective service, whilst also building pride into every phase of a project. Since it first opened its doors for business in 1995, CMTC has built its reputation on unrivalled customer service and attentionto-detail. At the same time, it has committed itself to continuously widening its client and product base, today offering a broad portfolio of expertise that includes: • Basement and Tunnel Waterproofing • Roof Waterproofing • Tank Lining and Waterproofing • Bridge Deck Waterproofing • Swimming Pools Waterproofing • Industrial Flooring Systems • Concrete Repair And Strengthening System • Passive Fire Protection Systems Encouraging new ideas, fostering creative thinking, discovering new products, and embracing ongoing training to help it stay on the innovation curve, CMTC prides itself on a record of successfully completed projects on-

time and within budget. Its mission has always been to provide quality services, along with competitive prices, in order to meet the needs of its customers. Indeed, it is CMTC’s stated vision to be recognised as a market leader in providing specialised and innovative building

construction technologies. The company constantly works to provide the safest work site possible too, thereby protecting project team members, customers and employees so that everyone can go home safe, sound and injury free.

More and more, clients are seeking out CMTC to construct projects in a more innovative way, delivering them in a way that is designed to better fit their culture and business goals.

RASGAS DELIVERS FIRST LNG CARGO TO ITALY’S TOSCANA FLOATING STORAGE REGASIFICATION TERMINAL

RasGas Company Limited (RasGas) has shipped its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo to the Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) Toscana, located in Italy.The cargo, aboard RasGas’ Al Thakhira, was delivered on August 23, 2016.

The receiver of the said cargo is a new customer for RasGas, DufEnergy Trading SA (DufEnergy), which is an international, multienergy trading company based in Lugano, Switzerland. Since entering the LNG market in late 2012, DufEnergy has been successfully

delivering a number of LNG cargos to its customers, while diversifying its LNG supply portfolio. FSRU Toscana is one of Italy’s main regasification projects, and is located 22km off the Italian coast between Livorno and Pisa.The

terminal is permanently anchored to the seabed through a mooring system, with a single point of rotation at the bow. This shipment – to a new customer at a new terminal – underlines RasGas’ positive growth path, and continues the company’s outstanding performance even in a period of low energy prices. “RasGas looks forward to continuing our support of DufEnergy in meeting the growing demand in Italy – and throughout Europe – for cleaner energy in the form of LNG.The arrival of our LNG cargo at FSRU Toscana represents another positive development in RasGas' global operations,” said Khalid Sultan R. Al Kuwari, RasGas’ Chief Marketing & Shipping Officer. “Receiving this cargo at the FSRU Toscana regasification terminal is an important milestone, as LNG is a key source of supply to the Italian natural gas market,” said JeanChristian Heintz, Head of LNG at DufEnergy. Qatar's RasGas is one the world's largest gas exporters, with an integrated shipping fleet consisting of 27 long-term chartered LNG vessels. The fleet’s variety of 14 conventional ships, 12 Q-Flex and one Q-Max vessel enhances RasGas’ flexibility to meet worldwide demand for cleaner energy.

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ROBERT BOSCH MIDDLE EAST FZE - CASE STUDY 31

BOSCH REXROTH MODERNIZES THE BOLSHOI THEATRE

Greater artistic freedom and ease of use After six years of painstaking restoration, Moscow celebrated the reopening of its worldfamous Bolshoi Theater in fall 2011. The Bolshoi Theater, a listed World Heritage Site, resumed performances as soon as it opened. Theater lovers will now find a sophisticated

and ultra-modern stage control system by Bosch Rexroth behind the fully preserved historic facade, which dates back to 1825. The customer required a general refurbishment of the stage machinery at the Bolshoi Theater. This had to be carried out during the ongoing renovation of the building behind the fully preserved historic faรงade.

The renovation included the supply, assembly and commissioning of all the drive and control systems for the upper stage and lower stage machinery. Other trades were also needed for the supply and assembly of, for example, the organ, glockenspiel and acoustic shell. The subcontractor was to act as general contractor. Double-deck platforms are used to carry out quick changes in backdrops or complete stage sets. Both levels were to be made suitable for performances. The 520 square meter main stage is dominated by seven double-deck podia of equal size. Each of the 7 stage podia is 22 meters long, three meters wide and ten meters high, with an unladen weight of approximately 70 tons. A high-performance control system must be able to move the stage machinery used during the performance, store motion sequences and monitor processes. And it was crucial that all motion sequences are highly precise and carried out without the audience hearing any noise. A further challenge was the need for complete safety: with high loads moving above, artists and stagehands must

still be able to move around the stage and the audience must be safely protected. As the general contractor for the fl exible and extremely powerful stage management system, Bosch Rexroth AG planned, installed and commissioned more than 600 electric and hydraulic drives as well as the stage control system for the upper stage and lower stage machinery. Planning was carried out using the very latest in-house simulation and calculation software based on experience gained from many theater projects worldwide. Rexroth have been planning and installing custom stage equipment and machinery for more than three decades. No other supplier has more experience in combining hydraulic, electro-mechanical or hybrid drives. Rexroth high quality and easy-to-operate systems are available for stages of any size - it supplies large performing arts centers and small or medium sized theaters around the globe.

Rexroth offers customized concepts for storage or understage machinery, safety, equipment, and moving scene designs. Only Rexroth can combine expert knowledge of hydraulic and electrical drive technology to create the perfect system with exceptionally efficient use of energy. Engineered to the highest safety standards, always. With clear visualization and easy operation, as well as maximum availability.

Bosch Rexroth Middle East P.O. Box: 54307 | Tel: +971 4 2123360 Website: www.boschrexroth.com | Email: info.rexroth@ae.bosch.com Office 701, West Wing 5A, Dubai Airport Freezone, Dubai, UAE

32 UNITED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

ABRAJ QUARTIER: AN INSPIRATIONAL SETTING TO DO BUSINESS THE PEARL-QATARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SKYLINE HAS BEEN ENRICHED WITH ITS LATEST AND MOST INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT, THE ABRAJ QUARTIER TWIN TOWERS.

UNITED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY P.O. BOX 7256 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44095155 E: RETAIL@UDCQATAR.COM W: WWW.UDCQATAR.COM

It is no secret that Qatar is globally recognized as a prestigious destination for workforces and those seeking to ride on the Gulf regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic wave. Therefore, it is understandable to see the correlation in the increase in demand for executive offices, and in particular offices located in the most charming of neighborhoods. The Abraj Quartier at The Pearl-Qatar is thus setting the bar high with its hi-tech, high quality state-of-the-art commercial office development. The twin towers, also known as AQ01 and AQ-02, are identical structures set within a formation that consists of seven towers in total. 42-storeys high, they stand at approximately 201 metres each on opposite sides of the main access road leading to The Pearl-Qatar and are the defining features of the whole development; a mixed-use island where more than 45,000 residents will ultimately reside.

Created with Business in Mind Bland grey office complexes are being shunned by forward-thinking businesses

in favour of locations and buildings with more character. So, why the change? The simple fact is that there has been a shift in focus with businesses now placing a greater emphasis on staff wellbeing and productivity. As a result, for ambitious companies that employ intelligent and creative staff, developments such as Abraj Quartier offer a very real competitive edge. The Pearl-Qatar, of course, offers worldclass retail, cuisine, cultural events, and

a five-star luxury hotel. Consequently, driven by the cultural and commercial vibrancy of the neighboring West Bay district, Abraj Quartier is an extremely desirable development in a convenient location - ideally positioned within the beating heart of one of the most important business areas in the Gulf. But this is only part of the story. So what makes the Abraj Quartier, and in particular Twin Towers, such a sought-

UNITED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 33 hopefully inspire all who inhabit or just visit The Abraj Quartier Towers.

Prestigious, Glamorous and Inspirational

after place to run a business? Well, first of all this is a development that has been created with business in mind, featuring high quality commercial office space in a truly spectacular setting. Moreover, attentionto-detail is at the heart of this project, with every amenity and service a business could ever need. This includes a full service cafeteria on the ground floor of both towers, with both indoor and outdoor seating. And as with the rest of the development, the views are extraordinary. Office tenants will soon have access to a new health club too, which, situated on the eighth floor, will offer right of entry to a podium rooftop terrace, again with magnificent views across the island and the Gulf.

outstanding visual appeal. In fact, ‘visual appeal’ is one of the Abraj Quartier’s many unique selling points. While the base of towers and parking podium highlight details and articulation in the form of reveals, ledges and joint lines, for example, in order to maximise visual interest and texture, the top part of the buildings features metal and glass curtain wall surfaces, which makes the development stand out no matter how far away you are. As befitting such an iconic development as Abraj Quartier Twin Towers, the curtain

wall technology is extremely innovative too, whilst, in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic, oversized, full-height sliding panels are adopted in lieu of conventional doors. The interior of the twin towers is a celebration of Qatar’s growing influence in the world of business - a vibrant space that draws upon the positive energy of the nation. Elegant and pleasing to the eye, featuring a richness of materials and a colour palette layered into the overall concept, the interior design is smart and appealing. The diversity of work spaces and unique social areas will

There is no doubt that The Pearl-Qatar is an inspirational place in which to do business. Both welcoming and glamorous, it has become an attractive commercial hub for international fashion brands, the world’s finest restaurant outlets, and a plethora of other discerning companies and organisations. What’s more, many businesses have used The Pearl-Qatar as a launch pad into the local and Middle Eastern markets. It is a prestigious address that is backed-up by some of the finest facilities and services in the entire Gulf region. Little wonder, therefore, that demand for commercial office space is high, with The Abraj Quartier Twin Towers offering first-class office space of different sizes, along with panoramic views of Doha’s West Bay, plus direct access to the island’s premier restaurants and retailers, as well as the impending rail network. As one of the largest real estate developments in the country, and the first to offer freehold and residential rights to international investors, The Pearl-Qatar is considered to be the most luxurious destination in Doha. Now with the completion of the Abraj Quartier commercial development, the vision of master developer United Development Company for The Pearl-Qatar to be a city to ‘live, work and play in’ is being realised in grand fashion.

A Sophisticated Visual Magnet for Qatar Anyone who lives in or visits Doha is regularly astonished by the creative ‘oomph’ that Qatar’s capital city emanates. Residents are genuinely privileged to have access to such iconic, thought-provoking and beautiful buildings. The views many of them offer are truly breathtaking too. The Abraj Quartier Twin Towers are no exception, and architecturally are unquestionably the most prominent structures at The Pearl. The reasons for this are many and varied, not least the quality of the exterior materials and finishes. The primary cladding material, for instance, is precast concrete, a material that has the intrinsic properties of thermal inertia (allowing a more constant temperature in hot regions such as the Middle East) and acoustic insulation. It also allows a wide choice of surface finishing, colour range and special shapes. In the case of the Abraj Quartier this means the appearance of natural limestone, providing

34 SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY (MODON)

MODON SCOUTS THE INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE FOR VISION 2030 RESIDENTIAL COMPOUND

SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY ‘MODON IS THE BIGGEST INDUSTRIAL LAND DEVELOPER IN KSA. IT HAS EXPANDED DEVELOPED INDUSTRIAL LANDS FROM 40,5 M² IN 2008 TO MORE THAN 182 MILLION M² AT THE END OF 2015 ACROSS 35 INDUSTRIAL CITIES ALL OVER KINGDOM.

Modon’s vision is based on the rise of industrial cities and technical areas, and making them an attractive environment for accommodation, residence and entertainment. To achieve this, Modon is establishing industrial utilities to create a landscape with multi-activities, where everything integrates in order to maintain a sustainable development that attracts social, legal, and economic elements, as laid out in Modon mission.

Modon Strategy

SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY (MODON) P.O. BOX 84214 RIYADH 11671 KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA T: +966 11 8749027 E: INFO@MODON.GOV.SA W: WWW.MODON.GOV.SA

Of the most important facets to incorporate into residential and commercial development is environmental system support inside industrial cities for improving air quality, thus making the cities better for living in, and raising environment indexes in line with international standards. With this in mind, ‘Modon will convert industrial cities to strategic work units, concentrating on developing a social, legal and economic environment inside industrial cities, whilst also developing systems and facilities that raise the bar for accommodation and business.

Residential Compounds Modon is committed to preparing industrial cities that reach a high standard of service integration, and in doing so, create a modern utility system and service that make industrial cities appropriate environments for accommodation, business and investment. There is noticeable activity in opening more residential compounds for engineers, labourers and families, which are being established through strict specifications

that meet all residential and entertainment requirements.

Identical Utilities During stage one, Modon intends to build business offices and residential compounds supported by an array of educational, service and entertainment utilities in several industrial cities in Dammam, Jeddah, Madina, Al Kharj, Hail, and Sedir. As a result, the company has partnered with an international consulting

SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY (MODON) 35 to other services that include nutrition, transportation, and security. This year, the first school will be established in MODON oasis in Jeddah, and will encompass over 45,000 mÂ˛ for boys in one division and girls in another one. Specialist universities, colleges, training, technical and vocational centres are another jump in the modern planning concept adopted by Modon, providing high quality products that meet all development needs.

Investment Attraction

firm for the design of a series of international schools that will be managed with the finest educational and training quality. In addition to these institutes, hospitals, banks, shopping centres, entertainment facilities and hotels will be implemented. This will include cluster districts where international private sector companies will be based. Over the next five years it is anticipated that these compounds will attract more than 40,000 occupants, or 10,000 families.

Modon Schools Modon provides different products inside its industrial cities that serve the people, including the imminent launch of a number of remarkable schools, which will provide a developed curriculum inside buildings that boast the most recent equipment. Moreover, the unique architectural design of these buildings will be aesthetically pleasing for people who live and work in residential compounds inside the industrial cities.

Modon uses specialised international companies within this field, such as GEMS, which has expertise in establishing and operating schools with an identical and developed educational system. These schools will provide general developed educational curricula in addition to international curricula. Schools are developed to include integral utilities such as scientific laboratories, sport utilities, swimming pools, and conference rooms, in addition

Modon is renowned for providing numerous incentives for businessmen to participate in supporting the rise of industrial cities through partnerships with financial and administrative entities. The investment opportunities annual forum, organised by Modon, provides plenty of ideas, projects and attractive investment possibilities inside the industrial cities that are in high demand. A variety of business sectors await the opportunities provided by Modon every year. One of them is developing integral residential compounds with high standard specifications, training centres, restaurants, medical and commercial centres, oil stations, cafes, markets, service centres, sport centres and trucks service centres. Investment opportunities for non-industrial projects arise thanks to Modonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in converting industrial cities to integral services cities that are identical in their quality of living.

MODON SCHOOL

36 SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY (MODON)

SAUDI INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY AUTHORITY (MODON) 37

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QATAR PORTS MANAGEMENT CO. (MWANI) 39

PLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF QATAR QATARI PORTS ARE A VITAL PART OF THE ONGOING GROWTH AND SUCCESS OF THE NATION; A NATION THAT HAS TAKEN A PROMINENT REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ROLE DUE TO ITS STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND ITS CONSTANTLY INCREASING ECONOMIC INFLUENCE. INDEED, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE TRANSPORT SECTOR, PARTICULARLY MARITIME, PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE SUSTAINABILITY AND PIONEERING DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE IN QATAR ON ALL FRONTS.

That’s why, since its inception, Mwani Qatar has set out a clear strategy in order to implement the ambitious plans of the government for promoting the transport sector and maximising its contribution to Qatar’s national economy, following the guidelines of Qatar National Vision 2030. Mwani Qatar manages the operations of three ports, specifically Hamad Port, Doha Port and Al-Ruwais Port. All three facilities are closely tied to the stability of the domestic market and the implementation of Qatar’s development plans through ensuring the smooth handling of imports and exports, plus related supplies for both ongoing and future projects.

develop a regional shipping hub in the GCC and to play a key role in diversifying the Qatari economy and preparing it for a post-hydrocarbon future. Hamad Port covers 26km2, with an annual capacity of 1.7 million tonnes of general freight and 1 million tons of grain, as well as a specialised terminal supporting the entry of approximately 500,000 vehicles per year. The port has a capacity

for an increased throughput of 2 million containers per year, eventually exceeding 6 million containers, and will be supported by trans-shipment links by rail, sea and road to the GCC region. Hamad Port will be further supported by an integrated logistics park that will connect it to the Qatar and GCC rail network, linking incoming sea freight to the rest of the country and beyond.

Hamad Port

QATAR PORTS MANAGEMENT CO. (MWANI) P.O. BOX 313 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44 993333 E: DOHAVTS@MWANI.COM.QA W: WWW.MWANI.COM.QA

Hamad Port is a $7.5 billion development that not only offers expanded capacity in the form of three container terminals, but also provides a host of new, sector-specific capabilities. Alongside general cargo traffic, the port is designed to handle a variety of specialised imports, including livestock, automobiles and bulk grain. In addition, the port will also host a base for offshore and marine support vessels. By enhancing Hamad Port significantly, Mwani Qatar is strongly positioned to

40 QATAR PORTS MANAGEMENT CO. (MWANI) What's more, Mwani Qatar will build a dedicated traditional marketplace at AlRuwais Port, boost its handling capacity, and construct all of the necessary buildings and facilities required to serve customers. The navigation channel and port docks will be further expanded and dredged to reach a depth of 10 metres during the final stage of this improvement project. This will make possible the entry of all small and medium ships and cruise ships, in addition to bolstering trade with neighboring countries.

A Great Team, a Great Future

The port is also situated next to Hamad International Airport and civilian rail links, which will play a part in the portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future as an international hub. Hamad Port is a crucial milestone in the transport strategy of the government and integrates perfectly into the Qatar National Vision 2030. Furthermore, positioning Qatar as a regional import hub will make it more resilient to changes in the global economic environment.

Doha Port With Hamad Port in operation, Doha Port, which is to be found just off the picturesque corniche and traditional souq, will undergo a major transformation into a cruise port and a landmark tourist destination. Prominent shipping lines in the cruise industry have committed to add Doha Port to their calendar during the GCC cruising season, which begins in October and runs until April every year. Mwani Qatar is working hand-in-hand with its partners, such as Qatar Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Interior and the General Customs Authority, to ensure that all efforts related to infrastructure, visa processes and tour operations are well coordinated in order to provide the best possible tourist experience. In doing this, it will play an important part in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 by contributing to the diversification of the economy away from oil and gas. The State of Qatar aims to increase the total number of tourists to seven million annually by 2030. This new facility will boast superb facilities, including floating gardens, luxury 5-star hotels, branded residences, spa and beach resorts with chalets and villas, state-of-the-art passenger terminals, retail outlets, markets, leisure and entertainment facilities, in

addition to many more unique features that will enchant visitors of all age groups.

Al-Ruwais Port Located at the northern tip of Qatar, AlRuwais Port is dedicated to commercial sailboats and supply vessels, and serves as a supplementary outlet for the promotion of regional trade and the stimulation of the economy in the northern part of Qatar.

Al-Ruwais Port has recently witnessed substantial improvements, with Mwani Qatar committed to rehabilitating and aligning it with the standards of international ports. The navigation channel at Al-Ruwais Port has been dredged to five metres, new docks have been built at a depth of seven metres, and six marine berths have been constructed to accommodate commercial vessels with a combined total length of 1414 metres.

The integration of the activities of all three of these ports is undoubtedly an important driver for further development in this strategic sector, leading to increased addedvalue and additional state revenues, and hence supporting a strong and sustainable national economy. This is only possible, of course, thanks to a management team and workforce that pull together in order to create some of the finest services and facilities in the world. Indeed, it is the firm belief of Mwani Qatar that its success lies in the professionalism and efficiency of its staff, the quality and speed of the services its delivers, a commitment to the health and safety of its people, and the preservation of the environment in the communities in which it operates. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a potent mix!

42 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. ABDULLA ABDULAZIZ AL SUBAIE In this special issue of Qatar Projects, we get to speak to Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, about project challenges, joint-ventures, how he sees the Qatar Rail network evolving over the next 20 years, and other pertinent questions about one of the world most ambitious projects. Qatar Projects: How happy are you with current progress on the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram projects, and is everything still on schedule for a 2020 launch? Eng. Abdulla: Both projects are progressing on schedule and to plan. The tunnelling phase for Doha Metro has come to an end, with almost 111.5 km of tunnels completed. The construction focus has now shifted to the more complex phase of installing track work and the railway control systems; the installation of mechanical and electrical plant and equipment to the stations and network generally, and carrying out architectural fit outs. We are expecting the track work installation works to be substantially completed by the end of 2017. We have also started to prepare for the commencement of Doha Metro and Lusail Tram railway operations scheduled to commence in 2020. Qatar Projects: How do you see the project benefitting Qatar in the longterm? Eng. Abdulla: The development of a world-class transport system and infrastructure that will alleviate congestion and road traffic, offer a secure alternative to time-consuming means of transport and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and pollution is in itself anchoring a new era of societal

development within the Qatari community. The rail projects will provide jobs for many and support the human development pillar of Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Vision 2030. Our hope at Qatar Rail is to drive change of the perception of public transport sector in Qatar. We do have a public transport sector but the perception of it is not as high as it will be when Qatar Rail establishes its mode of transport. Few years down the road, the shape of the city will be changed because of this infrastructure. Even accommodation choices will be affected by the existence of the metro, as more people will choose to live and work close to a station. This will create an internal shift of the population in and around the city. Ultimately, it will change the habits of all residents, their quality of life, and their daily decisions. Qatar Projects: What has been the biggest challenge on this project to date? Eng. Abdulla: One of the biggest challenges with the project is that the schedule is very tight. Whilst the overall deadline for completion is reasonable, the intermediate milestones can be very tight and techinically demanding in terms of bringing in all the resources and the coordination of these resources. Despite the challenges, there are many opportunities

of building a new project from scratch. We have implemented the latest technology and drawn from the experiences of similar existing systems to build what will be a truly outstanding infratusure sytem once operational. Qatar Projects: Have you been happy with the various joint-ventures working on the projects? Eng. Abdulla: Qatar Rail has selected the best partners to help deliver the various projects. There are always challenges in any working relationship. However, we are very lucky with our partners, as together we are always looking for continuous improvement and are committed to an open, two-way dialogue to help ensure we meet our objectives. Qatar Projects: The entire project, at least from the point of an outsider, seems to be progressing as smoothly as a project of this size can; what do you put this success down to? Eng. Abdulla: Careful planning, hard work and combined expertise from both Qatar Rail employees and the contractors. Our approach to risk management is also fundamental to robust corporate governance and solid management practice. It is a systematic, integrated, and mandatory approach to managing all risks

types for all Qatar Rail activities. Qatar Projects: How do you see things progressing with the long distance rail network? Eng. Abdulla: There is ongoing cooperation between all member of the GCC states regarding this mammoth project which requires a great deal of planning and oversight, which we expect to be completed by the end of 2019. Current implementation plans for Long Distance Rail Phase 1 is to be operational in Year 2021 (subject to progress on concurrent implementation plans of GCC member states). Qatar Projects: How do you see the whole Qatar Rail network evolving over the next 20 years? Eng. Abdulla: As Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is predicted to increase greatly by 2030, so too will the number of vehicles on a limited road capacity. We need a sustainable transportation solution that encourages people to make the shift from using their cars as their primary mode transport. With this shift, other modes of transport will become increasingly integrated with the railway network to provide a truly seamless travel experience and customer journey within Qatar and the region.

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 43

ENG. ABDULLA ABDULAZIZ AL SUBAIE, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, QATAR RAIL

44 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

DOHA METRO AND LUSAIL TRAM PROGRESS FEATURE QATAR IS A COUNTRY IN TRANSITION, WITH ITS ‘NATIONAL VISION 2030’ PLEDGING A WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE. IT IS A COUNTRY WITH A GRAND PLAN AND AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRADE, SUSTAINABILITY AND LEADINGEDGE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION. A crucial aspect of this plan is an international standard transportation network, with Qatar’s rail ambitions being realised with significant progress made on large-scale projects such as the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram. And at the forefront of this is Qatar Rail which, established by Emiri decree in 2011, was given the mandate to design and develop the country’s rail network, and after the rail projects are completed, manage, operate, and maintain them. Developing a world-class, public transportation system, Qatar Rail is overseeing three distinct but interconnected projects: • Doha Metro, an underground and elevated rail network, servicing the city and suburbs of Doha. It will have 75 trains running along three lines in Phase 1. • Lusail Tram, a light rail system with three lines and 28 trams that connects the city of Lusail. The Lusail Tram connects with Doha Metro at Lusail and Legtaifiya stations. • Long Distance Rail, a high speed passenger and freight network connecting the main cities in Qatar with destinations throughout the GCC.

Doha is, of course, a city that is constantly evolving and expanding, and the Doha Metro will expand with it. It is being built in two phases. The first phase will see the Red, Gold, and Green

lines opening by 2020, with 37 stations, in plenty of time for the FIFA World Cup. The second phase involves the introduction of an additional line (Blue) and the expansion of the existing lines, with in excess of 60 additional stations and more than 130 kilometres of additional lines.

Doha Metro Set to revolutionise the way people move around Doha and its suburbs, Doha Metro will serve most of the capital’s locations quickly and conveniently, making it a far superior option to the car. A journey from Msheireb to Qatar University, for instance in the peak time, currently takes 36 minutes by road.With the Doha Metro, it will be 18 minutes quicker. Not only that, it will save 1.9 kg of greenhouse gases.

ELEVATED STATION EXTERIOR

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 45 Msheireb Station will serve as the heart of the first phase, with the Red, Gold, and Green lines all running through it. • The Red Line will run for 42km from Al Wakrah in the south to Lusail in the north, with 18 stations. The line offers an extremely convenient and reliable alternative to driving within the heart of the capital. A trip from the airport to Lusail, currently taking nearly an hour and a half at peak traffic time, will be a short 36 minute trip with the Doha Metro • The Green Line will run for 22km from Al Mansoura in the east to Al

Riffa in the west. The line is also known as the Education Line, and there are 10 stations along the line aside from Education City. These include Hamad Hospital, Al Shaqab, and the upcoming Qatar National Library. • The Gold Line will run for 15km from east to west, with 11 stations. The east-west Gold (Historic) Line extends from Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziya, with stops at the Qatar National Museum, Souq Waqif, and Al Waab (near Villagio Mall). The new stations provide a unique

opportunity to add some local flavour and personality to the Doha Metro. For that reason, all stations will be designed in a contemporary ‘vaulted space’ concept; a concept that reflects on the heritage of the region by introducing open spaces that mimic traditional Bedouin tents. The design also has ornamental panel work that has a function beyond aesthetics, as it forms the backbone of a dynamic lighting and ventilation system. Through the use of time-honored elements of Islamic and local art, each station is a distinctive tribute to Qatari heritage with the dhow-inspired exteriors and the ‘pearl-effect’ interiors.

Msheireb Station will be the largest station in Doha, and will be situated at the corner of the Msheireb development. It will mark the crossing of all three metro lines, with the Red and Green Lines running parallel and the Gold Line located underneath. 75 driverless trains are being designed and manufactured in Japan by the Osaka-based firm Kinki Sharyo Co. Ltd. Each train consists of three cars, and the first of these will have gold and family seating (a total of 42 seats). The other two cars will have 88 seats each.

LUSAIL TRAM SHELTER

46 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway network linking the six member countries (the State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, State of Kuwait, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sultanate of Oman). Long distance rail lines not only offer a quick and safe method of transport, but will also help in reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. The long distance rail network is projected to be developed in several phases to meet commitments made to the GCC and domestic passenger and freight demands.

Tunnelling is Now Complete

ELEVATED STATION

Lusail Tram An up and coming waterside development just north of Doha, Lusail will see the best of innovative sustainability and urban technologies in a city that will ultimately be home to up to 200,000 residents. Consequently, it requires a state-of-the art transportation system, and that is exactly what it is getting! The Lusail Tram was conceived to enhance transportation within the planned city and improve connectivity to entertainment centres such as Lusail Stadium, which will host 2022 FIFA World Cup matches. Indeed, it will connect all of the major points of interest in the city and has been designed to travel on streets, sharing road-space with other traffic and pedestrians. Trams are much more efficient, which just one replacing somewhere in the region of 40 cars. Tram systems are much more integrated into the urban environment than conventional railways. In particular, stops are designed to be a part of the communities they serve, rather than being physically separated from them. Trams are greener and cope better with crowds than buses. Actually, it is without doubt the best use of urbanised space short of an underground metro system, as it can handle more passengers than buses. Three Lines (Green, Purple and Yellow) and 28 stations will make up the Lusail Tram Network, with two interchange stations at Legtaifiya and Lusail Central, allowing passengers to continue on to the country’s capital via the Doha Metro. The network will consist of 28 trams and 28km of railway lines, including 10km underground, being delivered by a consortium led by Alstom and QDVC. The trams will run on catenary-free electrification system, except inside the tunnels where a dual-power connection with a catenary system will be installed. The

Alimentation Par le Sol (APS) technology installed in the trams will allow ground-level power supply from a third rail, avoiding the need for overhead cables. The tram’s full low-floor Citadis will offer high-end passenger comfort and are designed for extreme weather conditions. Powered by a safe power supply model, the Lusail tram project will employ mechanised track laying technology, which has been proven in seven cities worldwide for reducing the track

installation period by four times. The project is being designed and built to world-class standards of modernity and innovation, whilst remaining deeply rooted in the country’s history and community.

Long Distance Rail This will see the development of a long distance passenger and freight rail network to connect major population centres and Qatari industries, and to form part of the planned

During the last week of September 2016, Qatar Rail completed all the tunnelling work on the Doha Metro project, with the final breakthrough taking place at Terminal One of Hamad International Airport. It was back in July 2014 that the first tunnel boring machines (TBM) started tunnelling, and the final 111.5km was crossed by September 2016 ‘Msheireb’ on the southern part of the Red Line. The 21 high-tech TBMs, which saw Qatar Rail recognised by the Guinness World Records for ‘The Largest Number of Tunnel Boring Machines Operating Simultaneously on a Single Project’, were shipped to Doha from the manufacturer, Herrenknecht in Germany, to carry out this task.

TUNNEL FINISHING WORKS

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 47

CONCOURSE LEVEL BLOCK - AL WAKRA

Doha Metro will form the backbone of Qatar’s integrated public transport system, supported by other pioneering projects such as the Lusail Tram & Long Distance Rail passenger and freight rail. This will greatly promote the use of public transport in the country. And finalising the tunnelling phase of the project brings Qatar Rail one step closer to making this landmark transportation network operational. Not only that, it is doing so according to the planned timeline and budget, the very highest quality standards, use of eco-friendly technologies, and best international standards. This will dictate that the finished project will contribute to national development and become a global legacy for Qatar and coming generations,

achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. The first phase of the Doha Metro project is expected to be complete in 2020. By 2030, all the three networks, Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and the long-distance rail, which will link Qatar with the GCC Rail network, are expected to be complete. By 2020, Doha Metro’s 37 metro stations are expected to be operational, with an average journey time of two minutes between adjacent stations.

Several Notable Milestones From the very beginning, Qatar Rail has been committed to developing a world-class public transportation system, guided by the economic diversification, sustainable development and social progress ambitions of

Qatar’s National Vision 2030. This new rail network will not only dramatically improve journey times, it will also alleviate congestion on the roads, reduce CO2 emissions, and provide better connections, which in turn will revolutionise the way people live, work and do business in Qatar. It is a ‘mega-project’ in the true sense of the term, and has already achieved a number of notable milestones, including: • A Business Efficiency Review has been conducted, resulting in streamlining the program delivery model, optimizing the capital and operating expenditure and achieving improved accountability and oversight for the programme.

• Qatar Rail has embarked on a longterm business development strategy that involves property development, retail and advertising to achieve operational and financial sustainability. • Focused customer awareness campaigns have been launched to inform the public about the benefits of the rail projects and to understand their expectations of the service which they would like Qatar Rail to provide. • ISO 9001:2008, OHSAS 18001:2007, ISO 14001:2004 awards for the Programme Delivery and QHSESE.

48 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

As already mentioned, another major milestone was achieved in September 2016, when all of the drilling work was completed on the Doha Metro. Digging out 111.5km of tunnels for the first phase of the public transportation system took about two years, and when finished it signified that around 54% of the project had now been completed. Consequently, company has now started to focus on installing electrical equipment and completing the structure of the 37 stations

that make up the first phase. By the fourth quarter of 2017, the first train is scheduled to be delivered to Qatar Rail. Aside from the trains, tracks, tunnels technology and people of course, will become one of Qatar Rail’s biggest assets, which is why the company is fully committed to the nation’s human capital development vision. As a result, it is implementing various initiatives in order to target national training, education and certification for skills

development in the rail sector. Qatarization has reached more than 20% of the total headcount, and Qatar Rail is working hard to maximise participation of local talent as it moves towards the operational phase. During the year 2015, the company also launched an ‘Employee Recognition Programme’ as part of enhancing the employee engagement and performance driven culture of Qatar Rail. Furthermore, annual employee meetings have been

implemented to ensure that all employees understand the company’s strategy and are aligned towards the transformation that it seeks through its core values of Accountability, Transparency and Teamwork.

A Commitment to Zero Harm Qatar Rail’s Quality, Health & Safety, Environment & Sustainability, Emergency, Security & Crisis Management (QSHESE) department operates within a five-year

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 49

LUSAIL TRAM

strategy under the leadership and direction of executive management, who place QSHESE at the forefront of all of Qatar Rail’s activities and values. This QSHESE strategy is underpinned by Qatar Rail’s commitment to ‘Zero Harm’ and ‘Right First Time’. And this enlightened approach to assurance, governance and continual improvement has delivered benchmark results, whilst at the same time managing the extensive growth and

complexity of the organisation and its projects. To ensure that its policies and delivery meet stakeholders’ needs, Qatar Rail has obtained ISO certification. Excellence in asset creation, and ultimately its customers’ experiences whilst using the various rail services, is the company’s primary goal. Performance in its key KPI’s for QSHESE continue to demonstrate Qatar Rail’s commitment and achievement in creating,

maintaining and improving all of the company’s team and its programme partner’s work environments to enable excellence in delivery and a world-class rail network.

Dedicated to Achieving WorldClass Standards

been developed to enable delivery of a business plan that is in compliance with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007. Moreover, as a part of constant improvement, a quality section strategy has been developed to achieve excellence in business processes.

Qatar Rail’s Company Management System (CMS) is the framework for delivery and governance for all that it undertakes. Since the company’s inception, CMS has

50 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Qatar Rail’s unremitting commitment to world-class standards in quality control, environmental sustainability and delivery, has been recognised by the international standard setting bodies with a triple certification. The ISO standards, EN: ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System, OHSAS 18001:2007, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System set demanding requirements and targets for quality management systems, health and safety, and environmental management systems, respectively. Organisations that gain this level of certification have not only to prove that they have the correct processes in place, they also have to be able to demonstrate that the processes are being followed. Qatar Rail has become a member of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), underlining its commitment to provide the last word in quality workmanship and customer service for all of the people of Qatar. Its goal of becoming a point of reference for

organisations both in Qatar and internationally continues. And it takes pride in its achievements to date in creating a firstclass organisation that is always looking for continuous improvement in its services to stakeholders. The QSHESE department has begun an integrated audit in the areas of Quality, Health & Safety, Environment and Security, and is supporting other areas to carry on implementing a vigorous assurance system for achieving an outstanding sustainable railway through uninterrupted improvement of its asset creation and operation.

Safety is Job 1 at Qatar Rail People are the No.1 priority at Qatar Rail, with its Health and Safety department having been instrumental in embedding ‘Zero Harm’ values across the project supply chain, from corporate activities through to PMC, D&B and sub-contractor levels. These values are demonstrated by the reducing Accident Frequency Rates (AFR), despite month-on-month increases in the number of staff working across the projects.

Qatar Rail regularly assesses its Health & Safety performance against international and regional benchmarks, with the results clearly demonstrating its positive performance in the industry. In fact, the company’s commitment to Health and Safety is more than a priority, it is a value demonstrated in everything it and its programme partners do. This includes all work activities and extends to workers welfare. Qatar Rail works to the higher Qatar Foundation Mandatory Standards and regular audits and inspections are conducted. The Health and Safety departments collaborates directly with Qatar Foundation and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to ensure worker welfare standards are maintained at all times. The accommodation facilities are built to the highest standards and include: • Recreational areas • Internet cafes • Medical clinics Furthermore, Qatar Rail requires that all of its programme partners ensure all workers are:

• • • • •

Ethically recruited Provided with technical skills training Given periodic health checks Made aware of safety requirements Provided with safety equipment and trained in its use Qatar Rail Health and Safety key achievements to date include: • Achieving OHSAS 18001 (the international standard for Health and Safety Management Systems) • Delivered relevant Health and Safety training to over 2000 Qatar Rail staff since project inception • Gaining corporate membership of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) • Delivered an integrated audit assurance programme for all programme packages • Undertaken Health and Safety leadership Tours across the programme • Facilitated monthly ‘best practice’ Health and Safety Forums for project directors and their teams

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 51

Working with Partners to Ensure Environmental Excellence Qatar Rail’s commitment to the environment and sustainability is at the heart of its strategic direction. This is demonstrated on its public facing website where under the ‘Strategic Direction’ page Senior Management states that Qatar Rail’s mission is to: Provide integrated railway services that are reliable, attractive and safe with continual commitments to excellence and sustainability. Additionally, a Qatar Rail Strategic Objective is to: provide customer centric integrated railway services that are accessible, efficient, competitive, comfortable, safe and reliable whilst maximising social, economic and environmental benefits. The Environmental and Sustainability Team has worked with all of the programme partners to ensure that environmental incident rates have been kept to a minimum, whilst manpower and the number of sites have significantly increased since 2012. The team has worked closely with the programme partners and GORD to enable the timely delivery of the Approval Credits required to successfully deliver the GSAS 4-star standard for sustainability in design and construction. The Environmental and Sustainability Team collaborates directly with the Ministry of Municipalities and Environment to ensure environmental standards are maintained. Environmental and Sustainability Team key achievements to date include: • Achieving ISO 14001:2003 Environmental Management System. • Delivering relevant environmental and sustainability training to Qatar Rail

Staff since project inception. • Qatar Rail was awarded the highest level International Environment Management Award from the International Safety Quality Environment Management Association (ISQEM). The award is in recognition of Qatar Rail’s commitment to actively pursuing environmental management best practice in the areas of leadership, training, staff engagement, in-house expertise, control of environmental impacts, and continuous improvement. • Delivering an integrated audit assurance programme for all programme packages. • Facilitating monthly Environmental and Sustainability Forums for the Project Management teams. • A coherent Sustainability Strategy. • Carbon accounting and energy key performance indicators for Operations.

Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in 2008, the blueprint anticipates the implementation of the Vision’s goals through four main development pillars: economic, environmental, human, and social. And because of the extensive ramifications that Qatar Rail will have on the very fabric of the country, it is in a unique position to contribute to all four pillars. Through the

organic economic growth that the rail network will naturally provide in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner, through development of the local workforce, and through community engagement programs, Qatar Rail is able to provide unprecedented support to the ultimate goals of the Vision.

Corporate initiatives include: • Energy audits and education with Kahraama Tarsheed • Water saving • Waste reduction and recycling • Car share programme for employees

In a Unique Position to Contribute to Qatar’s Future The Qatar National Vision 2030 is the guiding blueprint for Qatar’s development, with the objective of taking the country from its existing status as a hydrocarbon-dependent country to a diversified, pluralistic, and knowledge-based economy by 2030. Approved by His Highness the Father

52 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

42 KM

in length from south to north

(Msheireb and Al Bidda are interchange stations)

280,000

passenger trips per day by 2021

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 53

• Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie. -

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Rail

• Gold Line Qatar Integrated Rail Project • Eng. Ahmed Al Saleh - Project Director

• Eng. Jassim Al Ansari – Project Director

• Lusail Tram - QDVC (Q.S.C.)

• Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani – Civil

• DB Engineering & Consulting GMBH

Engineer

• Eng. Abdulla Nasser Al Kaabi – Mechanical Engineer

• Green Line Elevated & At Grade SGBPORR-HBK Joint Venture

• Green Line Underground PORR-SBGHBK Joint Venture

• Red Line North Underground - ISG-JV (SALINI IMPREGLIO-SK E&C Galfar Al Misnad JV)

• Red Line South Underground – QDVC (Q.S.C.)

• Red Line South Elevated

and At Grade FYAP JV FCC+Yuksel+Archirodon+Petroserv)

• Eng. Abdurahman Ali Al Malik - Project Director

• MMHKT Consortium

• UnStudio • Ricardo Technical Consultancy LLC • Atkins Middle East • Sener Ingenieria Y Sistemas, S.A. • Tecnica Y Pryectors, S.A. (TTYPSA) • Anel Group • Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Company

• KEO International Consultants • Louis Berger Egis Rail Joint Venture • Mott MacDonald • Kone Middle East • Astad Project Management • Arcelormittal

54 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. ABDULLA NASSER AL KAABI Engineer Al Kaabi talks to Qatar Projects about the unique Qatari aspects of the Doha Metro, the challenges of working on such a mega-project, and how he thinks it will improve the lives of everyone within the capital once complete. Qatar Projects: What is your brief on the Metro project, and how is it different from previous projects you have been involved in?

generations. In my opinion, that on its own makes the Qatari nature of the project stand out.

Eng. Al Kaabi: I work on the Doha Metro project as a mechanical engineer, and this is the very first project of this type I have taken part in. As one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country, I was interested to be a part of Doha Metro project to build my career and ultimately gain knowledge and expertise on the latest technologies used in this field.

Qatar Projects: What have been the challenges and plus points of working with so many international companies?

Qatar Projects: Does this feel like a very Qatari project to you; do you see local culture and heritage embedded into it? Eng. Al Kaabi: Yes, it does feel very much like a Qatari project and I think that the stations allow a unique opportunity to add some local flavour and personality to the Doha Metro project. All stations were designed in a contemporary ‘vaulted space’ concept; a concept that reflects on the heritage of the region by introducing open spaces that mimic traditional Bedouin tents. Through the use of traditional elements of Islamic and local art, each station is a unique tribute to Qatari heritage with the dhowinspired exteriors and the ‘pearl-effect’ interiors. Qatar Projects: Do you feel that the Qatari nature of the project makes it stand out, and if so how? Eng. Al Kaabi: Throughout the design process, we, at Qatar Rail, sought to reflect multiple elements of the local culture to preserve our heritage and history for future

Eng. Al Kaabi: Working with many international companies has its ups and downs. The biggest challenge we faced was interface and coordination between various parties. Each company has a different jointventure that works on the project. That said, it is a privilege to work with international companies that have vast experience in the railways industry. They are an added value to our projects. As a Qatari engineer this is very beneficial for my career development.

become one of the pioneers in this industry to serve my country. Qatar Projects: When complete, how do you expect the Metro to improve life for the people of Qatar, especially commuters? Eng. Al Kaabi: Once completed, I expect the Doha Metro to be one of the most favourable modes of transport due to its many benefits. Once operational, Doha Metro will save the commuters’ time as a fast and reliable means of transport. It will also reduce traffic congestion, boost road safety,

not to mention that it is friendly to the environment, as it will help in reducing the carbon footprint and other greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the metro stations have been strategically positioned to be near landmarks and vital areas in Doha. Qatar Projects: Is there anything that has surprised you during this project? Eng. Al Kaabi: I was surprised that a project of this magnitude is being delivered on time and without any delays within a brief period.

Qatar Projects: What have these companies brought to the project and what do you think they have learned along the way? Eng. Al Kaabi: They brought their expertise and vast knowledge of the railways industry. They also brought us the latest technologies used in the field. Moreover, their expert engineers help us develop the project to the highest international standards. Qatar Projects: What are you particularly proud of working on this project? Eng. Al Kaabi: As one of the most promising prestigious projects in the country and the GCC states, I am mostly proud of the fact that we are delivering our projects on time and per schedule. It was a great opportunity to be part of the Doha Metro project team to reinforce my experience to

ENG. ABDULLA NASSER AL KAABI – MECHANICAL ENGINEER

WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 55

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. KHALID AHMED AL THANI As Quality Assurance Engineer, Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani is responsible for ensuring that processes are always respected and that the project is delivered to the highest standards of professionalism. Qatar Projects: Does this feel like a very Qatari project to you; do you see local culture and heritage embedded into it? Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: Yes, as I mentioned this project is truly unique to Qatar. We are introducing the first railway network for the country and have ensured to inject a real sense of the local heritage into its identity. This can be seen in the architecture of the stations and the design of the trains. For example, the column and roof of the station has been designed to resemble traditional Arabic tents. Qatar Projects: Do you feel that the Qatari nature of the project makes it stand out, and if so how? Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: The railway network deploys the latest technology and state-of-the art solutions. However, we felt it was equally important that it has its own local character and style. We have weaved elements of Qatari heritage into the design and architecture of the Metro and Lusail Tram. In line with the country’s cultural requirements we have also adapted the service offering; for example, there will be cars specifically for families to use. Qatar Projects: What have been the challenges and plus points of working with so many international companies? Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: Each company has its own procedures and ways of working, so I would say the biggest challenge is communication. Putting in the proper

processes to ensure that everyone is working systematically towards the same goal. The benefit of having so many renowned companies involved is definitely the wealth of experience that the project is able to profit from.

to rely less on using their cars.We expect that having this new option will lead to a reduction in the number of cars on the road by 20%. This in turn makes our roads safer, generating less pollution while improving people’s quality of life.

Qatar Projects: What have these companies brought to the project and what do you think they have learned along the way?

Qatar Projects: Is there anything that has surprised you during this project?

Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: The amount of complexity and detail that is required to be communicated to stakeholders. These are not just stakeholders responsible for the actual delivery of the project but also external entities in order that we can provide a seamless travel experience that is linked to other modes of transport such as buses, taxies and the airport.

Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: These companies have brought a range of expertise and experience that when combined is a great plus point for the project. I would say they have also been able to learn from each other, as well as develop methods to ensure high and efficient levels of communication in order that deadlines are met and budgets kept to. Qatar Projects: What are you particularly proud of working on this project? Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: I am so proud to be working on the first integrated railway system for the people of Qatar.This is a truly landmark project for our nation and one which will have a huge impact on not only how we move around, but also on the country’s profile on the international stage. Qatar Projects: When complete, how do you expect the Metro to improve life for the people of Qatar, especially commuters? Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Thani: The Metro will introduce a new alternative mode of transport for people which will allow them

ENG. KHALID AHMED AL THANI – CIVIL ENGINEER

56 WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR PUBLIC SERVICE QATAR RAILWAYS COMPANY (QATAR RAIL), THE COMPANY OVERSEEING THE CONSTRUCTION OF QATAR'S INTEGRATED RAILWAY NETWORK, WAS AWARDED "BEST ARABIAN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR PUBLIC SERVICE' AND THE 'BEST INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR PUBLIC SERVICE' AT A PRESTIGIOUS EVENT IN LONDON THIS MONTH.

A panel of 20 international architects' judges have given the two distinguished awards to Qatar Rail during the international nomination event attended by Qatar Rail's Deputy CEO, Eng. Hamad Al Bishri and Mohamed Timbely, Senior Director of Architecture and MEP Department. This recognition follows a win at the regional event in Dubai last month where the company was named best "Public Service Architecture - Qatar" for the same project. The regional award was handed to Qatar Rail's senior representatives Mohamed Timbely, Senior Director of Architecture and MEP Department and Eng. Hassan AlMarwani Technical Interface Director. The International Property Awards are running the awards since 1995 and are open to residential and commercial property professionals from around the globe. They celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all

sectors of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence. Qatar Rail is the first company from Arab countries to win the International Public Service Architecture category. According to the organisers of the award, the stations design for the Doha Metro create a unique combination of a recognizable design across the network with an approach which allows each line in the system to have a distinct identity and individual stations to have designs which embody the culture and history of the area they serve. All stations in the network will reflect an overall design concept - called "Vaulted Spaces" which is based on traditional Islamic architecture. The stations will therefore bring together the modern high tech elements of the country's future, yet will also celebrate its traditions. Commenting on the triple recognition, Qatar Rail's Former Chief Executive

Officer, Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi said: "Those three awards recompensed two years of efforts where we tried to appropriate the concept of the Vaulted Spaces in order to be part of the heritage, culture and the national vision of the state of Qatar. It's not only about architecture; it's about a vision that we share". Derived from the historic Islamic architecture, the "Vaulted Spaces" Doha Metro station design highlights the region's vernacular architecture, acting as a bridge between the country's past and future. One of the key elements of the design is that it gives the exterior shape of the station, by using modern bright materials to stimulate the interior of the oyster. The first phase for the Doha Metro's architectural works, covering 37 stations, is set for completion by 2018 while the second, extending to over 72 stations, by 2030. (QNA)

GREEN LINE 57

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. JASSIM AL ANSARI Eng. Jassim Al Ansari, Project Director for Green Line Underground, shares his thoughts on his own project brief, the challenges faced, progress made, and the innovative solutions used to ensure success on this key development. Qatar Projects: Our readers are closely monitoring the development of Doha Metro Project and want to know the people behind the scenes: what are your duties and responsibilities on the project? Eng. Jassim Al Ansari: My duties include PMC (Project Management) contract management, as well as management of commercial staff. I also oversee the payment programme to help ensure that our project meets the required objectives on budget. This is an ambitious project, and I work with my team to overcome challenges while placing health and safety at the centre of everything we do. Qatar Projects: What aspect of the project has been most challenging for you and your team? Eng. Jassim Al Ansari: Completing 32 km of tunnelling along with the schedule restrains was amongst the biggest challenges we faced as a team, but not only did we achieve this objective, we actually finished ahead of time. Given the multicultural nature of the workforce of this project, ensuring good communication channels are in place is also paramount.

Qatar Projects: How happy are you with the progress made and what is, in your opinion, the crucial aspects to ensure / improve the pace? Eng. Jassim Al Ansari: Communication and working with right people is really key. Having talented and experienced people who are committed to doing the best job possible is crucial to ensure that we meet and exceed our targets. Qatar Rail places a lot of emphasis on continuous improvement, which means that no one gets complacent and we are always looking for ways to improve the way we work. Qatar Projects: How have you developed new solutions and innovations as the project has progressed? Eng. Jassim Al Ansari: We had to change the direction of one of our Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), which meant it had to be dismantled and reassembled again. This was a logistical solution that was not as per tender. However, with complex projects such as this, overcoming challenges and adapting to situations it very much part of our day to day work in order to ensure we stay on schedule. ENG. JASSIM AL ANSARI, PROJECT DIRECTOR - GREEN LINE UNDERGROUND

58 GREEN LINE ELEVATED & AT GRADE

INTRODUCTION OF OUR KEY PERSONNEL HUSSIEN EL SAIED IS THE PROJECT DIRECTOR WHO IS IN CHARGE OF GREEN LINE ELEVATED & AT GRADE PROJECT. HE HAS MORE THAN 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN MEGA PROJECTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND GCC REGION STARTING FROM BIDDING UP TO HANDING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OVER.

SBG -PORR-HBK JOINT VENTURE P.O. BOX 207471 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44 570300

He has managed Multi-Billion Dollar Projects throughout the MENA area and has established Quality, Safety, Construction and Project Management Teams as both internal and external suppliers covering major assets under construction. His role encompassed both Strong

Project Communication management and project support responsibilities generally reporting to Boards of Directors and high level Stakeholder Engagement, often involving senior government officials. A factual individual who deals with matters sensibly & realistically in a way that

is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations. His strong communication skills coupled with his ability to lead through adversity, as well as strategically managing risks, has allowed him to deliver complex projects within time, cost and scope.

GREEN LINE ELEVATED & AT GRADE 59 Doha Green Line Elevated: Benefit Analysis Case Study

HUSSIEN EL SAIED PROJECT DIRECTOR, ELEVATED

The Green Line Elevated and at Grade (GRL EAG) commences at the Al Rayyan City Trough (Green Line Underground termination) and continues Westward over a total length of approximately 3.3 km. The Project consists of Elevated Concrete Viaducts, one station supporting Al Ryan Stadium, and at Grade sections through two tunnels under the new Orbital Highway intersection adjacent to the Mall of Qatar. SBG- PORR-HBK JV undertook this prestigious Qatar Rail Green Line Elevated project and commenced works on the project in Aug 2014 with completion

scheduled for June 2018. Although one of the smaller packages of the seven packages making up Phase One of the Doha Metro it is integrally important and

significant by connecting the Underground Metro to the Maintenance Depot at the end of the line together with providing a station to one of the FIFA 2020 World Cup stadiums.

60 GREEN LINE UNDERGROUND

A KEY CONTRIBUTOR QATAR 2030 VISION THE DOHA METRO IS A RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN DOHA AND ITS NEIGHBORING MUNICIPALITIES. IT WILL BE AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE LARGER QATAR RAIL NETWORK, PROVIDING ALMOST 215 KM OF RAILWAY OVER FOUR LINES SERVING SOME 100 STATIONS. THE METRO WILL AUGMENT THE LONGDISTANCE HIGH SPEED RAIL ACROSS QATAR AS WELL AS LOCAL LIGHT RAIL AND PEOPLE MOVER SERVICES WITHIN DOHA

SBG -PORR-HBK JOINT VENTURE P.O. BOX 207471 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44 570300

The Green Line Underground Project is one of seven packages that make up Phase One of the Doha Metro and a key contributor to QATAR 2030 VISION. The Green Line Project is being constructed by PORR-SBG-HBK JV who commenced work on 13th June 2013 and are scheduled to complete this prestigious project in 2019 prior to the FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022. The project involves design and construction of 6 underground stations and 33 km of segmentally lined bored tunnels and including 33 cross passages, emergency exits for the safe operation of the metro, and a switchbox. The JV has achieved significant progress on the project with the tunnel drives and cross passages from Al-Msheireb Station to Education City through to Trough Station being completed ahead of schedule. Construction of the other structures is ongoing with 70% progress achieved to date. The Green Line Underground not only contributes to Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transport infrastructure but brings direct benefits to Qatar from a social, environmental, economic and human perpective.

RED LINE NORTH UNDERGROUND 61

FIRST AMONGST EQUALS THE RED LINE UNDERGROUND PROJECT, AWARDED TO SALINI IMPREGILO, SK ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION, AND GALFAR AL MISNAD (ISG JV), COMPRISES THE DESIGN AND BUILD OF THE CIVIL, MEP AND ARCHITECTURAL FINISH WORKS, AND AS OF SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2016, ISG JV HAS ACHIEVED 55% PROGRESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE WORKS’ SCHEDULE.

ISG JV (SALINI IMPREGILO – SK E&C – GALFAR AL MISNAD JV) P.O. BOX 30637 DOHA QATAR T: +974 40194100 E: INFO@ISGJV.QA

In this project, the twin tunnels have been excavated by using a Mechanized Excavation Method; in particular four EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) machines have been used. In addition, a total number of 22 cross passages have been excavated between the twin tunnels and two niches using the conventional excavation method. The seven stations have been designed in accordance with the Qatar Rail corporate identity, as detailed in the Architectural Branding Manual (ABM). The main concept consists of the ‘vaulted spaces’ vision that makes reference to Qatar’s cultural and historic identity and represents the Qatar Rail corporate identity. The implementation of the architectural branding into the detailed design is in coherence with the functional and technical requirements of the station design and takes into consideration many aspects, such as ‘look and feel’, safety, operational, and maintenance facets in the architectural finishes materials. The following five major branding principles establish the design framework, with the goal of making the Qatar Rail Metro Network a world-class reference of public transportation: (1) Vaulted Spaces, (2) Oyster, (3) Caravanserai, (4) Adaptability, and (5) Scales of Identity.

The project has progressed exceptionally well since commencement of its works in June 2013. Some of the key achievements by the contractor, which which have been recognised and lauded over the past three years, include being the first contractor to complete the tunnel boring works (achieved two months ahead of the target completion date); the first contractor to enter into a subcontract with Qatar Rail nominated subcontractor for VHTS works; the first contractor to prepare a full-scale ‘architectural finishes’ mockup. ISG JV was also the first contractor to construct a labour accommodation camp solely in accordance with Qatar Foundation’s top tier Welfare Standards. The governing authorities nominated this camp as a model camp for inspection by the International Labour Organisation, and

a 15 member team of representatives from the developed nations of the world was nominated to visit and to verify the high standard of welfare facilities for migrant workers in Qatar. This was a matter of immense pride for the State of Qatar. Furthermore, in line with ISG’s Environmental Policy, the requirements set by Qatar Rail and the Qatari legal requirements, a base was set for a robust Environmental Management System aiming at ‘zero harm’ to the environment. As a result, a set of environment management system documents, based on all mentioned requirements and the Environmental Impact Assessment, were created in order to assure full operational compliance. All processes were designed to ensure environmental compliance and ensure constant monitoring.

62 RED LINE SOUTH UNDERGROUND

TBMS COMPLETE 100% OF THEIR TUNNELLING WORK THE RED LINE, WHICH WILL BE THE QUICKEST WAY TO REACH THE CENTRE OF DOHA FROM HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND OTHER MAIN DESTINATIONS, WILL REDUCE TRAFFIC CONSIDERABLY AND BE AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR METRO TRAVELLERS.

QDVC (Q.S.C) P.O. BOX 19389 DOHA QATAR T: +974 4453 8400 E: FERIAL.BOUCHAIB@QDVC.COM W: WWW.QDVC.COM

QDVC stems from the association between Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, regarded as a worldwide leader in sustainable real estate, and VINCI Construction Grands Projets, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading design, build and delivery civil-engineering companies, currently active in 40 countries. This combination of expertise has proved highly efficient, and has allowed QDVC to develop a reputation as a local company that is well-established in Qatar, and will be in the country for the long-term. It is also able to draw on international expertise and standards in the execution of major infrastructure projects such as the Red Line. QDVC, as consortium leader, has partnered with the expertise of the local Al Darwish Engineering and Korean firm GS Engineering & Contracting. The Red Line Underground Metro southern section incorporates two tunnels (one tunnel for each direction).The Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) being utilised on this job are custom-built for the type of ground in which they are working, and can be of different diameters. On the Red Line project, QDVC is using five TBMs of 140 metres length, weighing 800 tons with a 7.1 metre diameter. Each TBM is operated by a crew of 20 people, supported at ground level by

another 15 people. These five TBMs have excavated and erected the final lining of 33km of tunnels for the Doha Metro in 21 months. This type of TBM can excavate and erect segments (precast tunnel lining) of 1.6 metres at an average production speed of 19 metres per day. The TBMs completed 100% of their tunnelling work on Sunday September 25th, 2016. At the present time, approximately 5300 people from 60 countries are working on this project, taking in staff, labour, and subcontract workers. In this multicultural environment the transfer of knowledge and know-how is successfully combined with exchanges of experience and best practice. QDVC has been extremely forwardlooking in its work on the Red Line too, identifying a number of environmental aspects that will occur at different stages of construction, allowing mitigation measures to be put in place and therefore reduce the environmental impacts before they arise. Examples include the relocation of 115 trees from Al Mansoura Station to the workers village and main station area, and locating the batching plant closer to the main works after analysing the transport routes required from other locations. Moreover, with the estimated monthly

discharge of water into sea on the southern section of the Red Line Underground Metro project being 2,029,632,000 litres [or 812 Olympic sized swimming pools], it is important that some of this water be conserved and used. As a result, during the course of the project the extracted water has been used for a number of work activities that would otherwise have required another source. This recycling of the pumped water avoids an unnecessary use of potable water. The estimated reuse of pumped water per month on the project is 8.43%.

RED LINE SOUTH ELEVATED AND AT GRADE 63

ELEVATED SECTIONS COMPLETED WITHOUT DELAYS THE FYAP JOINT-VENTURE (FCC+YÜKSEL+ARCHIRODON +PETROSERV) PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE IN BOTH THE DESIGN AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF COMPLICATED AND SOPHISTICATED MEGA PROJECTS, AND ITS SCOPE OF WORKS ON THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF THE RED LINE ELEVATED & AT-GRADE PROJECT ENCOMPASSES THE DESIGN (CIVIL, MEP AND ARCHITECTURAL) AND CONSTRUCTION OF 7.5KM OF METRO LINE, INCLUDING THREE STATIONS.

The line starts from Old Airport Road and continues on the median of Al Wakra Main Road as an elevated viaduct, branching to the depot area and ending at the entrance of Al Wakra City. The scope also includes an underpass structure (enabling work for Ashghal) off Al Wakra Station, as well as the grading of the depot area. More specifically, the project includes Economic Zone Station (Elevated with Side Platforms); Ras Abu Funtas Station (Elevated/At-Grade Type Station); Al Wakra Station (Elevated with Side Platforms). The elevated sections, the bridges, and the ramps, were completed by June 30th, 2016, without delays. Approximately 2200 people per day were occupied at peak times in the project for the completion of the elevated viaducts. In total, 890,668 man-days have been consumed so far. FYAP, working as one team with Qatar Rail and the PMC, have completed a major part of the project on time. Now, the focus is in the completion of the three stations (Economic Zone Station, the Ras Abu Funtas Station, and the Al Wakra Station) and the underpass in Al Wakra. Works are ongoing based on the programme and the team is confident that the overall completion will occur on time

and to the full satisfaction of Qatar Rail. The stations’ architectural form and the selected materials will combine Qatari tradition and culture with contemporary architecture and functionality, incorporating roomy internal spaces and an external shell that features transparent glass façades. Both the design and the material selection for the project are based on the requirements of the 4-star GSAS Sustainability System (Green Building Certification System). The contractor is also operating based on a detailed Environmental Management Plan. Based on that plan, several actions and strategies are implemented in order to reduce the environmental impact during the

construction period of the project, such as recycling strategies, noise, dust and water monitoring, systematic training, inspections, audits etc. Safety is, of course, a top priority too, for both FYAP and Qatar Rail. With this in mind, a comprehensive safety programme has been put in place, including staffing of the HS department, comprising high level and well trained personnel. In addition, the combination of continuous audits, inspections and ongoing training, together with the management’s decision to support that strategy, has resulted in an excellent safety record (almost 9 million man-hours without a major debilitating injury – more than 4.7 million man-hours since the last lost time injury).

64 RED LINE SOUTH ELEVATED AND AT GRADE

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. ABDULRAHMAN ALI AL MALIK Eng. Abdulrahman Ali Al Malik’, Project Director, Red Line South Elevated, discusses delivering the project on time, progress achieved so far, and sustainable solutions. Qatar Projects: Our readers are closely monitoring the development of Doha Metro Project and want to know the people behind the scenes: what are your duties and responsibilities on the project? Eng. Abdulrahman: As the Project Director of the Red Line South Elevated section of Doha Metro. My main role is to oversee the progress of all parties involved in this part of the project. By helping to facilitate the decisions required by Qatar Rail’s executive management, I look to ensure the project is implemented on time, to the highest standard and on budget. Qatar Projects: What aspect of the project has been most challenging for you and your team? Eng. Abdulrahman: This is truly a mega project that is set to have a transformational effect on the State of Qatar. Due to its ambitious nature, it is fair to say all aspects are challenging. However, specifically in relation to Doha Metro I would say the main challenge is to deliver the project on time due to the size and complexity of the project. As a

fast track project, we are always looking at maximum capacity; nevertheless, quality of delivery and safely are of paramount importance. Qatar Projects: How happy are you with the progress made and what is, in your opinion, the crucial aspects to ensure / improve the pace? Eng. Abdulrahman: So far the progress achieved is impressive and visible, especially the viaducts and three stations – Al Wakra, Ras Bu Fontas and Economic Zone. However, we always focus on continuous improvement and I believe by working as one team with one goal, we will exceed the expectations. Qatar Projects: How have you developed new solutions and innovations as the project has progressed? Eng. Abdulrahman: We have adopted the latest international solutions in our design and construction methods. In term of sustainability, we have adopted GSAS ratings to ensure that sustainable solutions are implemented in order to create environmentally-friendly stations and facilities.

ENG. ABDULRAHMAN ALI AL MALIK, PROJECT DIRECTOR, RED LINE SOUTH ELEVATED

MMHKT CONSORTIUM 65

TRAVELLING SMOOTHLY, QUICKLY & EFFICIENTLY CHOSEN BY QATAR RAIL DUE TO THE QUALITY OF ITS PROPOSAL AND ITS EXTENSIVE TRACK RECORD OF SUPPLYING WORLD-CLASS RAILWAY SYSTEMS TO DISCERNING CLIENTS IN NUMEROUS COUNTRIES AROUND THE GLOBE, THE MMHKT CONSORTIUM IS RENOWNED FOR ITS HIGH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AND WIDE-RANGING EXPERIENCE.

MMHKT’s scope of works includes the railway systems, the rolling stock and trackwork for the Doha Metro Project Phase 1 works, which is shared amongst the consortium members according to their experience and competencies. The team is confident that all deadlines will be met and the project will be completed on schedule. Naturally, on a project of such size and scope, there have been challenges, most notably for MMHKT working in Qatar’s often severe climate. However, the consortium has successfully circumnavigated these challenges in order to ensure the smooth progress of the project. Following detailed corporate guidelines to reduce environment impact, MMHKT expects the metro system, the first in Qatar, to contribute significantly to the nation’s business development, and to the encouragement of future infrastructure projects. The fact that the consortium members have worked together as a team on previous projects added tremendous value for Qatar Rail and will ensure the on-time delivery of this world-class system to the people of Qatar. The consortium works extremely well together and, although not an all Japanese joint-venture, since it includes Thales

Canada Inc., there are excellent company communications, fuelled once again by members having worked together on other projects. This experience has also helped enormously in ensuring that MMHKT maintains a good safety record. When completed, the new metro system will totally change the way that people move around in Qatar, with vast numbers being able to travel throughout Doha on a fast, comfortable and environmentally-

friendly transport system. Serving both the heart of the capital and the suburbs, the Doha Metro will be built in two phases: the first will see the construction of three out of the four lines (Red, Gold, and Green) and 37 stations, whilst the second phase will involve the expansion of the phase one lines and the construction of an additional line – the Blue Line and more stations will also be built.

66 GOLD LINE

A BIG CONTRIBUTION TO THE QATAR NATIONAL VISION 2030 GOLD LINE DOHA METRO IS THE LARGEST SINGLE CONSTRUCTION PACKAGE OF THE DOHA METRO, TRAVERSING DOHA FROM EAST TO THE WEST, RE-TRACING THE HISTORIC LINE, AS PART OF THE QATAR INTEGRATED RAIL PROJECT.

ALYSJ JV, a multinational joint-venture composed of AKTOR SA (Greece), Larsen & Tubro (India), Yapi Merkezi (Turkey), STFA (Turkey), and Al Jaber Engineering (Qatar), was appointed as the design and build contractor in 2014. The key figures on the project are impressive, including a total length of 15km; 23.4km of bored tunnel, 6-metre diameter. Furthermore, MEP services will be installed throughout the entire project, namely across the 10 stations, the three switchboxes, the stabling yard-depot and switchbox of Ras Bu Abboud Station, the emergency exit, and the entire tunnel length along with its cross passages. Mr. Carlo Germani, Project Director ALYSJ JV, says: “Almost two years before delivery, 59% of the works have been completed; When asked about the biggest challenge the consortium has faced on the project, Mr. Germani replies: “Limitations on available resources has caused increased disruptions to the residents of Doha with all this construction taking place at once. Constructing any heavy infrastructure in

the centre of a living city will always be difficult, and having to work around the clock brings its own adversities. “At the same time, part of this challenge was to build a team from five different companies, from different company and country cultures with varying work experience, and to ensure that everybody is focused on completing the job within the prescribed time.”

On Target with a Guinness World Record The Gold Line will run on two independent tunnels, which connect underground the 10 stations of the line and the major station at Musheireb. A number of factors determined the tunnel route and alignment (e.g. location, depth and structure of the stations, vertical track grade, rock conditions, and track curvature),

GOLD LINE 67 contemporary vaulted space concept, acknowledging the regional heritage with open spaces that emulate traditional Bedouin tents. The use of Islamic and traditional art elements transform each station into a vector and heir of Qatari culture, with dhowinspired exteriors and pearl-effect interiors.

Sustainability and Environmental Excellence

to allow train speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. Six EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) type tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were built to apply support to the tunnel face during mining, in view of the anticipated heterogeneity of the ground conditions. The Gold Line team has made important achievements in the tunneling works: • Completed 23.4 kilometres of tunnel 1.5 months ahead of the original planned date: May 19th instead of June 28th, 2016. • Operated six of the 21 TBMs (across all three metro lines) that contributed to the Guinness World Record for ‘The Largest Number of Tunnel Boring Machines Operating Simultaneously in a Single Project’. “ALYSJ JV has brought together a

motivated workforce, made up of multinational, experienced and hardworking individuals, and moulded them into a team, sharing exceptional know-how and dedication,” says Mr. Germani. “For ALYSJ, this team is an asset, not just added-value; its advantage being that it forms and forges its personality and guarantees excellence in its works.” Eleven Stations form the Gold Line, with most of the stops being major Qatari landmarks: Ras Bu Abboud (Airport City), National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Bin Mahmoud, Al Sadd/C-Ring, Joaan, Al Sudan (Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena), Al Waab, Sport City (Aspire Zone), Al Aziziyah (Villagio Mall) Inspired by the culture and history of Qatar, station design and architecture is based on local traits, along with a

One of the ALYSJ JV’s primary goals is to reduce the Gold Line environmental impact by appropriately planning works, monitoring performance, and implementing mitigation measures where necessary. “Because for all of us in ALYSJ JV, the Gold Line is not just a construction project, it is also our contribution to the Qatar National Vision 2030, our legacy to the State of Qatar and all Qatari Citizens,” Mr. Germani says. ALYSJ JV has installed water treatment systems to pump out and discharge water removed during excavation to receptors (e.g. to the sea or at 400m below ground level), in compliance with local environmental regulations. It has installed and operates four treatment plants for the wastewater produced from tunnelling activities and its labour villages (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor technology). In addition, ALYSJ JV implements a Waste Management System aiming at the division of metal, wood, paper, plastic, waste oil, tires, expired chemicals etc. Materials are collected and segregated in the consortium worksites and offices, and sent to recycling or further treatment.

With regard to the Gold Line’s sustainability progress to date, certification for the sustainability of the construction and design are being measured against the GSAS (Global Sustainability Assessment System) certification. The first stage audit has achieved exemplary results including a 6-star rating for Ras Bu Abboud Station. For the GSAS Design Stage certificate, all targeted stations are on track to achieve the Letter of Conformance (LOC), which marks the confirmation that the station design has incorporated the required level of sustainable integration to achieve a 4-star rating. Some of the major achievements to date include: • Recycled material content of 31% by material cost for the stations. • 59% of materials (by cost) have been manufactured, assembled or produced within 200km of the Gold Line. • 90% of sub-contractors employed are established in Qatar, thereby supporting the national economy. • For water reduction, it has been calculated that the average water usage of the stations is 55% more efficient than the baseline. Asked if he was pleased with the way that the joint-venture has progressed, Mr. Germani concludes: “Yes, very pleased. We are currently either ahead or on programme with respect to all milestones, with a very motivated team who have really taken on the challenges of the project.”

68 LUSAIL TRAM

INTERVIEW WITH

ENG. AHMED AL SALEH Eng. Ahmed al Saleh, Project Director at Lusail Tram, talks to Qatar Projects about one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting and innovative transportation developments.

Qatar Projects: Our readers are closely monitoring the development of the Doha Metro project and want to know the people behind the scenes: what are your duties and responsibilities on the project? Eng. Ahmed al Saleh: As Project Director of Lusail Tram I am responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of all stakeholders, consultants and contractors in order to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of what will be a state-of-the-art, ecofriendly tram-based system that will enable people to move at ease in Lusail City. Qatar Projects: What aspect of the project has been most challenging for you and your team? Eng. Ahmed al Saleh: Lusail City is under construction and so when we work we are doing so across package parcels and other complex projects. In order to do this careful coordination is absolutely key, and we have put in place a number of processes which have facilitated this very successfully. Qatar Projects: How happy are you with the progress made and what is, in

your opinion, the crucial aspects to ensure / improve the pace? Eng. Ahmed al Saleh: I am very happy with progress to date and we expect this to continue as the project progresses. In line with the complex and ambitious nature of Lusail Tram, we have kept to schedule by developing and utilising a mitigation plan to deal with delays. Once again, coordination is key to ensure deadlines are met and progress is being made to the highest of standards. Qatar Projects: How have you developed new solutions and innovations as the project has progressed? Eng. Ahmed al Saleh: Lusail City is a modern city of the future, and as we wanted a sustainable transportation system it was imperative that Lusail Tram reflect this. To be in keeping with this beautiful waterfront destination, we have built Lusail Tram with aesthetic wires, meaning that no wires are visible over ground. By applying aesthetic power supply (APS), a service-proven power system for tramways which supplies electricity through a third rail at ground level, the need for catenaries has been eliminated, thus preserving both aesthetics and further guaranteeing safety.

ENG. AHMED AL SALEH, PROJECT DIRECTOR - LUSAIL TRAM

LUSAIL TRAM 69

TRAMWAY ON-TRACK TO OPEN ON SCHEDULE IN 2008, QATAR RAIL AWARDED QDVC THE CONTRACT TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT IN STAGES AN EFFICIENT AND PLEASURABLE TRAMWAY NETWORK FOR THE PEOPLE LIVING IN, AND COMMUTING TO, LUSAIL CITY.

QDVC (Q.S.C) P.O. BOX 19389 DOHA QATAR T: +974 4453 8400 E: FERIAL.BOUCHAIB@QDVC.COM W: WWW.QDVC.COM

In 2014, Alstom was awarded the contract for the transport system, part as a result of a competitive tender. It was in this way that one of the most knowledgeable and efficient consortium in Qatar was first established. The full scope of works include Civil Works, Electro-Mechanical Works, Architecture Works, Tunnel Ventilation, Communication and Control, Power Supply, Track Works, Catenary and Catenary Less System (APS), Platform Screen Doors, Train Signalling, Rolling Stock and all related equipment. The Lusail Tram will be delivered in phases to adjust to the actual development of Lusail City. The first phase of the Lusail Tram will be in operation in 2020. The civil structural work for the stations, the tunnel and the viaduct are substantially complete; and current fit-out works are in progress in line with the programme. In total, there will be 28 stations and 4 lines (Red â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yellow and Purple lines) with a total of 28 km. Before initiating the design process, it was important to stress on quality, safety and aesthetics. The design of the underground stations includes areas for circulation, retail, and public facilities, in addition to technical rooms. The at-grade stations are composed of a shelter with

public facilities, an outdoor waiting area and technical rooms on the sides. The architectural finishes are a fusion of modern and cultural elements, which reflect the culture and heritage of the State of Qatar, and have been designed by focusing on three prominent themes: colours, textures and patterns. By providing a turnkey project, the consortium is empowered to provide the best available technical solutions for the client. It is able to combine the expertise of Alstom, a recognised leader in transport systems, with the expertise of QDVC, one of the leaders in complex civil infrastructure

in Qatar. Furthermore, it has developed original project management and technical proposals to reduce the cost born by Qatar Rail to deliver the project. The Lusail Tram, unlike the Metro, which is driverless on a dedicated right of way, is mainly at- grade and integrated into the city of Lusail in order to offer the maximum proximity to passengers, and is therefore driver assisted. It also calls for specific state-of-the-art technology like the APS (Aesthetic Power Supply) system, which minimises the visual impact of the network by replacing the traditional overhead catenary system.

70 DB ENGINEERING & CONSULTING GMBH

A UNIQUE PROJECT THE DECISION REGARDING DB AG'S COLLABORATION WITH QATAR ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE WAS MADE BACK IN 2008, WHEN THE COMPANY WAS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO DESIGN AN INTEGRATED RAIL CONCEPT.

DB ENGINEERING & CONSULTING GMBH EUREF CAMPUS 14 TORGAUER STRASSE 12-15 10829 BERLIN, GERMANY E: DB-ENGINEERING-CONSULTING@ DEUTSCHEBAHN.COM W: WWW.DB-ENGINEERING-CONSULTING.DE

DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C) has now been a strategic partner in the further development and implementation of the transport network since 2011. Experts in all of its disciplines are handling a wide range of tasks, such as providing operations consulting services, designing operations, providing construction logistics, specifying technical system requirements in the preliminary design phase for tenders, and providing various additional engineering and consulting services in the overall rail context. “The challenge of the project was primarily related to consulting and engineering – drafting tender documents as well as implementation,” explains Niko Warbanoff, Chairman of the Management Board of DB E&C. “Everything had to account for the particularities on site, such as construction in the city centre, geology, climate, etc., and of course it all needed to be consistent with the client's specifications and expectations. We also first had to lay the groundwork for the project since the rail system is the first in Qatar, which makes it unique. We have achieved several

successes so far, including the fact that the metro project is on schedule and on budget.” A Partner with Huge Experience By drafting the feasibility study, alignment and tender for engineering work for the metro project, DB E&C played a crucial role in the project's successful implementation, and it did so across all technical disciplines. Moreover, as shadow operator for the long distance project, it has laid the foundation for operations to be successful in Qatar once the lines open. Its position as shadow operator means that DB E&C has to review engineering for long-distance and freight transport. Forty-one specialists from various areas of the DB Group are working on the ‘Redesign Long Distance’ sub-project to determine the potential to reduce engineering and construction costs. The project also involves advising Qatar Rail during the run-up to operations, which includes the following services: specifying requirements for operations and maintenance, helping draft tender documents for construction, equipment

and rolling stock from the operator's perspective, helping draft operator contracts, developing regulations for operations and maintenance and planning operations and processes. Additional project tasks include advising on security and safety, customer support, ticketing, and fares and advising on operations management for passenger and freight transport in accordance with GCC standards.

NIKO WARBANOFF HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEUTSCHE BAHN AND CEO DB ENGINEERING & CONSULTING

DB ENGINEERING & CONSULTING GMBH 71

An Attractive and Important Market Naturally, the DB E&C team in Qatar, under the direction of our Executive Director and Spokesperson in Qatar, Michael Ahlgrimm, is of the very highest calibre. “We currently provide experts in various disciplines, including architecture, alignment, civil works, logistics, MEP

(mechanical, electrical, plumbing), and systems,” says Niko Warbanoff. “Right now DB E&C has around 80 employees working on site. All of our employees are highly qualified experts who provide support to the client for the implementation of this unique project. And not only do we have German experts working on the project, we now

have employees from 14 different countries from around the world working in Qatar. “Qatar is an attractive and important market and Qatar Rail an important and long-term customer for DB E&C. The region and customer provide various further attractive business opportunities for us.” DB E&C has been working on the metro

project side-by-side with its Qatari partners for many years, and shares the same goal of making it a success. Needless to say, the company’s partners have been very satisfied with all of the work carried out so far. The expertise of its German engineers is in high demand, DB E&C has strong ties with the country, the client and the culture, and so its local team has become one of the most important pillars of support for Qatar Rail. In addition, as it is now the intention of the Director of the Land Transport Planning Department (LTPD) of the MOTC to engage a consultant to undertake comprehensive services to update the Transportation Master Plan for Qatar (TMPQ), DB E&C, together with SENER, Dornier und NestGis, has made a proposal to develop and update the TMPQ. Necessary elements include various aspects of transport planning, management, design standards, guidelines and specifications, accessibility, park-and-ride facilities, and policies and regulations required to guide the transport system through to the next decade and beyond.

72 UNSTUDIO

COMFORT FAR BEYOND TRADITIONAL TRANSIT SPACE UNSTUDIO, AN INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE FOUNDED IN AMSTERDAM SINCE 1988, WAS THE FIRM THAT MADE THE CONCEPT DESIGNS OF THE METRO NETWORK FOR QATAR RAIL, RANGING FROM SUPERSTRUCTURES THROUGH TO INTERIORS, AS WELL AS WAYFINDING AND FIXED FURNITURE SOLUTIONS. QATAR RAIL USED THESE CONCEPT DESIGNS IN THEIR DESIGN AND BUILD PROCESSES TO DEVELOP THE NETWORK.

UNSTUDIO P.O. BOX 75381 AMSTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS T: +31 20 5702040 E: INFO@UNSTUDIO.COM W: WWW.UNSTUDIO.COM

The concept design helped to develop generic station types: a regular I-type underground station, an above ground I-type elevated station, and an underground X-Type (cross) station, plus entrance shelters for all of these types. The mission statement was that Qatar Rail’s metro network will provide a convenient and practical service, acting as an educational tool on environmental issues, and improving the road safety and living standards of the community. This mission statement was developed in accordance with the client’s request, with the following three main targets: Create a world-class public transportation network • An opportunity to create a service that will be renowned for its comfort and reliability. • Encourage the use of public transportation as an alternative to private transportation, reducing road congestion and pollution. • Establish a Network Identity recognisable in the urban surroundings • Create a strong identity as a powerful statement of the benefits of public transportation. • Make visible the network benefits and the appeal of the neighbouring properties. Service the existing local urban network • Extensive network coverage

will make movement comfortable and convenient. • Local level safe passage will be provided across busy road intersections On a design directive level, QR requested the development of ‘Varying Scales of Identity’, for the convenience users of the network: • Network Identity - clearly identifiable transportation architecture which creates urban legibility within the city’s visual language. • Line Identity – developing clear but subtle themes that are clearly recognised as belonging to the different stations along the same line. • Station Identity – allow in the design for implementation of location specific references to create a sense of place. The basis of the design theme that the Qatar Rail selected is the concept of ‘Vaulted Spaces’, where the ‘Vault’ represents a new referential bridge between historic Islamic architecture and culture and its future as a beacon of innovation and prosperity. Through a basic system of interconnected triangular base forms, the massing of the geometry adapts and transforms to incorporate: • The different programmatic

MSHEIREB STATION EXTERIOR

functions required • Connect interior spaces with exterior urban infrastructure • Actively incorporate sustainable building practices The scheme represents a flexible architectural system which can adapt itself to the many scalar challenges that the Qatar Rail network presupposes, thereby proposing a highly adaptable and fit-forpurpose system. The overall spatial experience - whether above or underground - provides high comfort to users, far beyond the traditional notion of a utilitarian transit space. This experience is supported by the materiality concept developed to support the Vaulted Spaces concept. This material scheme exemplifies Qatari culture through the exteriors referencing the bowing sail ships and tensile structures of nomadic tents and the monolithic strength of traditional Qatari architecture; through a dynamic of pure, modest, exterior massing clad in stone; through the interior spaces creating a radiant effect of movement and fluidity by rich, illuminated interiors with a mother of pearl effect; and through uniquely Qatari ornamentation and material palettes, which assist in dividing the large interior rail spaces and thereby guiding pedestrians through visual landmarks of activity.

UNSTUDIO 73

VARYING SCALES OF IDENTITY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FOR THE DOHA METRO NETWORK FORMS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PAST AND THE FUTURE OF QATAR, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE VAST REGIONAL ARCHITECTURAL LEXICON, WHILST SIMULTANEOUSLY REPRESENTING AN EFFECTIVE VISION OF MODERNISATION AND PRESERVATION.

The design further aims to incorporate and integrate all functional and technical aspects of the stations and network into a coherent architectural expression with a view to making the Qatar Rail Metro Network a world reference in the service provided by public transportation to the users and to the environment. At the request and under the patronage and guidance of Qatar Railways, a 'Architectural Branding Manual' was developed, a set of design guidelines, architectural details and material outlines that would assure the spatial quality and clarity of the network. The manual would be used by the appointed D&B contractors to implement and deliver the stations of the first phase. Scales of Identity A key concept within the design is one of creating varying scales of identity for the user – network identity, lineidentity and stationidentity. Network identity reflects the overall Qatar Rail brand using recurring design elements that will shape the architecture of the stations consistently throughout the network and will offer brand recognition within Doha’s urban fabric. Line identity is achieved by creating different atmospheres within the stations for the theme of each of the metro linesthrough distinct wall and floor treatments, as well asthrough material applications that orient and guide the

MSHEIREB STATION INTERIOR

travellers through their journey. Individual station identity is achieved bydisplaying features positioned at strategic points in different areas of each station. The content of these features is specific to each station and is related to the local context and/or to the line theme. By integrating curated content throughout the stations, the Metro Network will serve as a cultural vehicle for Doha. Vaulted Spaces Building upon existing elementsfound in the architecture of the region, in the architectural branding vision, the ‘Vault’ represents a new referential bridge between Qatar’s historic architecture and culture and its future as a beacon of innovation and prosperity. Drawing inspiration from the arch, expressions of traditional architecture, the lightness of the dhow sail, and the tensile profiles of nomadic tents, the ‘Vaulted Spaces’ design proposes a contemporary approachtothe interpretation and morphological implementation of these elements. Through a system of interconnected triangular base forms, the massing of the geometry adapts and transforms to incorporate programmatic functions andto connect interior spaces with exterior urban infrastructure.

Doha requires careful planning in order to comply with a strict time schedule and achieve minimum disruption in the urban environment. Flexibility becomes a design and planning objective at all levels of intervention. Using a large catalogue of architectural ‘branding’ elements, the design represents a flexible new architectural system which can adapt itself to the scalar challenges set within the Metro Network. Urban Connectivity Building a new network from scratch provides the opportunity to create a service which encourages the use of public transportation as a valid and clean alternative to private transportation. Spatial clarity and intuitive orientation are key components. Furthermore, the creation of a strong identity for the network will create instant recognition at busy road intersections andwill function as a permanent reminder of the alternative to private transportation. The visibility of the network will also provide immediate benefit to the appeal of the neighbouring properties as a result of their proximity to a station entrance. The extensive coverage of the network will make movement within Doha comfortable and convenient and will have substantial impact on the lives of Doha’s population.

Adaptability The scale of the Metro intervention in

74 RICARDO TECHNICAL CONSUSLTANCY LLC

DELIVERING A SAFE RAILWAY NETWORK RICARDO RAIL, THE WORLD’S LEADING PROVIDER OF ISA (INDEPENDENT SAFETY ASSURANCE) SERVICES, IS A NEW BUSINESS ENTITY BASED ON THE ACQUISITION OF THE ENTIRE LLOYD’S REGISTER RAIL BUSINESS, WITH CAPABILITY ACROSS ALL DISCIPLINES, FROM ROLLING STOCK, SIGNALING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS THROUGH TO SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS.

RICARDO TECHNICAL CONSUSLTANCY LLC P.O. BOX 55896 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44331912 E: INFO@RICARDO.COM W: WWW.RICARDO.COM

The company’s client portfolio is global in scope and includes local and national operators, manufacturers, infrastructure managers, investors and regulators. Ricardo Rail is, therefore, uniquely positioned to support its clients to meet the needs of the communities they serve, with over 500 rail specialists worldwide and a deep understanding of the industry's critical and complex technologies. Ricardo Rail’s people have achieved a number of firsts in the region, such as being the first ISA appointed to certify: • Qatar’s integrated railway network (4 Metro Lines, 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) Systems and Long Distance Rail) • Qatar’s Education City LRT • Abu Dhabi’s guided Personal Rapid Transit system • A Metro system in Mecca, Saudi Arabia • Dubai Metro • A mixed freight and passenger railway, and the first ETCS Level 2 signalling system, in the UAE Whether providing strategic counsel at board level or implementing safety-critical technologies with frontline teams, Ricardo Rail’s commitment is the same, with expertise that is informed, impartial, pragmatic and innovative, allowing it to enhanced Qatar Rail's reputation as a

deliverer of a safe and sustainable railway network. Ricardo Rail – Qatar has an ISA team embedded in Qatar Rail’s HQ, working collaboratively towards achieving the Safety Certification of Qatar Rail’s projects. Its role is to: • Determine that the safety risk associated with introducing the railway into revenue service meets world class levels of safety performance • Ensure the railway’s operational readiness. Ricardo Rail assesses and audits all elements, activities, processes and stakeholders, from project start-up to the start of revenue service, challenging any area with the potential to impact the safety of the operating railway. As ISA, Ricardo Rail has faced many challenges, but working together with Qatar Rail it continues to achieve its collective safety objectives. On a project of this scale there are, of course, many challenges. On the Doha Metro, one significant challenge for Ricardo Rail is working with the many stakeholders, across the nine project teams, in order to ensure consistency of approach and commitment to technical and operational solutions. A further challenge is to ensure all interfacing safety issues are

addressed between projects so that the integrated operating metro is safe. Ricardo Rail continues to pro-actively provide support and guidance to Qatar Rail on all system safety issues at all organisational levels. This support and guidance is enanced via the building of trust through strong collaborative relationships and has enabled Ricardo Rail and Qatar Rail to successfully overcome many significant challenges. During the process, Ricardo Rail has also added value to the project in a number of ways. One of the first exercises that the company undertook was to assemble, in Doha, a highly experienced international team of domain experts for a series of risk workshops for the Doha Metro, Lusail LRT and Long Distance Rail projects. These workshops raised a significant number of valuable engineering and operational recommendations, since implemented by Qatar Rail. Ricardo Rail has also advised and supported Qatar Rail in the adoption of a specific solution for the civil engineering design of the tunnel cross passages of the Doha Metro tunnel network. It is of great satisfaction to the Ricardo Rail – Qatar team that, by working closely with Qatar Rail, it is able to achieve solutions that are safe and beneficial for all stakeholders.

ATKINS EAST 75 ATKINS MIDDLE EAST -MIDDLE CASE STUDY 00

FOCUSED ON A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH ATKINS’ INVOLVEMENT IN QATAR RAIL PROJECTS COMMENCED ALMOST 10 YEARS AGO, WITH THE COMPANY ACTING AS THE LEAD DESIGNER FOR THE LUSAIL LRT PROJECT, PROVIDING MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN SERVICES FROM CONCEPT TO DETAILED DESIGN, AS WELL AS BEING HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH EMPLOYER AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT.

ATKINS MIDDLE EAST P.O. BOX 24656 DUBAI UAE T: +971 4 4059300 E: INFO@ATKINSGLOBAL.COM W: WWW.ATKINSGLOBAL.COM

This project saw Atkins gain the first civil defence approval for rail stations in Qatar. The project also looked at a number of sustainable design initiatives, which were led by Atkins. In 2012,Atkins we began its involvement on the Doha Metro project, acting as the multidisciplinary designer for the civil works on both the Red Line and Gold Line contracts. Separately, the company was also engaged as the design verification engineer for the major stations contract. Ian Redmayne, Project Director explained: “In a dynamic project environment we’re absolutely focussed on a collaborative approach between all stakeholders. This speeds up decision making and enables adaptability because everyone is driving towards the same goals.” Over 1000 Atkins employees have mobilised to work on the design of 17 stations of three packages and three sites, seven switchboxes, one stabling yard, four emergency exits and cross passages, and twin-bored tunnels spread over three different packages – Gold Line, Red Line and Major Stations. This multidisciplinary role covers architecture, structural engineering, MEP, systems assurance, alignment, ground engineering and specialists, including fire engineering. Atkins was the first company to achieve

civil defence approval for a station on Doha Metro, as well as the first to gain a ‘no objection’ for its sustainability management plan on the Red Line. Atkins is acutely aware of Qatar Rail’s commitment to providing railway services that are accessible, efficient, competitive, comfortable, safe, and reliable, while maximising social, economic, and environmental benefits. It has proudly been a GSAS: Railways Service Provider since the inception of the Doha Metro and has actively engaged with the Gulf Organisation of Research and Development (GORD) over this period. The primary objective of GSAS is to create a sustainable built environment that minimises ecological impact while addressing the specific regional needs and environment of Qatar. Atkins has worked to integrate seamlessly with the contractor’s Sustainability Management Plan and adhere to sustainability pathways set to achieve the required GSAS 4* rating. GSAS is split in to eight themes; Urban Connectivity [UC]; Site [S]; Energy & CO2 [E]; Water [W]; Materials & Waste [M]; Indoor Environment [IE]; Cultural & Economic Value [CE]; Management and Operations [MO]. Atkins Sustainability Manager interfaced with concerned stakeholders to ensure that GSAS requirements were

considered and incorporated. Other challenges that Atkins have addressed on these projects include the integration of the branding design, delivering to programme, stakeholder and employer engagement/approvals, and design coordination with highways/utilities. In terms of documentation, in excess of 80,000 drawings have been produced for the Red Line and Gold Line projects.

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76 SENER INGENIERÍA Y SISTEMAS, S.A.

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH SENER, A PRIVATE ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY GROUP FOUNDED IN 1956 BY THE SENDAGORTA FAMILY, CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2016 AND, RENOWNED FOR ITS CORE VALUES OF INNOVATION, COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT, IS ACTIVE ON BOTH THE RED LINE AND GREEN LINE OF THE DOHA METRO.

SENER INGENIERIA Y SISTEMAS, S.A. P.O. BOX 24285 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44 528093 E: INFO@INGENIERIAYCONSTRUCCION.SENER W: WWW.INGENIERIAYCONSTRUCCION.SENER

With an International Engineering Office situated in Qatar, SENER’s expertise was called upon for design in the civil works for the elevated southern section of the Red Line. In addition, it has been active on the design and construction site support of the architectural finishes and landscaping of the elevated stations of the Red Line and Green Line. Furthermore, SENER has designed the civil works and electromechanical installations of the Red Line's depot, and the stabling yard for the Green Line, as well as being the independent checking engineer of the design and construction of the Lusail Tram. All of these works require a multidisciplinary team of experts to be present on-site. Thanks to its extensive experience, SENER has a complete and integrated perspective when it comes to developing transport systems, allowing it to participate in all the phases of the project lifecycle, from the planning to the design, construction, commissioning and exploitation of the line, covering all the relevant technical disciplines with its own expert professionals. SENER's technical

capacities include: planning, tunnels and geotechnics, structures, hydraulic and environmental engineering, architecture, rail and electromechanical systems, systems integration, and innovation. This allows it to provide complete solutions to its clients' needs, with multidisciplinary teams comprising specialists from different technical disciplines who pool their knowledge to find the best solutions within integrated projects. Infrastructure and transport is one of SENER's main areas of activity, in which it has extensive experience across all the different disciplines. The company has earned itself a strong international reputation as a designer and supplier of intelligent transport systems that incorporate high-tech solutions. SENER can compete in the global market thanks to its ability to innovate in many areas of activity – its most recognisable characteristic. As a result, it is working together with Qatar Rail to provide added value by providing superior solutions. Thus, there is a continuity in working methods, which are transmitted inside the company and are founded on professional

respect, freedom and teamwork, the exchange of ideas among experts and, above all, trust. Only by facing challenges can exceptional projects be conceived that improve society. SENER has progressively stepped up its construction, industrial and investment activity, although it still remains faithful to its origins as an engineering company, with growth and diversification rooted in hightech solutions and a team of talented professionals. At the same time, it follows its own '3i' strategy of Innovation + Internationalisation + Investment, which has allowed it to consolidate itself on an international scale as a technologicallyadvanced company in each of its three areas of activity. SENER has offices in 20 countries and has worked more than 70 urban transport projects on five continents, as well as conducting more than 12,000 km of rail projects and studies, an area in which it is considered an international benchmark. The company also creates comprehensive designs for new high-speed lines, in addition to urban integration, railway stations and terminals.

TÉCNICA Y PROYECTOS, (TYPSA) TYPSA -S.A. CASE STUDY77 1

ADDING VALUE TO DOHA METRO CELEBRATING ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2016, TÉCNICA Y PROYECTOS, S.A. (TYPSA) CONSIDERABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELDS OF TRANSPORT, WATER, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT MAKE IT ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED AND MOST SOUGHT AFTER COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRY, AND AT THE PRESENT TIME IT IS WORKING ON ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENTS, DOHA METRO.

TÉCNICA Y PROYECTOS, S.A. (TYPSA) P.O. BOX 202145 DOHA QATAR T: +974 4038 7862 E: QATAR@TYPSA.COM W: WWW.TYPSA.COM

From the very beginning, TYPSA recognised that Doha Metro was a very challenging project. However, TYPSA´s vast experience allowed it to plan and move forward with confidence, and as a result it has been active on designing the Red Line and the Green Line Elevated and At-Grade projects TYPSA Group has developed in excess of 500km of metro lines and 490 stations. In Spain, these have included metros in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, Seville and Valencia, whilst further afield in Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Greece, Mexico, Panama, Eduador, Peru, Brazil and Chile. This experience has been the Group´s key to winning the important Doha Metro contracts, as well as its excellent technical capabilities and the fact that it has a deep knowledge of the Gulf region and its unique culture. All in all these attributes make TYPSA a preferred partner for projects of this complexity. Throughout the Doha Metro project, TYPSA has been working in tandem with various consortia, and this can throw up a number of challenges due to logistical differences that can occur from time-totime. It depends largely on the job in hand and the stakeholders of each consortium. But yet again, TYPSA’s immense experience has seen it circumnavigate the

vast majority of challenges with relative ease. TYPSA has added remarkable value to the project, providing its recognised maximum standard of quality. What’s more, being a multidisciplinary consultancy firm, TYPSA has an unrivalled understanding of all of the different aspects involved in projects of this magnitude, and all of the possible future problems that may arise. This is underlined by the group’s extensive scope of expertise, including master plans; technical, economic and environmental studies and reports; feasibility studies; preliminary and schematic designs; final designs; construction management and site supervision; construction project

management; auditing and due diligence; operation and maintenance management; PPP and concession studies; land acquisition management ; health and safety; and an environmental control laboratory. TYPSA offers its clients quality and superior added-value services tailored to meet specific technical, management or analysis and supervision requirements. Consequently, whatever the challenge and wherever the project, no matter how difficult or complex, TYPSA has the right professionals and technology ,, experience, vision and commitment to get the job done, on time and cost while surpassing the client´s expectations in the quality delivered.

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ANEL GROUP 79

30 YEARS OF ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE IN QATAR RAIL PROJECT ESTABLISHED IN 1986, ANEL GROUP IS ONE OF THE LEADING ENGINEERING COMPANIES IN ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTING WORKS OF PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LARGE SCALE PROJECTS. THE GROUP HAS DIVERSIFIED EXPERIENCE IN DIFFERENT PROJECT TYPES; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, TUNNELS AND RAILWAYS, TECHNOLOGICAL BUILDINGS, ROADS, STADIUMS, SPORTS CENTERS, INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, DATA CENTERS, LABORATORIES, PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES, HOTELS, SHOPPING MALLS, BUSINESS CENTERS, CONTAINER TERMINALS, PORTS, HOSPITALS AND SO ON.

Anel Group has been working in Qatar and GCC since 2005, thus has a strong track record in the region. Some of the ongoing and completed projects in the region are Qatar Foundation Research & Development Complex, Al Rayyan Road Development, Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Rail Red Line South Underground & Elevated and At Grade, Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical Center, Dubai-I Terminal Building (LOA), and Sidra Medical Center. Qatar Rail is Anel’s latest project in Qatar. The Group’s experience gained from Marmaray Project; the deepest immersed tunnel project in the world which connects two sides of Bosphorus with an under sea railway tunnel of 13.6 kilometers, was a valuable asset for Anel and an added value for the overall Qatar Rail project.

Control System, Central Battery System, Small Power Distribution, Building Automation and Control System and Fire Detection & Alarm System, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), NOVEC Gas Suppression System, Plumbing, Fire Extinguishing System and Fire Fighting Systems.

• • • • • • • •

Project With Numbers

• • • • • • •

• 246 Nos Pumps (de-watering, sewage, booster) • 40 Nos Chilled Water Pumps • 193 Nos CRAC Units • 600 Nos Fan Coil Units • 48 Nos Smoke Pressurization Fans • 96 Nos Sub Main Distribution Board • 471 Nos Distribution Board • 134 Nos MCC Panels

• •

117 Nos Central Battery System 10 Nos Fire Alarm System 6 Nos BACS Field Equipment 163,409 m Pipes 44,491 m2 Pipe Insulations 73,438 m2 Ductworks 60,121 m2 Duct Insulations 20,964 m2 Tunnel Ventilation System (OTE Ducts) 337 Nos Pumps 1,068 Nos HVAC Equipment 5,705 Nos Air Outlets 7,332 Nos Dampers 315 Nos Fans 4,868 Nos Valves 249 Nos Clean Agents (FM200/ Novec) 10,019 Nos Sprinklers 177 Nos Fire Hose Cabinets (FHC)

Scope of Works for Qatar Rail Project Anel Group is responsible for the electrical and mechanical works of 5 ea. underground stations, 28 kilometers of tunnel, 5 ea. switchboxes, 1 ea. launchbox, 4 ea. emergency exits and 32 cross passages under the scope of the “Qatar Rail Red Line South Underground” Project. Under the scope of electrical and mechanical works of Qatar Rail Red Line South Elevated and At Grade project, Anel Group is responsible for Low Voltage Power Distribution, Lighting and Lighting

engineering. tomorrow. together.

thyssenkrupp Elevator is one of the world‘s leading companies in the area of vertical transportation systems. We have a global presence with more than 50,000 employees at 900 locations worldwide. Every day we transport people and goods, with ease and comfort, in airports, metro stations, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, oﬃce buildings and private residences. We work closely with our customers to meet all their project speciﬁcations and code requirements. With factories in Germany, Spain, Korea, China

Cont act us: Phone: +974 4434 1950/51 Fax: +974 4434 1949 qa.info@tkeap.com www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com 80

and the USA we manufacture high-quality, innovative products backed by our extensive network of support and research centers. While thyssenkrupp Elevator maintains a global spirit, we are firmly established and integrated in the Middle East, with local staff and in-depth knowledge of the market. Based in Qatar, with offices in Doha, thyssenkrupp Elevator Qatar has been serving customers for more than 10 years, achieving an outstanding client base with the highest level of satisfaction through our involvement in major

projects such as the Hamad International Airport, Tornado Tower, Sidra Medical Research Center, Lusail Car Parks, Doha Oasis and Doha Metro, amongst others.

QATAR GENERAL INSURANCE & REINSURANCE COMPANY 81

A STRATEGIC MIX OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ESTABLISHED IN MARCH, 1979, QATAR GENERAL INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE COMPANY OFFERS A BROAD PORTFOLIO OF INSURANCE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT ARE SHARIA COMPLIANT THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARY, GENERAL TAKAFUL.

QATAR GENERAL INSURANCE & REINSURANCE CO. PJSC P.O. BOX 4500 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44282116 W: WWW.QGIRCO.COM

A Public Listed company on the Qatar Exchange since May, 1997, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company, in tandem with several other companies in the National Insurance Consortium (NIC), is insuring the Qatar Metro project, one of the largest, most prestigious and important developments in the world today. Naturally, on such a huge project, there were a number of challenges. It was, for instance, one of the largest single construction policies to have been issued anywhere in the world over the last 10 years, covering all of the contracts that have been awarded or will be awarded by Qatar Rail. And of course, the project involved

the simultaneous presence of a world record number of excavation machines (TBM), which had to operate in very challenging ground conditions because of the presence of a high corrosive water table and cavities. Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company is committed to maintaining and expanding upon its position as a leading group in Qatar and the MENA region, providing a strategic mix of products and services to its clients, supported by one of the highest Paid Capital and Shareholders Equities in the region. It is a core objective of the company to establish long-term relationships with its clients through its unrivalled insurance

expertise and the quality of its services. At the present time, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Company can provide insurance services in several countries in the MENA region through its own branches, participating group companies, or friendly associate companies. Although the main aim in the years ahead is organic growth, the company will also look at good investment opportunities that may arise in the consolidation of the markets within the region.

DOHA METRO REDLINE SOUTH ELEVATED & AT GRADE SCOPE OF SERVICES Traffic Management & Road Design Utilities Diversion Design Sustainability (GSAS – 4 Star)

Qatar Rail is constructing 4 metro lines on different design-build packages. EHAF is part of the design joint venture for Redline Elevated Line which is the design arm for the contractors joint venture EHAF CONSULTING ENGINEERS

P.O. BOX 1876, DOHA, QATAR, TEL- +974 4020 3777 /88/99 | FAX- +974 4020 3705 E-MAIL- EHAFQATAR@EHAFQATAR.ORG | WEB-WWW.EHAF.COM

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Millions of critical decisions are made every day in transportation. Thales is at the heart of this, with the ability to manage complex engineering projects. We provide rail and urban signalling solutions, communications and supervision technologies, fare collection systems and maintenance support. The Thales Group’s expertise also allows us to quickly address cyber-security threats. Wherever safety and security are critical, Thales delivers.

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KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS 83

ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS KEO HAS BEEN ENGAGED SINCE EARLY 2014 BY THE DOHA METRO’S GOLD LINE DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACTOR, ALYSJ JV (AKTOR – LARSEN & TOUBRO - YAPI MERKEZI – STFA - AL JABER), AND IS PROVIDING ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES. ITS SCOPE OF WORK INCLUDES UTILITIES DIVERSIONS DESIGN, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENTS.

KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS P.O. BOX 18108 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44626400 E: INFO@KEOIC.COM W:WWW.KEOIC.COM

The utilities diversions work comprises the design of new utility routes in the vicinity of 12 underground metro stations to enable existing utilities to be decommissioned in advance of the construction of the station structures and access subways. The KEO design team has worked closely with the local authorities, the utility companies and other key stakeholders to secure the necessary approvals. In so doing, it has taken into consideration the constructability of the stations, the temporary traffic management, the numerous stakeholder interfaces, and the stringent requirements of the utility companies. KEO is also providing services such as structural design, hydraulic analysis, materials approvals, and works verification on-site. KEO’s environmental team’s commission with ALYSJ JV includes environmental studies that model the impact of the project on the existing groundwater, noise and vibration, and air quality. KEO has contributed to the environmental aspects of the design risk assessments and the determination of appropriate mitigation measures to minimise the impact on the environment. In addition, KEO has developed environmental surveys and plans relating to the terrestrial ecology, landscaping and ecological compensation. The KEO sustainability team is contributing to the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) submission for the environmental credits to enable ALYSJ JV and Qatar Rail to secure a 4-star rating

at four stations for the Gold Line Metro.

Developing Solutions The design of the utilities diversions has been particularly challenging as the stations and their access subways are located in heavily built-up areas and across major roads. The combination of which has resulted in the design team having to develop solutions for critical utility corridors that consider the complexities associated with the construction of the stations, as well as temporary traffic management and key stakeholder requirements. Through the adoption of a proactive and collaborative approach towards all of the key stakeholders, KEO has successfully delivered the required designs and associated authority approvals in the timescales required by the ALYSJ JV. A core team of nine staff has worked on the utilities diversion designs, rising to a peak of 22 when demanded by the workload. This team has been supplemented by eight staff who have carried out the environmental studies and the GSAS plans. A sub-consultant has been appointed to conduct the modelling work associated with the identification of the impact of the project on the groundwater. The design of the utilities diversions has prioritised the re-use of existing services wherever possible. The environmental plans have provided the JV with modelling information, mainly related to air and

noise pollution during construction, which has resulted in proposals for equipment selection and work activities scheduling to mitigate the impact on the local community.

A Proactive Approach KEO is constantly seeking to add value through the services that it provides. In the case of the Gold Line, it has developed a strong working relationship with the JV and the authorities. This, coupled with its expertise in delivering design solutions to complex diversion problems, enabled the company to deliver proposals that were readily acceptable to all the affected parties in timescales that contributed to the efficient execution of the construction works. KEO has been proactive in identifying issues at an early stage in order to minimise the impact on the design and subsequent construction activities. In addition, KEO has an exceptional safety record on the project, with no safety incidents to date. Its staff understands the importance of working safely and respecting its internal safety processes and procedures, as well as those of the JV, when conducting site visits. KEO is very pleased with the way in which the project has progressed. The approach that the company has taken to the delivery of its original scope of work has created opportunities to do more for the ALYSJ JV. It will therefore strive to continue and expand its involvement on the project through to its completion.

A Conversation with the Louis BergerEgis Rail Joint Venture:

MOVING QATAR FORWARD THROUGH SAFETY

Louis Berger - Egis Rail Joint Venture has partnered with the State of Qatar since 2012 to bring the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first metro system to its 2.1 million residents. On the job safety is a constant concern. The team recently achieved 25 million man hours without lost time injury on the Gold Line, one of three lines the team is managing. Remy Vandenbussche, Louis Berger-Egis Rail Joint Venture project director for the Gold Line, explains the importance of the milestone and why a safety-first attitude benefits QatarÂ residents.

Why is the Doha Metro needed? The Doha Metro is revolutionizing how Qatar’s residents engage with each other and their communities. It’s one of the world’s most ambitious metro programs; by 2021 the Gold Line alone will offer 180,000 passenger trips every day. That means neighbors will be able to better connect with each other through a sustainable and ecofriendly mode of transportation.

during emergencies. Before the project started the team reviewed lessons learned from previous metro-construction incidents and implemented them into our daily and strategic practices.

How do you safely build an underground metro? Very carefully. The Gold Line uses six tunnel boring machines and is the largest package on the first phase of the Doha Metro project lines. We developed a comprehensive risk management strategy that continuously identified the changing hazards and risks as the project developed. We also make sure that we have real solutions to each potential incident; for example, no hazardous materials are allowed in a sector that does not have an appropriate suppressant system.

How did the team achieve 25 million man hours without lost time injury? Qatar Rail has said from the start that they believe an incident-free workplace is possible. We believe that too. We’ve applied world-class health, safety and environment (HSE) practices and maintained an unwavering commitment to worker safety at all levels of the organization. Each one of the 7,500 workers embraced the common goal and encouraged a proactive culture where issues were raised right away. Because of their attitude, each worker was able to safely return to their family when the workday was done. That’s important to us, and the Louis Berger-Egis Rail Joint Venture team is absolutely committed to being Qatar Rail’s partner and delivering on their ‘Zero Harm’ policy.

What does it mean to have 25 million man hours without lost time injury? It means that in the construction management of the program, not a single person has had to take more than three days off work due to injury in a combined 25 million hours on the job. To provide a sense of scale, it would take 100 workers working over a 100-year period without injury to equal this milestone. It’s unprecedented and especially notable considering the project’s complexity and the hazards that naturally come with a project of this size.

How does a milestone like this impact the overall project? This milestone reflects the team’s utmost commitment to maintaining all program standards, be it related to safety or delivering our commitments on time. We could not have achieved this milestone if we had let our standards drop, be it to our safety expectations or our commitment to the Qatar Rail customer. We are proud to be contributing to Qatar’s efforts to deliver a vision for 2030 and an exceptional 2022 World Cup.

What types of hazards do you mean? Being underground brings unique risks. The soil can be unstable, there is often reduced light and workers face difficult or limited access to exits. Each work site needs the basic safety requirements, such as ventilation to provide breathable air and access to emergency services, but they also need additional technologies such as telecommunication channels

What’s next? The Gold line is on track for completion in 2021. In the meantime, the Louis Berger-Egis Rail Joint Venture team is proud to continue partnering with Qatar Rail and support them through the threeyear program management and construction management extension recently awarded to our team.

To learn more, visit louisberger.com and egis-group.com

86 MOTT MACDONALD

'THE RACE AGAINST TIME' PHASE 1 OF THE DOHA METRO CURRENTLY HOLDS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE MOST TUNNEL BORING MACHINES (TBMS) WORKING ON THE SAME PROJECT. IN ALL, 21 TBMS WERE NEEDED DURING THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION TO COMPLETE 111KM OF TUNNELS IN JUST THREE YEARS.

MOTT MACDONALD P.O. BOX 22574 DOHA QATAR W: WWW.MOTTMAC.COM

The ground beneath the Qatari capital is also famously challenging due to high concentrations of naturally occurring salt and sulphates combined with a high water table, creating a corrosive environment for underground construction. Meeting the ambitious deadline for tunnelling completion on 25 September 2016 under these conditions, made it an even greater achievement. The project can also be described as a triumph in collaborative working since it requires high levels of coordination on multiple work fronts for its successful delivery. Phase 1 of Doha Metro is made up of the Red, Green and Gold lines. Tunnelling on the line is punctuated by underground stations - huge caverns framed by a base slab, retaining walls and roof. Some of the deepest excavations for station construction - up to 45m below ground level - are on the Gold Line. Stretching 15km from Ras Bu Abboud in the east to Al Aziziyah in the west, the Gold Line is made up of 11 stations and passes through the heart of the Doha Metro network at Msheireb. Verifying that the Gold Line’s engineering solution meets client Qatar Rail’s requirements and complies with design codes for safety and durability is the

responsibility of global engineering consultant Mott MacDonald. This independent “sign off ” is required before every single element of the scheme can be built. “Underground construction to these depths is unprecedented in Doha and place great importance on controlling ground water flow and ground movement,” explains Mott MacDonald foundations and geotechnics director Derek Winsor. This was achieved by dewatering the ground using pumps. Metro design involves input from almost every discipline in the built environment field. As Design Verification Engineer (DVE) on the Gold Line, Mott MacDonald

is able to exercise the full breadth of its expertise by being responsible for architecture; civil, structural, fire, mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) engineering, as well as geotechnics, systems assurance and tunnelling. It has drawn on resources from around the world to create the most dynamic team capable of managing the verification process systematically and effectively. Twelve regional offices are working with Mott MacDonald’s Doha project headquarters to deliver the scheme. These include offices in London, Prague, Dublin, Glasgow, Abu Dhabi and Delhi, to bring together all the specialist skills needed for the project.

MOTT MACDONALD 87 With many of the technical challenges on the Gold Line requiring complex analyses, the firm took the decision to locate staff in the designer’s and client’s offices to enhance the flow of information to site. This has allowed Mott MacDonald’s engineers to closely follow design development, giving it the insight needed to better understand the basis of decision-making, something which was vital towards carrying out quick and accurate reviews of design deliverables prior to construction. Where it would take too long for an entire structure’s design to be completed before checking could commence, Mott MacDonald’s DVE team began checking piece-by-piece, so that construction of the first elements could begin sooner. This required a great deal of engineering judgement, as well as careful coordination, to avoid adversely affecting the design and construction sequence.

Design verification of base slabs for the 10 stations under the contract is a perfect example of where Mott Macdonald’s close working relationship with main contractor ALYSJ JV and the project’s main designers allowed tunnelling for the Gold Line to be completed on time in May 2016. By acquiring loading information early for each base slab, Mott MacDonald was able to produce a reference scheme that could later be used to check against the actual design, when it was ready. The remaining station structure could then be verified progressively. With six TBMs tunnelling at a rate of up to 30m a day on the Gold Line, it could take as little as 30 days for a TBM to travel between two stations, requiring verification of each station’s structure to be turned around extremely quickly. “The pace of construction was such that when the TBM arrived at one station, the race was on to verify the next station’s base

slab and head walls further along the route, so that these designs could be checked and then built in good time before the TBM arrived,” comments Mott MacDonald Gold Line DVE project manager Nicholas Robertshaw. Areas which underwent thorough assessment as part of the verification process included determination of ground stresses from site investigation results and the thickness of concrete cover to reinforcement in base slabs. Guidance on concrete cover for aggressive environments need a certain amount of interpretation and have to be well understood to ensure the levels of durability required for Doha are met. “Sulphates can turn concrete to mush while high chloride concentrations in the ground can turn reinforcement to rust. External membranes are also needed to create a barrier to prevent water penetrating the concrete,” explains Winsor. The deep station base slabs also have to

resist large hydrostatic uplift pressures, he continues. “A balance had to be struck to achieve optimum reinforcement density and concrete compaction. More closely spaced reinforcement [than needed solely for strength characteristics] can control cracks in the concrete, but in doing so, make it more difficult to compact.” Mott MacDonald has worked through more than 48,000 design deliverables on the Gold Line to date, often at short notice and with many responses given within just seven days. Robertshaw adds, “Our collaborative approach to working with all stakeholders, and our ability to be adaptable and flexible in our processes and procedures, has helped mitigate risks to the time schedule.” Phase 1 of Doha Metro is expected to open in 2020.

88 KONE MIDDLE EAST

THE FINEST VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS KONE HAS RECENTLY WON AN ORDER FOR 139 ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND AUTOWALKS TO BE INSTALLED ON THE LUSAIL TRAM SYSTEM, HAVING GAINED THE TRUST OF THE CUSTOMER DUE ITS VERY EARLY ENGAGEMENT. THIS ALLOWED IT TO SUPPORT QATAR RAIL IN THE DESIGN AND ALL OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB, INCLUDING PROVIDING ALL OF THE DIMENSIONS REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.

KONE MIDDLE EAST P.O. BOX 21474 DUBAI UAE T: +971 4 2794500 W: WWW.KONE.COM

The main challenge while dealing with elevators and escalators is to provide smooth people flow, which means ensuring that elevators work constantly, without any breakdowns, and are safe for both end users and for maintenance technicians. Having successfully completed a number of projects in Qatar, including the Asian Games 2006 Village, Mall of Qatar and Torch Tower, KONE fully understands the local marketplace and how important sustainability and environmental excellence is in the country. In fact, Qatar’s sustainability philosophy ties in with its own, with KONE committed to being a leader in sustainability, with its Environmental Excellence programme supporting the ongoing transformation of the built environment into smart ecocities, low-carbon communities, and net zero energy buildings. For KONE, sustainability is embedded into its organisational culture. It means a combination of offering its customers innovative solutions that are both energy and cost-efficient, and actions that reduce the adverse environmental impacts of its

own operations. From an equipment point of view, its current volume elevators are up to 90% more energy efficient than its elevators from the 1990s. Other examples include: • LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to halogen lighting and lasts ten times longer.

• Standby solutions power down the equipment, when the elevator or escalator is not in use, providing substantial energy savings. • KONE’s destination control system optimizes traffic and people flow, reducing the size and number of elevators needed in a building. • KONE’s new high-rise solution,

KONE MIDDLE EAST 89 KONE UltraRope, cuts the energy consumption of a 500-meter elevator ride by 15%. • And over 90% of the materials used for manufacturing and packaging KONE elevators and escalators consist of metals that can be recycled at the end of product life cycle.

High-Tech and Innovative Lusail Tram will benefit from the very latest design and technology.KONE, for example is a world leader in this field, and some of its innovations have changed the industry. One such instance is the KONE MonoSpace® elevator, which revolutionised the industry in 1996 with the world’s first machine-room-less elevator. KONE UltraRope, meanwhile, is a revolutionary hoisting technology that enables elevators to travel distances of more than 1000 metres. As new ecosystems emerge around smart buildings and cities, KONE believe that this brings great opportunities. It is, for example, investing significantly in connectivity and diagnostics for its services in order to improve quality and predictability for its customers. An excellent case-in-point is the agreement the company recently announced

with IBM, which will bring cognitive analytics to its services through the use of their Watson IoT platform. And for its service technicians, the new KONE Mobile application, facility managers and building owners can receive equipment service updates for the full maintenance process on their smartphones. The KONE People Flow Intelligence is designed to guide building visitors and tenants effectively, smoothly and without waiting in buildings, while at the same time improving building security. It is a portfolio that includes four product areas: access control, destination guidance, information communication, and equipment monitoring. The solutions are modular, flexible, and third-party compatible, meaning building owners can either take the whole integrated package or pick and choose the solutions they want and need to complement the existing systems in their buildings.

top 100. This year, KONE ranked 56th, making it the 8th most innovative company in Europe. KONE is also the only elevator and escalator company featured on the list. This year KONE managed to secure Red Line and Gold Line for the Qatar mega project, Doha Metro, in addition to a new prestigious mall known as Vendome Place in Lusail City. On a global level, KONE will provide China Zun, Beijing's tallest building-to-be with the latest high-rise solutions available in the industry. The mixed-use skyscraper is currently being assembled with the help of KONE JumpLiftTM construction-time

elevator, and once completed the landmark building's elevators will be hoisted using the revolutionary KONE UltraRope® highrise rope technology. KONE has also won an order from Stockholm County Council to modernise and maintain 13 escalators at six metro stations in Sweden's capital. In Qatar and throughout the Gulf, KONE’s strategy is geared up towards further growth in the region and globally. Taking into account Qatar World Cup 2022 and Qatar Vision 2030, the company is planning to continue its growth accordingly across the Middle East region.

Known for its Innovation KONE has been ranked as one of the world's most innovative companies by business magazine Forbes. It is the sixth year running that KONE has made the world's most innovative companies list, inside the

90 ASTAD PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ALI AL-KHALIFA DISCUSSES ASTAD’S STRATEGIC ROLE IN QATAR’S TRANSPORTATION SECTOR ESTABLISHED IN 2008, ASTAD’S CREATION AND THE ICONIC PROJECTS WE ARE DELIVERING ARE CENTRAL TO THE AIM OF MAKING QATAR A GLOBALLY RECOGNISED DESTINATION, FULFILLING ITS VISION TO BE ‘THE CITY OF KNOWLEDGE AND CREATION’. QNV 2030 IS THE ENGINE WHICH IS DRIVING QATAR’S JOURNEY TOWARDS A FULLY DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY, SUSTAINING ITS DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDING A HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING FOR ALL. OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO FULLY SUPPORT THIS JOURNEY AND ENSURE ITS SUCCESS.

ASTAD PROJECT MANAGEMENT P.O. BOX 23242 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44258000 W: WWW.ASTAD.QA

We are also glad to announce that our operations outside of Qatar have already launched. The motivation behind this expansion comes from the accumulated experience we have in Qatar in delivering the most ambitious and complex projects across a wide range of sectors and our ability to operate at the highest international industry standards.We believe the experience, knowledge, and excellence that we have built in Qatar over the years will prove to be beneficial to clients around the world. We are targeting Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, the UAE and the United Kingdom, with current prospective work coming from a number of different countries. Our first international operation is located in Egypt as we are currently mobilizing a project based in Sharm El Sheikh. We are confident that ASTAD will thrive across and outside of the region, much like we have demonstrated in Qatar. Is your joint-venture with Hill International a new one for ASTAD or have you worked with this company before? The Underground Green Line was the second joint-venture with Hill International recently after the joint-

venture with Hill International and Italferr in Lusail Tram. Doha Metro is one of the largest rail projects in the world and will prove to meet the demands of Qatar's ever-growing population.We look forward to a successful cooperation with Hill International in the Doha Metro Green Line. We will continue providing our services and solutions to Qatar Railways, further contributing to the development of the State of Qatar's

transportation infrastructure.These projects are crucial for Qatar’s urban development and aim to be a key mode of sustainable transport, bringing Qatar’s communities together. What is your scope of works on this project? ASTAD’s joint venture with Hill International won the Doha Metro Green Line project which runs east from Al Riffa

ALI AL-KHALIFA, CEO OF ASTAD PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ASTAD PROJECT MANAGEMENT 91 to Al Mansoura in the west. ASTAD will provide Project and Construction Management Services to this integral component of the larger Qatar Rail network. ASTAD’s contribution in this joint-venture is mainly focused on Architectural and MEP in terms of site quality control and back office design reviews. The Green Line, which passes through Education City, is part of the new Doha Metro system currently under construction and scheduled for completion ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Green Line Underground, consists of 6 underground stations, 16.5km of twin bored tunnels, two switchboxes, six escape shafts and one cross over. The line has 11 stations (including 6 underground stations) and underground, elevated and at-grade sections.The trip from Al Rayyan Stadium to Mansoura via Education City and Msheireb will take 24 minutes compared to 54 minutes by car. The Green Line is one of the four lines of the new Doha Metro transit system which will comprise 300km of route and 98 stations across all four lines.We are delivering services for a section of the Green Line which includes 16.5km of underground track. The Green Line is an integral component of the larger Qatar Rail network which

includes long distance high speed rail and local light rail in Doha. Qatar Railways Company was recognized by the Guinness World Records for 'The Largest number of Tunnel Boring Machines Operating Simultaneously in a Single Project' which is a major milestone for transport projects in Qatar. What was your biggest challenge on this project? The biggest challenge is meeting the expectations of Qatar Railways in terms of quality control for this part of the Doha Metro that has the largest number of underground stations with only a limited number of staff. ASTAD is determined to deliver timely execution of this mega infrastructure project. I understand that your joint-venture with Hill International has also won another contract on the Doha Metro project; can you please tell us a little about this? Building on ASTAD’s expertise in planning, design, and construction of green infrastructure, ASTAD’s joint venture with Italferr and Hill International won a contract on the Lusail Tram. ASTAD will provide

Project Management Consultancy Services to ensure the successful delivery of the ecofriendly transportation system that will serve the visitors, employees and residents of Lusail City in Qatar. LLRT will connect all major points of interest in Lusail City, consisting of four main tram lines and 25 train stations including 7 underground. This project will not only enhance the capacity and efficiency of movements within Lusail, but will also connect to Doha by way of the Doha Metro, providing opportunities to create a more dynamic urban environment within Qatar. ASTAD has managed and delivered some of Qatar’s most complex building and infrastructure projects, but the current rail projects must be the most complex to date? ASTAD has managed and delivered some of Qatar’s most complex building and infrastructure projects in various sectors of the construction industry. We have covered Education, Healthcare, Sports, Commercial, Residential and Transport, bringing together all the necessary components required to build a booming nation with a bright future. The rail projects are the largest in the world; a multi-billion dollar state-of-the-art integrated rail network.The planned national

network will unify all railway in Qatar and will be connected to neighboring countries to create the region’s first fully integrated rail system. By combining traditional elements with modern features, these programs will generate the region’s most comfortable, reliable, and safe railway system. The rail projects are new in Qatar and the region and therefore a different set of resources are required. However, we are looking forward with our joint ventures to play a strategic role within Qatar’s transportation sector and in supporting the nation’s journey towards sustainable and green development. Is everything going to plan and are you happy that you will meet the deadline for completion? Partnering to resolve the client’s problems is our challenge. Our job is to make sure that everything is going to plan and meeting the client’s expectations. Our core strategy is focused on the delivery of excellence. Our client expects dependability, timeliness, quality and cost effectiveness. Our objective is to exceed expectations and deliver quality which we consider not negotiable.

92 ARCELORMITTAL

A LEADING STEEL FIBRE SUPPLIER TO THE TUNNELLING INDUSTRY ARCELORMITTAL FIBRES SIGNED THREE CONTRACTS TO SUPPLY MORE THAN 22,000 TONNES OF STEEL FIBRES TO THE DOHA METRO PROJECT IN QATAR. THIS FOLLOWED THE CONTRACTS SIGNED BY ARCELORMITTAL FIBRES TO PROVIDE MORE THAN 12,000 TONNES OF STEEL FIBRES FOR TRANSPORT FOR LONDON’S CROSSRAIL PROJECT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THESE TWO PRESTIGIOUS GLOBAL REFERENCES STRENGTHEN ARCELORMITTAL FIBRES’ POSITION AS A RELIABLE, COMPETITIVE PARTNER IN THE INTERNATIONAL TUNNELLING SECTOR.

ArcelorMittal Fibres’ use of new premium-quality steel fibre grade HE++, was key to winning these contracts. Fully compliant with client specifications, this new premium fibre steel grade has a very high tensile strength. The tensile strength of ArcelorMittal Fibres’ HE++ grades are almost double that of standard steel fibres. This provides superior fibre reinforced concrete performance compared to other fibres available in the market, and results in overall cost savings as the improvement of concrete performance at low dosage rates1, reduces the amount of steel required.

Doha Metro Project in Qatar Red Line South ArcelorMittal Fibres successfully supplied the consortium led by QDVC2, with 7,520 tonnes of HE++ 90/60 premium steel fibres for the production of tunnel lining segments for the Doha Metro’s Red Line South. Red Line North ArcelorMittal Fibres successfully supplied 7,600 tonnes of HE++ 75/50 for the production of tunnel lining segments to Doha Metro’s Red Line North in a contract signed with precast manufacturer SMEET. This supplier consortium was led by Italian company Impregilo3 who were responsible for the construction of the line. Golden Line Qatari construction materials supplier

CCI (Commodore Cement Industries), were supplied with 6,400 tonnes of HE++ 90/60 for the Doha Metro’s Golden Line, for the production of tunnel lining segments. The line was constructed by a JV led by Aktor4. ArcelorMittal’s DSTC offices in Dubai and Qatar worked closely with ArcelorMittal Fibres to fulfil project delivery requirements. Steel for all three projects was produced in ArcelorMittal WireSolutions sites from Bissen, Luxemburg; Sheffield, United Kingdom and Syców, Poland. "We engaged early with project team members including engineers of several disciplines, site managers and procurement. We provided advice and support on site during testing and evaluation of concrete performance. Using our experience, we were able to advise and supply the dosing equipment required for the projects. We handled all the logistics requirements to each of the projects from our European plants. All this ensured ArcelorMittal Fibres was able to provide optimised solutions

WILHELM NELL, STEEL FIBRE HEAD OF SALES AND SENIOR SALES SPECIALIST FOR TUNNEL LINING PROJECTS

for its customers," says Wilhelm Nell, Steel Fibre Head of Sales and Senior Sales Specialist for Tunnel Lining Projects. ArcelorMittal Fibres success in Doha continues in 2016 as we remain the sole supplier of steel fibres for the IDRIS project. The delivery of our HE++ 90/60 began in April 2016 and will continue into 2017 for the MTS01 with the Bouygues, Urbacon, CSM Bessac joint venture. "These are excellent examples of our leading position in the steel fibre business, demonstrating how we offer our customers best-in-class products, best-in-class service and best-in-class support for their projects. ArcelorMittal Fibres remains a strong solutions provider and a reliable partner to all our customers in the tunnelling industry demonstrating everyday our shared ambition to ensure the success of every customers in every project," says José Ramón González, Steel Fibre Manager.

JOSÉ RAMÓN GONZÁLEZ, STEEL FIBRE MANAGER

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94 MSHEIREB PROPERTIES

REGENERATING THE HISTORICAL HEART OF OLD DOHA CULTURE AND HERITAGE ARE AT THE HEART OF QATARI SOCIETY, WITH THE COUNTRY’S SOCIAL WARMTH, BOTTOMLESS HOSPITALITY, MUSIC, HANDICRAFTS AND DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE HELPING TO CREATE A LAND BUZZING WITH ENERGY AND HISTORY; A NATION WITH ALL OF THE AMENITIES OF MODERN LIFE, FROM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY THROUGH TO INTERNATIONAL RETAIL BRANDS, BUT WITH A RICH AND FASCINATING PAST.

MSHEIREB PROPERTIES P.O. BOX 34040 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44590459 E: INFO@MSHEIREB.COM W: WWW.MSHEIREB.COM

Qatar has its roots in seafaring and nomadiatic societies, who placed great emphasis on providing for everyone at home. This aspect is reflected in today’s close-knit, family-focused culture, and through its pursuit of preserving and enriching its cultural inheritance and traditions in such a way to make it adaptable to the soul and impulses of contemporary life. Nowhere is this more true than at Msheireb Properties’ flagship project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, which will regenerate and preserve the historical centre of old Doha, with the QR20 billion development reviving the one-time commercial heart of the city through a new architectural language that is based on community living, across a 31 hectare site.

Mud, Stone and Coral Doha’s earliest homes were traditional adobe courtyard houses that formed a low skyline punctuated by the domes and minarets of mosques. At the time, buildings were plain dwellings of one or two rooms, built from mud, stone and coral. A dense network of streets and

passageways provided refuge from the intense midsummer heat. The old Msheireb area was the heart of the city, and was connected directly to the waterfront before the construction of the corniche. It allowed vehicular access bordering Souk Waqif, with the route of the old wadi running between them to the sea. It is from this old wadi of cooling fresh water that the name ‘Msheireb’, Arabic for ‘a place to drink water’, was born. The area is also home to Al Kahraba Street, Arabic for electricity, one of the oldest and most important parts of old Doha; the first street to get electricity in Qatar, making it a true reflection of Msheireb’s rising commercial importance. The discovery and development of Qatar’s’s oil and gas resources in the 1950s marked a major shift in the course of the nation’s early progress. The transformation from a small trading and fishing hub to an advanced metropolitan area over a few short decades resulted in enormous changes to the identity of Doha and the life of its residents. Msheirieb Properties stands out as a leader in this new identity evolution.

Msheireb Properties has held steadfast in its pledge to the Qatar National Vision 2030 of transforming the country from a carbon-based society to a knowledge economy. Through a robust corporate vision and mission, Msheireb Properties is enhancing the social and economic dynamism, cultural heritage and quality of life in Doha and reconnecting Qataris with their heritage, language and identity, by the utilisation of traditional building practices, the resoration of historical buildings, and the development of major cultural attractions. As a result of Msheireb Properties’ dynamic corporate vision, Msheireb Downtown Doha was born of a desire to redefine the course of the city’s development by aiding in its modernisation and continued economic progression, while also preserving the cultural roots upon which Doha was founded.

Meeting the Aspirations of the Qatari People Msheireb Downtown Doha is emboldened with an ambitious and pioneering vision, which is to revolutionise

MSHEIREB PROPERTIES 95 The four courtyard houses, including the family house of Mohammed bin Jassim, the son of the founder of modern Qatar, have been converted into culturally important museums, cultural centres and exhibition buildings. Embedded in local history, these courtyards and spaces showcase significant aspects of Qatar’s history and memories of old Doha.

Retail Quarter

the way that people think about working and living by changing the urban landscape and by being a groundbreaking mixed-use sustainable regeneration development that fosters a greater sense of community and drives economic prosperity. The project represents the vision of Msheireb Properties’ chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser - to develop built environments that mirror the culture and aspirations of the Qatari people. In order to achieve this Msheireb Properties has partnered with industry leaders and experts to align the architectural lessons of the past with the latest in eco-friendly technologies; to realise an architectural language that is pertinent, inspiring and beyond doubt Qatari. This new architectural language is used to create buildings of a shared DNA, reviving local heritage and culture through a unified architectural idiom. In fact, Msheireb Downtown Doha can be summarised in one phrase: ‘rooted in the past while looking to the future’.

Hosting Five Heritage Quarters Msheireb Downtown Doha is destined to become a pulsating and colourful mixeduse space that offers tourists, residents and commercial tenants a wide variety of reasons to live, work or visit. It will contain of in excess of 300 retail shops, over 100,000m2 of leasable office area, more than 10,000 parking spaces, four hotels, including a Mandarin Oriental and a Park Hyatt Hotel, 17 office buildings, a medical facility and an international school, museums, spacious apartments, leading department stores, a supermarket, cinema, children’s entertainment outlets and expansive retail outlets, large fashion brands, and casual and fine dining restaurants. But that simple explanation does not do the development full justice, for Msheireb Downtown Doha is genuinelly different, standing out as a unique concept in the midst of some of the most forward-looking and exciting projects on earth. It will, for instance, play host to five heritage quarters: Diwan Amiri Quarter, Heritage Quarter, Retail Quarter, Mixed-use and Residential

Quarter, and the Business Gateway.

Diwan Amiri Quarter Situated in the northeast corner of the project, the Diwan Amiri Quarter resides adjacent to both the Amiri Diwan and the Al Koot Fort. The personality of this neighbourhood is established first and foremost by its relationship with the Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s seat of government. The Diwan Amiri Quarter is a cluster of three stone-clad public buildings, comprising the Diwan Annexe – the administrative headquarters building for the Amiri Diwan, the Amiri Guard Building, and the Qatar National Archive. The storehouse of Qatar’s heritage, the Qatar National Archive facing Doha Bay, the Eid Prayer Ground and Souk Waqif, will all be prominent landmarks. The Diwan Amiri Quarter is inimitably rooted in Qatar’s heritage and tradition; the Qatar National Archive is based on the form of a time-honoured fort-like tower, while the Diwan Annexe building‘s outward-looking form surrounded by ‘liwan’ balconies is based on the traditional ‘diwania’ or small palace. In addition, the shape of the Amiri Guard Building reflects both the courtyard house and the fort, and the structural openings within its thick masonry walls echo the ‘Malqaf ’ or breathing wall of traditional Qatari houses.

Heritage Quarter The Heritage Quarter is a historic area where traditional courtyard houses and the Msheireb Prayer Ground, dating from the early 20th century, have been restored, together with a newly constructed mosque. A specialist and highly experienced team of leading local and international architects and industry experts oversaw the renovation and conservation of the four historical buildings. The Heritage Houses that comprise Msheireb Museums, include Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed bin Jassim House and Radwani House. The historical buildings have transformed the Heritage Quarter and have created an important cultural destination within the development.

The Retail Quarter is a lively and bustling location that features the Galleria, an enclosed shopping mall, with several international flagship stores, cinema, supermarket, children’s edutainment zone, and numerous dining outlets. Additionally, there will be beautiful outdoor areas such as Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, a pedestrian-only street with the finest cafés, al fresco dining, and small unique boutiques. This will add an extra level of sophistication to the retail experience. The Retail Quarter will be distinctive in a number of ways, not least in that it will be largest covered public square in the entire region, Barahat Msheireb. This square will be one of the main features of the Msheireb Downtown Doha project, offering a wide range of dining and café options. Al Barahat Msheireb, will be an urbanised version of the Middle Eastern majlis, fostering communication, interaction and integration between different residential communities. The floor of the square will be ‘carpeted’, clad in gold paving in order to recreate the richness and warmth of a traditional interior. The neighbouring buildings draw powerfully on the Qatari vernacular, helping to mark out a new Qatari architectural legacy. Cues have been taken from indigenous building types, which are accomplished at dealing with the challenging local climate and engaging with nature. The streetscape is a vital part of the development, and sculpting the space between the various buildings is as essential as designing the buildings themselves. The two office blocks on the perimeter of the regeneration scheme will wrap around a common visual atrium - a ‘vertical majlis’.

This space acts as a crowd-puller, drawing in people and creating a prominent address. Clad in ‘mother of pearl’, the majlis is lit continuously with a harmonious blue/grey hue that intensifies towards the summer months. The deep walls bestow exceptional thermal massing and the lively pattern of openings in the facade varies to provide sun protection and privacy from the adjacent residential buildings where it is required. The retractable roof of Barahat Msheireb will be one of the commnuity’s defining features by enabling Barahat Msheireb to adapt to both the cool temperatures of the winter and the often blistering heat of the summer. Anchored by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this pulsating square will be active throughout the year, with live street performances and displays, plus seasonal and community events. Also located in the Retail Quarter is the Cultural Forum, a thriving expanse, which is destined to be the centre of Qatar’s arts and culture scene. This area comprises art house cinemas, exhibition halls and live performance theatres. The Cultural Forum will also house exquisite galleries to host a variety of displays and performances, as well as social gatherings and receptions. Additonally, the Retail Quarter will showcase a selection of different settings and styles to suit virtually any retail concept, including world-renowned fashion boutiques and a wide range of exclusive clothing, jewellery, home furnishing and electronics stores.

Mixed-Use & Residential Quarter Stunning green landscapes and community parks encompass the MixedUse Quarter. This neighbourhood will provide a combination of commercial, retail and residential properties that overlap the Retail Quarter. Clusters of elegant and welldesigned townhouses and apartments are boasted throughout the northern end of Al Kahraba Street and will be a much sought after upmarket residential address.

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Our company is in signage business for over 50 years. We are a manufacturer for indoor and outdoor signage. Our clients include some of Qatar largest and most prestigious companies and institutions in both the public and private sectors. These organizations have identified our capabilities and have further appreciated our client centered approach, fast response times and high quality service jobs of all sizes.

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MSHEIREB PROPERTIES 97 Eye-catching and spacious homes, which all stay true to the rich heritage of the Qatari people, will offer state-of-the-art amenities integral to modern living. These unique and iconic dwellings are designed with the Qatari lifestyle in mind, delivering extraordinary living environments that provide privacy and security together with generous indoor and outdoor spaces and superb functionality. The residential offering will also include modern apartments with world-class fittings and finishes geared for a cosmopolitan society, complete with contemporary amenities in a secure neighbourhood. The western edges of the quarter are formed by high-profile office buildings, a school and a mixture of apartments, while the centre of the quarter contains residences and a mosque, along with a cluster of shops and services. Carefully planned tram routes and public transportation services provide residents and visitors with a lifestyle of convenience in a seamlessly connected community. Trams and pedertrian friendly walkways deliver easy access to the Msheireb Station of the Qatar Rail Metro link, creating a centralized connection system that offers easy access to the rest of Doha.

Business Gateway The Business Gateway will be a boon for local and international companies looking to conduct business in Qatar and the Gulf. With several office buildings spread over 193,000m2, the Business Gateway will extend premium business amenities, supported by a mix of banking, personal and civic services, and ease of access through its convenient location. Moreover, the Business Gateway will offer a new type of architecture for offices, moving away from standalone towers to userfriendly, midrise and low-rise experiences. The project will provide a multitude of commercial offerings, complete with worldclass fittings and finishes, up-to-the-minute technology and infrastructure. The offices on Al Diwan Street, for instance, are integrated with the upscale living district and urban apartment areas, mosques, schools, banks and the future metro station on Sahat Al Nakheel. This business district lies close to the Retail Quarter and will be a short walk from the department store, the Galleria, and a vibrant café culture with food and beverage outlets. For the business traveller, this quarter is close to many hotels, from small boutique hotels to the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel, providing businesses with the convenience of meeting and conference facilities. All of these five heritage quarters contain a distinctive array of offerings, including government ministries, offices, luxurious residential units, green spaces, community

mosques, and four cultural heritage museums. This combination of retail, workspace and entertainment, which ranges from street performances to a multiplex cinema, will be unlike anything else ever seen in Qatar … or in the Gulf. Msheireb Downtown Doha will cater to a cross section of consumers, businesses and sightseers by designating multiple distinct geographic locations within the community, each with its own personality and style. In other words, there will be something for everyone.

alleyways were created with houses built on either side, and how they converged onto a baraha, an open-air town square. Finally, visitors to Radwani House, which was first built in the 1920s, can see how everyday family life in Qatar has evolved over the centuries, through pivotal moments such as the discovery of oil and the arrival of electricity. Excavation works at this vibrant site marked the first archaeological digs in the heart of the city and produced finds of great cobsequence, providing important clues to daily life during those times.

A Quartet of Inspirational Museums

Creating Sustainable Communities

Cultural preservation has always been at the forefront of Msheireb Properties vision of Msheireb Downtown Doha. In keeping with this philosphy four historical buildings have been restored and turned into museums that chart the changing face of Qatar. They are to be found the Heritage Quarter, and it is envisaged that they will educate the next generation and will bring back memories for older generations. These museums help to fulfil Msheireb Properties’ vision of maintaining the unique architectural identity of Qatar, in a location that is set to be the heart of the city. The quartet of historical buildings – Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House – have been preserved and restored by teams of experienced local and international experts. Materials that retain the spirit and building techniques of the original structure have been used in the restoration. The buildings all date from the early part of 20th century and, fully restored, they chronicle the economic history of Qatar through the early days of oil exploration, in addition to the social and cultural developments that have taken place. Bin Jelmood House charts the history of the global slave trade, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, and the changes caused by its abolition. Meanwhile, the former headquarters of Qatar’s very first oil company, Company House tells the story of the groundbreaking petroleum industry workers and their families whose work helped to transform Qatar. Exhibits include actual accounts from the Qatari men caught up in the pioneering days of the oil age, onto the challenges of World War II and beyond. The third museum, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, was constructed by the son of the founder of the state of Qatar, and its reconstruction focuses on the past, present and the sustainable aspects of the vast Msheireb Downtown Doha site. It also houses the Echo Memory Art Project, using objects discovered in the course of the demolition work on the site. Furthermore, the museum highlights the changes to the old district, describing how the narrow sikka

Msheireb Downtown Doha is being developed as part of Msheireb Properties’ mission and vision to be a pioneer in building innovative and sustainable communities that are inspired by Qatar’s cultural heritage, while also working to safeguard that same heritage. It is the company’s aim to be the leading real estate developer, creating and managing transformational projects through innovative thinking and planning, whilst enriching the lives of both individuals and communities and encouraging more sustainable and environmentally responsible behaviour, as well as a greater understanding of local, regional, and international heritage. Three years of exhaustive research was invested in ensuring that the blueprint of Msheireb Downtown Doha integrated the true spirit and aesthetics of Qatari architecture, resulting in a modern, highly functional and sustainable development, but with a traditional ambiance. Msheireb Downtown Doha’s aesthetic influences are derived from several architectural languages that derive from traditional Qatari architecture, and prioritise proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, and management of the local climate. The overall strategic mission and vision of the project is to reverse the pattern of real estate development in Doha in recent years, which has tended to encourage isolated and energy-intensive land use, urban sprawl, and an over-reliance on car transport.

Development Phases In order to build upon master planning that emphasises balancing traditional and modern architectural forms, Msheireb Downtown Doha is being constructed in six distinct phases: • Phase 1A: This consists of the Diwan Amiri Quarter and includes the Qatar National Archive, Diwan Annexe, Amiri Guard building, mosque, Eid Prayer Ground and museums that are created within the four heritage buildings. Amenities and infrastructure such as a district cooling plant, substations and service corridors are also featured within this phase. • Phases 1B and 1C: Including a mosque and an exclusive residential component, these two phases will comprise business and retail areas, along with townhouses, apartments, civic buildings and a school. The larger parts of both the Barahat Msheireb and Al Kahraba Street areas also come under this phase, housing the true heart of the development, with hospitality, dining, and entertainment options, all alongside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Cultural Forum. • Phase 2: Comprises retail space, offices, apartments, a hotel and a galleria, encompassing a cinema, children’s edutainment and a supermarket. • Phase 3: This will feature a cosmopolitan, mid-rise, mostly residential community, providing apartments, a hotel, amenities, dining and retail components, along with commercial offices and a luxury department store. • Phase 4: Sahat Al Nakheel will form much of the final phase of the development and represents the main transportation hub for Msheireb Downtown Doha. An array of shops, cafés and restaurants will cater to offices, in addition to apartments, amenities, a post office, medical clinic and a hotel.

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Business, Education and Smart City Technology Msheireb Downtown Doha will be the hub of Qatar’s new Financial City, after the recent announcement of the relocation of Qatar Financial Centre and its licenced firms to Msheireb Downtown Doha. This move will make Msheireb Downtown Doha the Wall Street of the Middle East by creating a centralized business location that will transform the way the organizations do business in Qatar and the region. The new Financial City, as with the entire Msheireb Downtown Doha community, will be equipped with state-of-the-art smart city technology that integrates multiple information and communications systems that drive intelligent network connectivity and robust processing solutions in both business and residential spaces. In Msheireb Downtown Doha, people will live, work, learn, consume and interact through the use of this advanced smart city technology that allows the seamless control and monitoring of all aspects of the home and office, including lighting, air conditioning, curtains & blinds, security, energy performance, multi-room A/V, in addition to security systems and location features all from mobile or tablet devices. Another exciting feature will be the a sixlevel 10,000 car underground parking garage, which will be one of the world largest parking spaces. Education will also be an imperative part of this blossoming community as Msheireb Properites aims to educate and to inspire young minds. Qatar Academy Msheireb will be the first school to be opened at the development. It has a 12,754m2 campus and can accommodate up to 450 students. Facilities at the dual language Arabic and English school include a swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, a gym, a dining hall, music and art rooms, and a library. There is also a student drop-off and pick-up zone in the building’s mezzanine.

The school is the fifth branch of the Qatar Foundation-run Qatar Academy chain, whose private, non-profit schools cater to pre-school, primary and high school students. Other branches are located in Education City, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, and Sidra.

Visiting the Prayer Grounds The community’s prayer grounds, which run alongside Jassim Bin Mohammed Street for a full city block, are located directly across from Al Koot Fort near Souq Waqif. The 3200m2 facility has a capacity for 3612 people, and parking is available at Souq Waqif and the Al Shoukh Mosque. There are three main entry points on Jassim Bin Mohammed and Masat streets. Its interior features include stone-clad finishes to walls and floors, a drinking fountain, and 100 metres of classical Arabic calligraphy. Throughout the 20th century, the Msheireb Prayer Ground was located at the edge of the old downtown, occupying a position adjacent to the burial ground and Al Koot Fort. As Doha developed during the oil boom, the space was formalised with an enclosing wall.

Sustainable Construction and Living Sustainability is central to the Msheireb Downtown Doha project, in terms of both the conservation of natural resources and the quality of its design. Every single building within the development will aim for an average Gold rating under the internationally recognised LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system developed by the US Green Building Council, while a number of buildings will aim for a Platinum rating. The entire project features sustainable design that consumes fewer resources, generates less waste, costs less to operate, and achieves a reduced carbon footprint.

This is an important corporate mandate that aligns Msheireb Properties with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Msheireb Downtown Doha was designed so that the entire community would be sustainable. In actual fact, the development will be equipped with the highest concentration of LEED-certified sustainable buildings in the region. Furthermore, buildings are being constructed to yield reciprocal shading to reduce the reliance on energy consuming air-conditioning systems, and both houses and commercial spaces will be equipped with photovoltaic solar panels to deliver clean efficient energy to heat water and for electricity. Water saving irrigation systems will alsao feature. In addition, the streets have been shaped to capture the cooling winds and the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways have been designed so they are shaded from the sun. Msheireb Properties is also committed to ensuring that the community is pedestrian friendly by encouraging walking and cycling, plus easy access to Doha’s new metro station.

An Award-Winning Development - Best Developer of the Year Msheireb Downtown Doha has already received many plaudits and awards, including the ‘Best Conserving Building’ award in the Government Sector category at the fourth annual 'Conserving Building Competition', organised by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al- Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, and as part of Kahramaa’s National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency-Tarsheed, the competition recognises buildings that promote best practice in conservation of energy, water and other natural resources for continued sustainable development of Qatar. Msheireb Properties was applauded for its innovative approach to sustainable development and regeneration, and won the award for its work on the Qatar Academy Msheireb. Opened in September 2015, it was officially the first building to start operations in Msheireb Downtown Doha and spans an area of 12,754m2. The world- class establishment contains a spacious swimming pool, a dedicated dining area, music and art rooms, basketball and volley ball courts, a gymnasium, as well as a comprehensive library. Judged by an elite panel of industry experts, the competition witnessed a strong participation from leading organisations representing diverse business sectors in Qatar and was held under the theme ‘Become One with Nature’. Most recently the Msheireb Properties was presented with the Developer of the Year Award 2016 at the Arabian Business

Achievment Awards- Qatar. This honour recognised Msheireb Downtown Doha as being groundbreaking as a large-scale sustainable urban regeneration project. Msheireb Properties won handily in a heavily competitive field that included some of the top developers and projects in Qatar.

A Development that Defines Qatar’s Future The ongoing evolution of Msheireb Downtown Doha is a truly exciting time for the entire team at Msheireb Properties, with the organisation committed to focusing on environmental conservation and energy efficiency. This translates to more efficient use of resources, minimised waste and reduced carbon footprint. To date, Msheireb Properties has earned the ISO certification from the British Standards Institution for quality (ISO 9001:2008), environmental performance (ISO 14001:2004), and occupational health, safety (BS OHSAS 18001:2007), ISO 31000:2009 for Risk Management Standard and (ISO 9001, 14001 & OHSAS 18001) and for Surveillance Audit. Msheireb Downtown Doha, whilst looking to the wisdom and culture of the past, is very much a development for the future. Pulling away from skyscrapers and utilitarian office buildings, Msheireb Properties has choosen to return to a design and architecture that that runs through the very blood of the Qatari people, promoting and encouraging hospitality, tradition and a local culture that speaks directly to the soul of the nation.

A Unique Commercial Opportunity Seamlessly blending entertainment, restaurants and art with a sense of community to deliver a true lifestyle experience, Msheireb Downtown Doha presents a unique combination of connectivity, convergence and collaboration. Pairing the new Financial City and its location in the heart of Doha, it will offer businesses a superior competitive advantage. The project now available for retail, residential and commercial leasing provides a centralised platform in Qatar offering a range of space and flexible floorplans. Utilising state-of-the-art technology, modern infrastructure including one of the world’s largest metro stations, 24/7 property management services and a wealth of amenities, Msheireb Downtown Doha is redefining urban living. To find out about retail, residential and commercial leasing opportunities at Msheireb Downtown Doha, Please call us on: 800 DOHA (800 3642), +974 4485 7777 or e-mail us on leasing@msheireb.com

ROOTS QATAR W.L.L. - CASE STUDY 99

A ‘Can Do’ Attitude’ “It’s Amazing what we can achieve when we work together”

ur constant quest for improvement has established Teyseer as a leading business group in Qatar with many of our group companies as market leaders in their respective fields of operations. Over the past more than 40 years, Teyseer has redefined the dynamics of trust, reputation, customer service, honesty and transparency, leading to our growth and success, which inspire our values and business principles. We have always believed in the vision and wisdom which reminds us that “We cannot discover new oceans, if we lack the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown Doha is designed to restore and preserve the historical heart of the city, utilising the latest in ‘green’ technologies, whilst also paying close attention to traditional craftsmanship. With this in mind, it is important that only the most professional and highly motivated companies work on the project; companies such as Roots Qatar, which has a solid reputation for superior quality workmanship and a fast, friendly service. Established in 2002, Root Qatar has professionals of vast experience in various engineering fields throughout the Middle East, providing specialist knowledge and expertise in architectural and industrial painting/coating works, floors and decks epoxy coating, waterproofing works, , Crack Injection, Concrete Repair & Protection and fireproofing works. At Msheireb Downtown Doha, the company’s scope of works, being carried out on behalf of client Carillon QBC JV, incorporates painting (both internal and external), epoxy, car park floor coating, and water tank coating. Roots Qatar’s experience will ensure that every step of the process is completed using the most timeefficient and cost-effective means. In order to achieve this, the company employ a team of experienced and qualified machinery operators,

painters, waterproofing technicians, fireproofing technicians, masons, and a team of dedicated labourers. As a company, Roots Qatar is committed to ensuring that the work it does and the decisions it makes are underpinned by the core values of honesty and integrity. And of course, the business wouldn’t be the success it is today without the ‘can do’ attitude of employees at all levels of the company, all of whom provide a responsive, efficient service with a priority given to determining the exact requirements of clients and then providing professional solutions to ensure complete satisfaction first time, every time.

As Qatar continues to move steadily towards becoming the region’s main economic power, we are as determined as before to be a part of our country’s promising future. We are always open to business and to new ideas, because we believe, an open mind is one that can take full advantage of opportunities, and it’s amazing what you can achieve, when you work together. Abdul Rahman Essa Al Mannai Chairman, Teyseer Group

TEYSEER TRADING & CONTRACTING CO. WLL P.O. BOX 1556 | Airport Road Doha, Qatar TEL: +974 4462 2226 | EMAIL: info@teyseergroup.com www.teyseergroup.com

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THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE RIGHT TIME ALMANA REAL ESTATE IS WELLKNOWN AND HIGHLY RESPECTED IN THE MARKET FOR DELIVERING A BROAD ARRAY OF SUPERIOR QUALITY SERVICES ACROSS THE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE.

ALMANA REAL ESTATE P.O. BOX 491 DOHA QATAR T: +974 44489151 E: INFO@ALMANAMOTORS.COM.QA W: WWW.ALMANAMOTORS.QA

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A division of the Almana Group, ARE has been active in the State of Qatar for over 30 years, and is today recognised as one of the leading property development companies in the country, developing and managing a wide range of commercial, industrial and residential properties, including luxury and standard compound villas, commercial buildings and showrooms, residential apartments, labour camps, warehouses and workshops. Employing one of the most highly qualified and experienced teams in the industry, ARE strives to develop property and investment opportunities that add value, and is well positioned to be both flexible and diverse, making considered decisions in order to identify the right opportunities at the right time. The company is known for the quality of its properties and the high level of customer service it offers to all of its clients. Moreover, focusing on corporate clients, ARE offers exclusive packages that are tailor-made for very specific and individual requirements.

Extensive Project Portfolio The company’s existing property portfolio includes, but is not limited to: • Palm City Gardens, Al Waab – a 128 Villa Luxury Compound • 55 Villa Compound, Laqtha – Luxury Villa Compound • Palm City Compound, Salwa Road – 29 Standard Villa Compound • Palm City Apartments, Bin Mahmood – 56 Apartments

• Almana Tower, Airport Road – Showroom and Office Building • UCA Building, Airport Road – Showroom and Office Building • Staff and Labour Accommodation Buildings at Industrial Area. • Administrative Building in Industrial Area • Warehouses in Industrial Area • Factory in Industrial Area

ALMANA REAL ESTATE 103 ARE also has a number of projects in progress, scheduled for completion in the near future. These include the Palm City Commercial Complex on Salwa Road (Showroom and Office Building); Markaz Almana on Airport Road (Showroom and Office Building); Labour camps in the Industrial Area; a Commercial and Office

• • • • • • •

Building in the Industrial Area; and Ain Khaled, a compound consisting of 93 Villas.

A Flexible Approach to Business The company itself is headquartered in one of Doha’s landmark towers; Almana Tower on Airport Road, with its broad expertise allowing it to build a varied

Piping & Pipelines Storage Tanks & Spheres Vessels & Columns Power Station Construction Desalination Plant Construction Pumping Stations Treatment Plants

portfolio of development projects and investment assets, covering the residential, commercial and industrial sectors in some of Qatar’s most sought after locations. Looking to the future, ARE is committed to continuing this growth trajectory, whilst remaining highly focused on the meticulous analysis and the fiscal obligations of every

project. The company’s ongoing evolution and expansion will be led by where ARE foresees the greatest opportunities, using its breadth of experience and expertise to retain flexibility as market conditions continue to progress and develop.

Civil Engineering Construction of Residential & Commercial bldg. Earthworks & Road Construction Shutdown & Turnaround Services in Oil & Gas, Fertilizer & Waste Water Treatment Plants • Total Design, Procurement & Installation Of Structural Steel & Metal Works • • • •

Manco International - Almana Group Airport Rd, Almana Tower, 11th Floor P.O.Box : 15981, Doha - Qatar | Tel: +974 4448 9919 | Fax: +974 4462 2041 Email: manco@almanagroup.com | Web: www.almanagroup.com

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