Latest news with #QatarNationalVision
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Our goal is to enhance level of institutional performance in line with QNV 2030: Municipality minister
DOHA: Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah has affirmed that the Ministry continues its tireless efforts to enhance institutional performance and provide high-quality government services that are in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 and meet the aspirations of citizens and residents. During his meeting with the Ministry's institutional excellence team, Al Attiyah said that institutional excellence is an effective tool for raising overall performance and enhancing customer satisfaction with the Ministry's services. He emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the work environment, as these are fundamental pillars of sustainable institutional development. The Ministry, he added, attaches significant importance to implementing the institutional excellence model across its various sectors to raise the efficiency of government performance and achieve higher levels of effectiveness and efficiency. The meeting reviewed the Ministry's progress in adopting institutional excellence standards as well as the efforts made to translate these standards into practical initiatives and development projects in various sectors.
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QNB Group CEO: QEF key to shaping global economy, growth
QNA Doha QNB Group Chief Executive Officer Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa has affirmed that the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, holds special significance this year as the world and region experience unprecedented dynamism. The event has become an ideal platform for providing forward-looking insights into the challenges facing global economies and growth opportunities. He stated that the forum comes just five years ahead of the realisation of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, making it a vital opportunity to discuss future factors that will influence the local economy, particularly within the financial, investment, and technology sectors. He noted that QNB's continued sponsorship of the Qatar Economic Forum reflects the Group's commitment to supporting a prestigious platform that brings together global leaders, policymakers and industry pioneers to explore the forces reshaping the global economy. He emphasised that making informed decisions about the future of the global economy is a top priority for governments and businesses amid rapid transformations. 'At QNB, we are always keen to align our goals with the national economy, while developing effective and sustainable solutions,' he said.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Old Doha Port unveils Minakom: a new standard for seamless arrivals through Qatar's maritime gateway
Doha, Qatar: Old Doha Port, Qatar's gateway to marine tourism, has announced the launch of Minakom, a pioneering digital platform that allows maritime tourists and visitors arriving by yachts and boats to complete entry procedures into Qatar (e.g. passport control and customs procedures) without disembarking their vessels. This milestone sets a new standard in maritime tourist arrival experiences, reinforcing Old Doha Port's position as a global gateway where tradition, technology, and hospitality converge, as well as offering visitors an exceptional entry to Qatar through this distinguished maritime gateway, similar to other well-known ports. Accessible through the official Old Doha Port website, Minakom offers a seamless experience for travelers sailing into Qatar. Visitors simply complete a digital inquiry form, connect with a logistics agent certified by the port to complete all necessary procedures with the relevant government officials, all from the comfort of their vessel. This process marks a first in the field of government services, reinforcing Qatar's national digital transformation and reflecting Old Doha Port's dedication to delivering best-in-class maritime hospitality while supporting the maritime sector and marine tourism. Engineer Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port, commented on the significance of the platform: 'Minakom embodies our vision of a reimagined harbor where heritage and innovation move in harmony. As we align with Qatar National Vision 2030, this launch strengthens our position in digital infrastructure, enhances tourism excellence, and redefines the arrival experience for maritime visitors to our shores. We also extend our gratitude to the involved partners from governmental entries for their cooperation during the planning and preparation phases and their collective efforts, which led to the development of a distinguished entry process for yacht and boat owners–an initiative that aligns with the port's goal to support marine tourism, which stems back to the port's opening in 2022. ' Since its soft launch, Minakom has facilitated the seamless entry and departure of 250 private vessels, underscoring growing demand for digital-first maritime services in Qatar. While Minakom is designed exclusively for those arriving aboard private yachts and other non-cruise vessels, its launch comes at a time of strong momentum for Old Doha Port. During the 2024/2025 cruise season, the terminal welcomed 87 large cruise ships and 396,265 passengers. This marked a 5% increase in visitor arrivals and a 19% rise in ship calls compared to the previous season. Together, these milestones highlight Old Doha Port's expanding role in supporting Qatar's broader tourism growth, both through traditional cruise channels and now through digital maritime services. The previous period saw an increase in the number of visitors arriving by private yachts, whose entry and exit processes are completed through Old Doha Port using the Minakom service. Through the Old Doha Port Marina, visiting yacht owners and marine tourists enjoy a range of special offers and a full suite of dedicated services designed to deliver convenience, comfort, and seamless support throughout their stay. For vessels up to 30 meters, the marina provides shore power connections (125 amps), freshwater supply, black water vacuum services, and around-the-clock professional line handlers to assist with secure mooring, ensuring a smooth docking experience from the moment they arrive. Additional amenities include two floating fuel stations inside the port supplying both diesel and petrol, and a floating local supermarket, with designated docking spots for easy access to essential groceries and supplies without leaving the water. The port also features a high-capacity maintenance yard, equipped with a 100-tonne crane to accommodate larger vessels, alongside a variety of marine workshops offering repairs, parts, and technical support on-site. With every innovation, Old Doha Port strengthens its role as the Middle East's leading hub for smart maritime tourism. As Qatar's official seaport, it stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation, delivering seamless guest experiences that advance national goals and set new global benchmarks for smart, sustainable maritime hospitality. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
‘Ashghal's ‘smart contracts' initiative to shore up transparency, reliability'
Regarding pending projects, he noted that Ashghal adopted alternative plans and exceptional measures to support current contractors and ensure the completion of work, emphasising that corrective measures will be taken to evaluate the performance of contractors and consultants and accelerate the pace of completion while maintaining quality and safety standards. As part of the government's commitment to enhancing the continued growth of the contracting sector, Ashghal announced financial and regulatory support worth QR21 billion provided to the sector, including in direct payments and burden-relief measures, particularly following the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include replacing maintenance reserves with bank guarantees in advanced projects, extending contracts for pending projects, and activating periodic contractor performance evaluations. The authority also reported significant progress in implementing the local added value program (ICV), which aims to support local companies and enhance economic independence. It recorded positive results, most notably an increase in the number of companies registered with Ashghal from 201 in the first quarter of 2022 to 733 in the third quarter of 2024, an increase in the percentage of contracts awarded to local suppliers to 77 percent, compared to only 10 percent in 2022, and a decrease in the percentage of companies whose certificates were not renewed from 47 percent to 11 percent, with a jump in ICV points from 3,024 to more than 23,447 points. In the digital transformation and enhancement of operational efficiency, Ashghal launched an initiative to automate financial data for service providers to expedite tendering procedures and reduce administrative burdens. This initiative relies on a central database that eliminates the need to upload financial data repeatedly. It also enables proactive monitoring of contractors' performance, allowing timely action to be taken to avoid any potential challenges. Al Meer pointed out that Ashghal is developing the 'smart contracts' initiative to raise levels of transparency and reliability, and reduce costs and human interventions through the use of advanced digital technologies in contract management, adding that this step represents a qualitative shift in the path of contract and project management, in line with Qatar National Vision to promote innovation and sustainability. He also pointed out that the Authority's corporate strategy for the period 2024-2030 will soon be accompanied by the launch of Ashghal's new identity with an updated look that reflects the Authority's future plans, as part of Ashghal's journey towards achieving the Third National Development Strategy, leading to Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this strategy, he explained, the Authority seeks to become a global leader in project and asset management by providing distinguished services and infrastructure that keep pace with the aspirations of future generations. He pointed out that Ashghal's primary mission is to deliver and manage assets, projects, and services in a sustainable manner to satisfy its customers. He further said that Ashghal will work to confront all challenges in order to maintain Qatar's position among the ranks of developed countries by giving top priority to implementing sustainable infrastructure projects that will benefit future generations and moving more towards digital transformation in all operations and procedures.
Arabian Business
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Qatar real estate market attracts global investors as Doha emerges as wealth hub, report Knight Frank
Doha is establishing itself as a hub for global wealth as Qatar's economy, opportunities across sectors and government planning attract international real estate investors, according to Knight Frank's latest report. The property consultancy's Doha Wealth Hub Series document, the first in a three-part examination of real estate markets in emerging Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) wealth centres, highlights the capital's growing status. Qatar's economic foundation stems from long-term national planning, with the 2030 Qatar National Vision launched in 2018 resulting in infrastructure and real estate investments of $330 billion. Doha office rents hit QAR 105 PSM in West Bay-Prime district The government's third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) aims to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment and enhance Qatar's competitive position globally. 'The public sector generally drives demand in Qatar's office market and 2024 saw a surge in leases by government ministries and state-owned enterprises in prime business districts. In Doha, Qatar Airways is planning to relocate its headquarters to the new $5.5 billion Msheireb Downtown this year, solidifying the area's reputation as a premium business hub,' Adam Stewart, Partner, Head of Qatar said. West Bay-Prime remains Doha's most expensive office location at QAR105 per square metre monthly, with Marina District following at QAR97 per square metre, attracting multinational firms in finance, technology and professional services. The office market benefits from Qatar's infrastructure investments, including the $36 billion Doha Metro and $16 billion Hamad International Airport, which connects to more than 180 cities worldwide. 'Despite its rapid development, Doha maintains low traffic congestion levels relative to many other global hubs, with ongoing investments in public transportation and smart city solutions preserving this enviable status. These qualities, combined with its cultural vibrancy, economic ambition and liveability, reinforce Doha's growing status as a forward-looking global city,' Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, MENA added. Waterfront properties command QAR 14,300 PSM The residential sector shows continued strength in prime locations, with total residential sales in Qatar reaching $3.2 billion last year. Among villa locations, Abu Hamour recorded the highest prices at QAR8,587 per square metre, followed by Al Thumama (QAR7,500) and Al Kheesa (QAR7,000). Apartment prices averaged QAR12,625 per square metre in 2024. Qanat Quartier (QAR13,977) and The Waterfront (QAR14,300) led the market, reflecting demand for luxury waterfront properties. Marina District (QAR13,600) remains popular with investors and occupiers, while Porto Arabia and The Pearl Island (QAR11,834) offer alternatives within The Pearl development. 'Doha continues to evolve as one of the Middle East's most attractive urban centres, offering a compelling blend of safety, accessibility and affordability. Ranked among the safest cities globally, it provides residents with a strong sense of security and stability. The city's relatively moderate cost of living compared to other international business hubs also adds to its appeal,' Stewart added. Qatar tourism sector grows 31 per cent, expected to reach QAR 135.2bn by 2034 Qatar's tourism sector expanded by 31 per cent to QAR81.2bn ($22.3 billion) in 2023, constituting 10.3 per cent of total economic output. Projections indicate this contribution will reach QAR135.2bn ($37.1 billion) by 2034, representing 12.8 per cent of GDP. The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts international visitor spending to increase to QAR116bn (US$31.9 billion) by 2034. The hospitality market added more than 1,000 new hotel rooms in 2024, bringing total supply to 38,100 keys, with 60 per cent comprising internationally branded rooms. By end-2027, quality room supply is expected to reach 42,700 keys. International visitors to Qatar increased by 25 per cent year-on-year to 5.08 million in 2024, driven by major events including Formula 1 and ATP tennis tournaments, as well as cultural attractions and developments such as The Pearl and Lusail Boulevard. The retail sector has contributed to economic growth, with initiatives like Shop Qatar, launched in 2017, stimulating tourism and consumer spending. 'The country has added around 881,000 sqm of luxury retail space since 2011, helping to position the country as a major retail hub in the GCC. In fact, our research found that 79% of GCC nationals and GCC-based expats are keen to travel to Qatar purely for a shopping holiday,' Amar Hussain, Associate Partner said. 115 LEED-certified projects position Qatar as green leader Under the Qatar National Vision 2030, the government has increased efforts to ensure economic transformation is sustainable by diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons. Qatar currently has 115 LEED-certified projects totalling 22.6 million square feet, placing it among leading nations outside the United States for US Green Building Council certifications. Msheireb Downtown exemplifies this commitment, aiming to house one of the largest collections of LEED-certified buildings globally. Qatar has also developed its own Global Sustainability Assessment System for the Gulf region's climate and requirements, achieving more than 1,400 certified buildings. 'Doha's rising prominence on the global real estate scene is driven by more than just regional optimism. Qatar has undergone a remarkable economic transformation since the introduction of the 2030 Qatar National Vision and our latest research shows Doha evolving into a regional economic powerhouse. Its programme of sustainable projects and infrastructure investment is creating a strong 'work, live, play' offer that will enhance its appeal to investors and support its emergence as a global wealth hub,' Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, MENA.
