Upgrading its domestic transport system is among Qatar's investment priorities in the decade, funding at least $70 billion worth of projects that have already been planned.
The biggest chunk of the infrastructure spending will be poured into the country's rail and metro network, where more than $35 billion will be invested in the next ten years.
In addition, Qatar plans to modernize its road systems through an extensive expressway buildup worth a total of $20 billion of contracts. Other investment priorities include future expansion plans for the $12.5 billion Doha International Airport.
"The next 10 years will be a crucial turning for Qatar's transition into a highly progressive metropolis, with a transport system that will be amongst the most modern in the world," said Edmund O' Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events, organizers of the 4th Annual Qatar Transport Conference scheduled on May 27-29, 2013 at the Renaissance Doha City Centre Hotel.
"For contractors, project owners and developers as well as other transport industry stakeholders, there has never been a better opportunity to understand the key issues and challenges shaping Qatar's transport requirements than at the conference, which will provide an essential breakdown of the country's transportation sector by key experts and panelists," he said.
The transport masterplan includes an upgrade of 400-600 kms of existing roads at an estimated cost of $8 billion; as well as expansions for Qatar's three main ports – Ras Laffan City, Mesaieed City and Doha Commercial Port.
In addition to gaining key insights about Qatar's transport sector, delegates attending the conference will be able to earn Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits at a networking and knowledge-sharing session being held in association with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Other presentations and panel discussions will cover the entire spectrum of transport projects in Qatar, including rail, ports, freight, and airport developments. As a major international event, Qatar Transport 2013, supported by Bentley, EC Harris, Grace Construction Products, Hyder Consulting and Louis Berger, will attract a large and influential international audience, and thus provide attendees unprecedented networking opportunities that are available with high profile government representatives, project owners, general engineering consultants, contractors, financiers & investors, and specialist service providers to the transport industry.
The Saudi Gazette
22 April
