Latest news with #ThirdNationalDevelopmentStrategy
Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre in Mesaieed plays pivotal role in preserving environment
DOHA: Amid the increasing environmental challenges facing the region and the world, most notably waste accumulation and natural resource depletion, recycling initiatives emerge as a strategic solution to promote sustainability and protect the Earth. In this context, the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) in Mesaieedis considered one of the main pillars working to turn challenges into opportunities by adopting advanced technologies to treat waste and transform it from an environmental burden into valuable resources that contribute to building an innovative circular economy. The centre plays a pivotal role in preserving the environment, starting with efficient waste sorting processes, through converting thousands of tons of organic materials, plastics, and metals into reusable materials, and ultimately contributing to achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 in the field of sustainable development. The centre began operations in 2011 and is being handled by Singaporean firm Keppel Seghersunder a 20-year contract. DSWMCis the first and largest wastemanagement facility in the Middle East. The centre has gone through several phases, starting with the establishment and planning phase, which relied on precise environmental and engineering studies, followed by the construction phase from 2006 to 2010 in Mesaieedas a strategic project. It comprisesstate-of-the-art waste sorting and management machinery, in addition to safe incinerators for energy production from waste and a compostingproduction unit. The centre then moved to the trial operation phase, which was the result of great efforts in successful planning and a clear vision implemented perfectly, followed by continuous operation and maintenance. It currently receives waste daily for recycling and achieving the state's sustainability goals. The DSWMC in Mesaieedreceives 2,200 tonnes of per day and is designed exclusively for the disposal of non-hazardous domestic solid waste. It also disposes of dead animals, green waste, and slaughterhouse wastes. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Director of Waste Recycling and Treatment Department at the Ministry of Municipality Eng Hamad Jassim Al Bahr said that one of the key objectives of DSWMC is to provide environmental solutions that ensure sustainability, recover recyclable materials, and generate electricity—aiming for an integrated approach to achieving the goals of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy. He added that the centre was established in the MesaieedIndustrial Area as a comprehensive waste-to-energy project, reflecting the country's commitment to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and ensuring resource sustainability. The centre includes several facilities, such as units for producing organic and green compost, a waste-to-energy conversion unit that powers the centre, and an engineered landfill where ash from incineration is safely disposed using environmentally friendly methods. It also features a sorting unit for recyclable materials. Regarding the centre's contribution to national goals, Eng Al Bahr explained that its primary role lies in promoting environmental sustainability, as it processes waste in a manner that reduces reliance on traditional landfills and improves natural resource management. He also emphasised DSWMC's crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint. By converting waste into energy, the facility minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated with uncontrolled burning or improper landfilling, he added. The centre plays a pivotal role in reducing dependence on conventional landfills and processes thousands of tons of waste daily using safe and sustainable methods, he said, pointing out that some of the waste is sorted and sent to recycling factories, while the rest is converted into electricity that powers the national grid. The facility also practices energy conservation by operating on self-generated power from recycling operations, he noted. Eng Al Bahr underlined the centre's significant contribution to supporting the circular economy, saying that by reusing resources and minimizing waste, DSWMC helps build a more sustainable economy, as sorted materials such as plastics and metals are distributed free of charge to recycling factories as part of an initiative to support the circular economy in the country. He also noted that since operations began in 2011, the centre has addressed a critical issue in the country, which is domestic waste, which was previously only landfilled. Eng Al Bahr added that amid the state's rapid urban and economic development—especially over the past decade in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022—the centre successfully kept pace through flexible, pre-planned strategies to handle domestic solid waste resulting from increased activity, population growth, and the influx of visitors during major events. He confirmed that the centre achieved major milestones, most notably Zero Waste to Landfill for all waste generated from stadiums and associated facilities during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022—an unprecedented achievement for sporting events of this scale. This outcome was made possible by advance preparations during the Arab Cup 2020. The centre also took proactive steps before the country's hosting of major sporting events to establish new standards for sustainable waste management, particularly for events hosted in recent years, including the Arab Cup 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022, and AFC Asian Cup 2023, he said. Eng Al Bahr said that a dedicated strategy was developed to manage waste from stadiums and event facilities, focusing on two key goals: diverting waste from landfills to the treatment centre and maximizing the rate of material recycling. In addition, the centre receives household waste daily from across the country for processing, transforming waste into added value rather than viewing it as an environmental or economic burden. Through its compost production, the centre also contributes to Qatar's agricultural development, with compost used in agriculture, public parks, road landscaping, beautification projects, and distributed free of charge to citizens. He further described the operational mechanisms of the centre, which begins with receiving domestic waste from four transfer stations managed by the Ministry's Waste Recycling and Treatment Department (collected by the Public Hygiene Department). This process covers all domestic waste generated across Qatar. The waste is compacted and loaded onto trucks (25-ton capacity), weighed, logged, and then transported to the Mesaieed Management centre, he said, adding that since its inception, the centre has received approximately 9 million tonnes of waste. The centre produces green and organic compost, up to 40 tonnes/day, compost from domestic waste, up to 170 tonnes/day, and electricity, up to 48.8 megawatts/day, which is exported to the national grid. It also generates biogas (methane), which is used for electricity production, and recovers recyclable materials such as plastics, ferrous metals, and non-ferrous metals. About the Ministry's future plans to expand the centre's operations, EngAl Bahr explained that the facility is designed to accept non-hazardous domestic solid waste, along with green waste (converted to compost) and dead animals, which were recently added. These are the types of waste the centre receives, consistent with its operational nature and the type of technology used, he said, adding that plans are underway to expand the centre's capacity to handle between 2,500 and 3,000 tonnes per day. In this regard, Director of Waste Recycling and Treatment Department at the Ministry of Municipality affirmed the Ministry's ongoing efforts to collaborate with the private sector to develop the country's waste management system. Beyond its operational role in supporting sustainability and environmental protection, the Mesaieed Waste Management Centre also plays an important educational role—promoting the culture of the circular economy and helping preserve the country's resources for future generations. The centre also stands as evidence that waste is no longer a burden, but a real opportunity to shape a greener and more environmentally conscious future.
Qatar Tribune
16 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Al Mansour Group Leads Multilateral Green Growth Collaboration
His Excellency Sheikh Mansour bin Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Al Mansour Group, announced that the Group has joined a multilateral alliance consisting of six leading global companies, including the renowned China Top 100 Business Forum (CBT100) and My Aion, a US-based technology and infrastructure firm. The alliance aims to launch a series of sustainable green projects, embracing a visionary approach that balances economic growth with the preservation of the environment and natural resources for present and future generations. His Excellency confirmed that Al Mansour Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join this alliance on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum, held from May 20 to 22 under the esteemed patronage of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He highlighted that the alliance plans to establish a dedicated facility within Qatar Free Zones to invest in sustainable urban development, one of the country's key priority sectors, with an initial investment of QR 10 billion, expected to grow and expand in the future. His Excellency noted that the global alliance includes several prominent companies, most notably CBT100, a leading financial forum that brings together the top 100 listed companies in China, selected from over 5,000 listed firms, alongside My Aion, a US-based global leader in integrated smart infrastructure solutions. My Aion offers a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, water management systems, and renewable energy solutions such as bifacial solar panels and other cutting-edge innovations. Under the leadership of Al Mansour Group, the alliance seeks to enhance foreign direct investment inflows into Qatar and reinforce the nation's position as a competitive regional and global financial hub, capable of attracting leading international corporations to the Qatari market. His Excellency highlighted the potential to expand the scope of the alliance's projects in the near future, particularly amid growing interest among major international companies to invest in the Qatari market and capitalize on the country's promising growth opportunities. He underscored that the alliance's target sectors were carefully selected based on investment feasibility, a forward-looking vision, and alignment with evolving global economic trends, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation as key pillars of future growth. His Excellency further emphasized that Qatar is well-positioned to become a global hub for green projects, strengthening its competitiveness and supporting its ongoing sustainable development while preserving our planet for future generations. His Excellency underscored that Al Mansour Group is dedicated to investing in key sectors that advance Qatar's economic diversification, a key pillar of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. The Group's extensive portfolio covers a range of sectors such as chemicals, plastics, electrical, steel industries, alongside real estate and development, hospitality, wellness, and healthcare, collectively supporting the country's sustainable development and economic growth. The Group strives to become one of the most competitive companies in Qatar by focusing on operational efficiency and customer reliability, while maintaining a strong business model, operational excellence, and a prudent risk management strategy to strengthen its market presence and deliver a broad range of products and services meeting the highest global standards. His Excellency further emphasized that the Qatar Economic Forum, held under the esteemed patronage of HH the Amir, serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing Qatar's investment presence both regionally and globally. Recognized among the world's premier economic events, the Forum spotlighted Qatar's attractive investment incentives, dynamic business environment, and progressive economic legislations that appeal to both local and international investors. With over 3,000 participants from more than 90 countries and 120 distinguished speakers, including world leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and government officials, the Forum substantially enhanced global confidence in Qatar's economy. Additionally, it facilitated the signing of more than 20 memoranda of understanding and held over 30 high-level meetings. His Excellency extended his sincere appreciation to the Qatar Free Zones Authority for its comprehensive investment facilitation, along with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar), and the Qatar Financial Centre. These key economic institutions play a pivotal role in offering significant investment incentives and facilitation, which positively impact the performance of the national economy. His Excellency anticipated that Qatar will continue to lead the Middle East in sovereign credit ratings, as affirmed by major global credit rating agencies such as Fitch, Moody's, and Standard & Poor's. He also projected sustained economic momentum and a fiscal surplus over the medium term. The country is expected to experience a substantial growth leap with the commencement of production in the first phase of the North Field expansion project, the largest gas project under construction in the world, starting mid-2026. The positive impact of this project will extend beyond the energy sector, benefiting a broad range of related industries. His Excellency emphasized that the advancement of the energy sector is progressing hand in hand with Qatar's strategic economic diversification, paving the way for sustained national development under the wise leadership of HH the Amir.
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
NPC hosts workshop on population, housing and establishments census
Tribune News Network Doha On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the National Planning Council, represented by the National Statistics Centre, organised a national workshop for various government entities concerned with administrative records in the State of Qatar. The workshop focused on the upcoming Simplified General Census of Population, Housing and Establishments 2025, under the theme 'Digital Records, Robust Automation and National Data Partnership'. This census is the first of its kind to be conducted in Qatar by relying entirely on administrative records without the need for any traditional field surveys. This strategic step aims to modernize the national statistical system and improve the efficiency and quality of data. The new administrative model leverages existing administrative records in government entities, which enhances data reliability and supports planning and decision-making processes at the national and sectoral levels. The implementation phase of the census is expected to begin by the end of this year. The workshop featured a series of specialized technical presentations by experts from the National Statistics Centre, covering key aspects of the administrative census. Topics included the presentation of the national vision and the roadmap towards transitioning to the administrative census model, leading to the 2030 census. Presentations also discussed the technical methodology of the census, and mechanisms of inter-agency integration, data provision requirements, quality assurance and security, in addition to reviewing the role of technical work groups and determining the entities' needs from census data. The workshop also shed light on the challenges associated with the traditional model, and the role of the modern administrative model in supporting public policies. Participants included representatives from government data teams, technical groups, and planning and policy departments engaged in administrative records related to population, housing, labour, establishments and economic data. The workshop opened with a keynote by Ahmad Hassan Mohammed Al Obaidli, director general of the National Statistics Centre, who emphasized that the 2025 census constitutes a turning point in the production of official statistics in Qatar, as it is the first census to rely entirely on administrative records, which enhances data accuracy and enables timely access to high-quality information for all government agencies, ultimately strengthening public policy development. In turn, Saud Matar Al-Shammari, director of Statistical Operations Department at the NSC, presented a comprehensive overview of the roadmap to the implementation of Qatar's first fully administrative census. He explained the methodology used, expected outputs and the critical role of partner entities in this transformation. He also highlighted the importance of the census as a supporting tool for the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy and achieving the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030. The workshop concluded with a call for strengthened collaboration and coordination among all government entities to ensure the success of the 2025 Census. Emphasis was placed on maximizing the country's advanced digital infrastructure and activating an integrated statistical system that supports decision-makers and fosters a culture of data-driven planning.
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Qatar Living
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Living
USQBC Hosts U.S. Mayors Delegation in Doha to Advance Bilateral Economic Collaboration
On Monday, 19th May 2025, the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) Doha hosted an exclusive dinner in Doha in honor of a distinguished delegation of U.S. mayors, as part of its ongoing mission to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Qatar. The delegation included Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Kansas; Mayor J. Christian Bollwage of Elizabeth City, New Jersey; Mayor Ashleigh Aitken of Anaheim, California; Mayor Regina Romero of Tucson, Arizona; and Mayor Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills, Michigan. The dinner provided Qatar-based stakeholders a rare opportunity to connect directly with influential U.S. city leaders, explore commercial synergies, and open the door to future partnerships across sectors. USQBC Doha convenes decision-makers, fosters dialogue, and champions channels that enable private sector advancement. The gathering reflected the Council's core mission to build bridges that turn relationships into results. The engagement also aligned with USQBC's broader efforts to harness economic cooperation and strategic relationships, fostering private sector enablement and economic diversification in alignment with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). USQBC is the leading organization dedicated to enhancing the bilateral business relationship between the United States and Qatar. With offices in Washington, D.C., and Doha, USQBC provides a platform for dialogue, insight, and high-impact engagement to support private sector growth and cross-border investment. --- Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content. Instagram - @qatarliving X - @qatarliving Facebook - Qatar Living YouTube - qatarlivingofficial
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QCDC sixth Career Village concludes with strong student engagement
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), concluded the sixth edition of its flagship career exploration initiative, Career Village. Held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the three-day event welcomed 2,058 students from 125 schools, connecting them with 200 career counsellors and 37 leading organisations across 13 vital sectors of Qatar's economy. Now recognised as one of the country's leading platforms for experiential career learning, Career Village 2025 provided students with hands-on exposure to career paths in fields including Security, Public Administration, Aviation and Aeronautics, Technology, Education, Finance Investment and Banking, Energy, Manufacturing and Retail, Transportation and Logistics, Medicine, Humanitarian and Social Work, Media and Public Relations, as well as Hospitality and Tourism. The initiative is part of QCDC's wider efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment and to support Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) and Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasise preparing youth for a diversified and knowledge-based economy. The final day of the event featured a high-profile panel discussion titled 'From Guidance to Employment: The Role of Academic Counselling in Supporting Students' Paths to the Private Sector'. The session directly addressed the national priority of increasing Qatari participation in private-sector employment, following the recent enactment of Law No. (12) of 2024 on Job Nationalization in the Private Sector. It brought together over 75 career and academic counsellors from schools across Qatar, with panellists from the MoL, the MoEHE, the Commercial Bank of Qatar, and a young program graduate now employed in the hospitality sector. Discussions explored how career guidance within schools can serve as a critical entry point for nationalization efforts. Throughout the three days, students engaged with sector professionals, explored training opportunities, and learned about workplace expectations and demands through simulations, workshops, and guidance sessions. Since its launch in 2017, Career Village has impacted more than 12,000 students, steadily becoming a cornerstone of QCDC's strategy to cultivate a future-ready workforce.
