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Qatar is brimming with opportunities, evidenced across various sectors including tourism, infrastructure and modular construction, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and fuelled by the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Construction Week captured the bustling construction activity in the nation through its recently-concluded Leaders in Construction Qatar Summit 2021.
The conference – held virtually on 23 November 2021 – featured three panel discussions, namely How is FIFA World Cup 2022 shaping Qatar’s construction landscape?; The huge pipeline of infrastructure projects in Qatar; and Development projects changing the face of Qatar’s tourism sector.
The event was sponsored by Khatib & Alami, Cundall, RMD Kwikform and Reed Smith.
Here are key highlights and insights gathered from the three-panel virtual event:
Panel 1: How is FIFA World Cup 2022 shaping Qatar’s construction landscape?
The first panel explored the construction of stadiums and additional service facilities that transformed the construction scene in Qatar, as the sector remains robust, bolstered by FIFA World Cup 2022-related construction activity.
Panel 2: The huge pipeline of infrastructure projects in Qatar.
The second panel discussion focused on how transportation projects, as well as the rapid expansion of road, rail, and metro networks are shaping up now that Qatar has opened up to international participation. It also explored the benefits they are bringing to the country’s economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 agenda.
Panel 3: Development projects changing the face of Qatar’s tourism sector.
Tourism is a crucial pillar of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, and the sector is actively developing a number of critical innovations and projects to diversify its tourism assets. The third and final panel of the Leaders in Construction Qatar Summit gathered insight from panellists on how the construction of such projects will change the face of tourism and position Qatar on the global tourism map.
The panellists hinted at exciting updates and developments shaping Qatar’s tourism market. Furthermore, they explained how Qatar is making headway with efforts to diversify its oil-driven economy, with tourism fuelling this diversification.
Speaking at the event about the massive tourism development in the nation, Cundall’s Baeuerle said: “Over the last five years, we have seen so many different theme parks in Qatar. And, there are more and more to come. Additionally, we are seeing increasingly the beautification of Qatar.”
He added: “Before, Qatar was always positioned as a business destination. It was not so much seen as a leisure destination, and that is the direction it is moving in right now.”
Qatar’s Lusail City has been integral to its current position as an upcoming tourism hub. The city has been planned and developed for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.
Commenting on the activity in Lusail City, Aoun said: “The race to finish mega projects is amplifying the construction to have Lusail City ready to welcome visitors.”
“Tourism will lead the way towards diversification for Qatar. This is the future, and the FIFA World Cup is a stepping stone,”
Dr Max Clark, Vice President – Delivery Services, Parsons
The sun is indeed shining bright on Qatar’s infrastructure and construction landscape and developments and it will be interesting to note how the region follows through and achieves an ambitious mandate.
