$140bn infrastructure projects underway

Qatar plans to spend an average of over 10% of its national output annually on building infrastructure as it prepares to host the soccer World Cup in 2022. Here is a look at its major projects: INTEGRATED RAIL PROJECT This features a more than 300km rail system, including a metro network within Doha as well as high-speed passenger lines, a light rail system at Lusail City and a 195km freight line linking Mesaieed port to the industrial city of Ras Laffan; eventually, the project will be linked to a planned rail network across Gulf Co-operation Council countries. The second phase of the project will include a 150km high-speed line to Bahrain. Completion date: The first of the metro’s four lines is to be operational in 2019. Cost: $36bn. NEW DOHA PORT A seaport with capacity of 2mn 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) will be built at Mesaieed, which will be expanded to allow additional capacity in the second and third phases of the project. Completion date: 2016 for the first phase. The second and third phases will be completed after 2022. Cost: $7.4bn. HAMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Qatar’s new airport will feature two of the longest runways in the world and a 510,000sq m passenger terminal. Completion date: The airport will receive its first passengers on April 1; it will be fully operational in the second half of this year, with the final phase to be completed by 2015. Cost: $17.5bn. LUSAIL CITY One of the Gulf’s largest real estate developments, Lusail will cover 38sq km and house up to 200,000 people. It will contain residential areas, commercial districts including the $275mn Marina Mall project, 22 hotels, four islands and two golf courses. It will feature the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium, where the championship match of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament will be played. Completion date: 2020. Cost: $45bn. STADIUMS The country will build nine stadiums and renovate three existing facilities. Completion date: Varying from 2015 to 2019. Cost: $4bn. HIGHWAY PROGRAMME The Doha Expressway system will consist of 280km of dual four-lane roads. The 12km Lusail Expressway will connect Doha to Lusail City. The country is also building a 7.5km highway linking Doha and Dukhan. Completion date: 2016. Cost: $8.1bn. ROADS AND DRAINAGE Qatar plans to build approximately 150km of roads and drainage systems. Completion date: 2016. Cost: $14.6bn. IDRIS Sewage infrastructure project. Completion date: 2018. Cost: $2.5bn.    MSHEIREB A real estate project that will restore 750,000sq m of downtown Doha, the project will contain residential, retail and cultural areas as well as four hotels, all built in a style reminiscent of traditional Qatari architecture. Completion date: 2016. Cost: $6.4bn. AL-WAAB CITY A mixed-use project that will contain residential, retail and commercial facilities plus a hotel. Completion date: 2015. Cost: $2bn. DOHA FESTIVAL CITY A shopping mall and entertainment park. Completion date: 2016. Cost: $1.6bn.