Qatar Rail reaffirms support for local firms

Aspart of its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line withthe government’s diverse initiatives to encourage the local privatesector, Qatar Rail has solidified its commitment to support the privatesector in Qatar.Since inception, Qatar Rail has been steadfast inthe inclusion of various local private companies in the delivery of itsprojects. The company has long prioritised the provision ofopportunities to the Qatari private sector through its projects relatedto build and design and accompanying works.Since its establishmentin 2011, Qatar Rail began procuring civil works design and buildcontracts for Doha Metro Phase 1, completing procurement of the last ofthese contracts in 2014. To ensure local participation, Qatar Railstipulated that each civil works contractor must have at least oneQatari member at the joint venture level with the vision that this willfast-track the development of the local construction industry.As aresult, the Qatari construction sector now has greater experience oflarge complex projects and is better able to support development of keynational infrastructure for 2030 and beyond.In addition toparticipation at joint venture level, Qatar Rail requires itscontractors to maximise the use of local Qatari companies at subcontractlevel. This obligation is written into every contract awarded by QatarRail. Consequently, 1,998 subcontracts, which amounts to 84% of allsubcontracts, were awarded to Qatari companies.Most recently, QatarRail has awarded the service provider contract for Doha Metro Phase 1and Lusail Tram systems. In line with the company’s commitment togenerate more jobs locally, this contract is shaped in a way that itwill create up to 1,500 jobs in the local private sector.Furthermore,Qatar Rail is now looking to provide opportunities for private sectorinvestment to partner with Qatar Rail on several future projectsincluding Transit-oriented developments, Park-and-Ride facilities,future metro and tram projects, private use of state-owned transportinfrastructure for advertising, communications and other uses, renewableenergy schemes, provision of feeder systems for moving passengers inthe first and last portions of their journeys, and so forth.  QatarRail’s Managing Director and CEO Engineer Abdullah al-Subaie said thatQatar Rail is a staunch advocate of greater participation of the Qatariprivate sector. Qatar Rail has awarded over 80% of the projects beingimplemented so far to the private sector.Since the beginning, QatarRail has sought to encourage local companies to take part in jointventures with international companies. The local businesses can providetheir expertise on existing systems in the Qatari market, whileinternational companies can share their knowledge on the establishmentof a world-class rail network. Such partnerships add value to both thecompany itself and the project it is implementing, al-Subaie added.Heexpressed sincerest thanks to all local partners. “Were it not fortheir continuous support, our ambitious plans and achievements thus farwouldn’t have been possible. It is their support that keeps us both ontrack and on schedule”.For his part, Chairman of Al Bidda SwitchgearSheikh Suhaim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani expressed his pride at the QatarRail project as it supports the Qatar National Vision 2030, and addedthat his company managed to deliver to this mega project products thatare fully manufactured on Qatari soil.He noted that Qatar Rail hascontinuously provided the company with the support needed, working withthem like partners rather than suppliers.Meanwhile, Chairman ofQatar National Aluminium Panel Company (Q-NAP) Sheikh Naif Ali al-Thaniexpressed his commitment to continue to support Qatar Rail and thedelivery of the railway system.“At Qatar National Aluminium PanelCompany we make every effort to ensure our products and services aredelivered to the highest standards, worthy of this landmark project weare privileged to be a part of. The support that we received from QatarRail is unwavering, your patronage has played crucial role in promotinglocal companies and providing them with unparalleled opportunities forgrowth. Through your leadership and guidance you have helped us shapeour business to best comply with the highest standards set not onlylocally but internationally,” he said.Mohamed al-Jufairi, managingpartner of NFFCO Qatar pledged to continue being a part of the project,noting that it is a true reflection of Qatar National vision 2030.Hesaid that the opportunities given to the company in some of thepackages are remarkable, recognising the immeasurable support andcommitment of Qatar Rail towards the country’s economic development.