Emir opens Hamad Port

His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani led yesterday’s inauguration of the $7.4bn Hamad Port, which is expected to rake in some QR2.5bn in direct and indirect investments once fully operational.The ceremony was highlighted by His Highness the Emir’s placement of Hamad Port’s logo on the project model, marking the official opening of the 28.5sq km port, whose full capacity will exceed 7.5mn containers per year on completion of all its construction phases.During the event, the Emir met with ministers and senior officials from Morocco, Oman, Italy, Iran, France, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, and Kuwait who attended the inauguration ceremony held in the Umm Al Houl area south of Doha. The meeting discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.Similarly, HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani also met with the visiting dignitaries during the Hamad Port’s official opening and discussed with them how to develop and promote bilateral relations in various sectors.Speaking at the event, HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said His Highness the Emir foresaw “all the hard possibilities of the future” and motivated the nation “to face all of its challenges.”“We say this as we introduce today a major element of Qatar National Vision 2030, which will see Qatar become an attractive economic destination in every sense of the word. “Hamad Port demonstrates this most vividly as it has played a very important role recently by providing direct marine shipping routes with key regional and world seaports in a short time, thus contributing to securing the goods, supplies, and all that is needed for our vital projects,” al-Sulaiti stressed.The minister said Hamad Port will contribute to increasing trade volume between Qatar and other global markets. He also noted that the port will create job opportunities for the youth, raise living standards, and improve Qatar’s competitiveness by transforming it into a regional business centre.“We have proven beyond any doubt how much we are flexible but steadfast when it comes to facing challenges without compromising values, traditions, and ambitions. We have all reason today to keep our heads up, given the amount of difficulties we have overcome and the challenges we have faced. Today, we are stronger and more determined with even more options at hand,” al-Sulaiti said. The transport minister noted that construction of the Hamad Port was completed “ahead of schedule” and “below budget.”“This magnificent construction will be remembered in history as a sign of gratitude from this dignified nation to His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. This giant gateway carries His Highness the Father Emir’s name, which, in our memory and world memory, will be synonymous with the maker of miracles in this land.“This would not have been achieved without the guiding directives and unlimited encouragement from His Highness the Emir and the active support from HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani. Such great support has had a great impact in energising our drive and increasing the momentum for more work and dedication,” al-Sulaiti said.