• The Council members commended Manateq’s efforts in enhancing and developing logistics services.
• They emphasized that field visits are a key pillar in improving services and elevating the quality of business operations.

Manateq welcomed today the Vice President of the Central Municipal Council, Mr. Mubarak bin Freish Al Salem, along with several Council members, following an official invitation extended by the company to provide the Council with an overview of Manateq’s development efforts and to review key infrastructure and logistics facilities within Al Wakra Logistics Park.

During the visit, Manateq presented an overview of its role in developing an integrated infrastructure ecosystem that supports Qatar’s industrial and logistics sectors. The delegation was briefed on the company’s service offerings, investor facilitation measures, and the initiatives currently underway to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, enhance the investor’s journey, and strengthen the overall ease of doing business across the zones.

The field tour included stops across several strategic facilities, where the Council members examined the core infrastructure network, operational readiness, and future expansion plans, in addition to key projects designed to support supply chains, attract investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Commenting on the visit, Eng. Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO of Manateq, stated:
“Welcoming the Central Municipal Council reflects our ongoing commitment to close collaboration with national stakeholders, fostering open dialogue, and integrating valuable insights to continuously elevate the business environment within our zones. We highly appreciate the Council’s role in monitoring development initiatives and look forward to continued cooperation to advance service quality and support the sustainable growth objectives of the National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-2030.”

The Council delegation discussed opportunities to enhance access to Manateq by improving traffic routes and providing clearer wayfinding signage, while also exploring ways to strengthen the position of the logistics parks as destinations that effectively serve both investors and visitors. The members of the Central Municipal Council expressed their appreciation for Manateq’s ongoing efforts, commending the cooperation and warm reception, and stressing the importance of continued coordination between the Council and relevant entities to ensure the delivery of services that meet community needs and support quality of life across all areas.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Council delegation extended its gratitude to Manateq’s management and staff. The visit aligns with the Central Municipal Council’s mandate to oversee national development projects and ensure the availability of high-quality services and infrastructure that enable business expansion, align with the country’s economic diversification efforts, and contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

Manateq, the leading operator of industrial zones, logistics and warehousing parks in Qatar, successfully launched the inaugural edition of the Manateq Forum, a strategic annual platform designed to engage investors and decision-makers in shaping the future of the country’s industrial and logistics sectors. The event took place at the Sheraton Grand Doha, under the theme “Strengthening Engagement with Investors.”

Manateq Forum featured keynote speeches, strategy presentations, a panel discussion, and an award ceremony honoring companies for excellence in QHSE standards.

Eng. Mohammed Al Emadi, CEO of Manateq, stated:

“The launch of the Manateq Forum represents a strategic milestone in our mission to build a robust, investor-focused ecosystem that supports Qatar’s economic growth. Through transparent engagement and open dialogue, we are co-creating solutions that make our industrial zones and logistics parks more dynamic, resilient, and competitive.”

As part of its ongoing digital transformation strategy, Manateq also unveiled its newly revamped website, designed to offer a more user-friendly and efficient experience for investors and stakeholders.
In addition, Manateq is currently working on upgrading its mobile application and the “Partners Portal” — a dedicated digital platform that allows investors to submit and track their applications, manage service requests, monitor payment status, and access a wide range of e-services seamlessly at any time.

These initiatives reflect Manateq’s commitment to streamlining investor journeys and enhancing access to its services through advanced, integrated digital solutions.

The forum concluded with the recognition of 30 companies for their exceptional commitment to QHSE excellence, reinforcing Manateq’s values of responsible business and institutional excellence.

The company emphasized its intention to continue positioning the Manateq Forum as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The National Forum for Innovation and Industrial Investment concluded its proceedings today, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and competitive business environment. The forum serves as a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers and investors to explore key opportunities in industrial innovation, sustainability and economic transformation.

Organized by Manateq, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the forum gathered representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar University, and leading investors and entrepreneurs. The forum focused on efforts aimed at supporting the country’s industrial and economic growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.

Commenting on the forum, H.E. Saleh Majed Al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stated: "Innovation and industrial investment are the cornerstone of national development strategies. In Qatar, we are committed to fostering entrepreneurship, creating a conducive environment for research and development, and attracting investments to achieve economic diversification and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of national economy.”

Al-Khulaifi added that: "The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-2030, aims to increase the added value of the manufacturing sector to more than QAR 70.5 billion, boost non-hydrocarbon exports to around QAR 49 billion, and enhance industrial investment to exceed QAR 326 billion by 2030. Additionally, the strategy seeks to diversify manufacturing industries by 50%, raise the private sector’s value-added contribution to QAR 36 billion, elevate Qatar’s ranking among the top 40 countries in the Industrial Competitiveness Index, promote green manufacturing, and accelerate the transition towards smart and knowledge-based industries."

He emphasized the significance of the forum in exploring opportunities and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders, whereby advancing innovation, attracting investments, and achieving sustainable economic development.

Eng. Mohammed Lutfallah Al Emadi, CEO of Manateq, emphasized the forum’s role in empowering investors and advancing Qatar’s industrial landscape, stating: "This forum has provided a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing Manateq’s mission to nurture entrepreneurship, enhance market competitiveness, and drive sustainable industrial development. By fostering innovation and strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that Qatar remains an attractive and thriving destination for industrial and logistics investments. We reaffirm our commitment at Manateq to work alongside MOCI and all stakeholders to enhance Qatar’s industrial capacity and provide a more flexible and efficient investment environment for businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed and grow".

The event featured high-level discussions, expert presentations, and interactive networking sessions, offering investors insights into the latest advancements and opportunities within Qatar’s industrial sector. Attendees explored key themes such as Industry 4.0, digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving industrial ecosystem, enabling businesses to capitalize on emerging trends and enhance their competitive edge.

Manateq remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to maximize Qatar’s industrial potential and strengthen its contribution to national economy.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with the Qatari Economic Zones Company (Manateq), has announced a reduction in land leasing rates of up to 50% at the Manateq-operated industrial, logistics, and commercial zones.

The decision applies to the following zones: Jery Al Samur Logistics Park, Small and Medium Industries Zone, Al Wakra Logistics Park, Aba Saleel Logistics Park, Mesaieed Industrial Zone, and Birkat Al Awamer Logistics Park.

The new rates apply immediately, and will stay in effect for five years until further review.

The revised rates are as follows:

•Industrial zones: QR5 per square meter a year (versus an earlier rate of QR10)

•Logistics parks: QR15 per square meter a year (versus QR20)

•Commercial plots: QR50 per square meter a year (versus QR100)

The Ministry and Manateq assessed that the initiative benefits over 4,000 investors and is a crucial step in strengthening Qatar’s business ecosystem.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the Ministry and Manateq to deliver competitive investment solutions that solidify Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub for trade, industry, and logistics services. Such attractive incentives will stimulate business growth, support local investors, and contribute to economic diversification in line with the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030, the final phase of Qatar National Vision 2030.

HE Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Manateq, pointed out that reducing lease rates for industrial, logistics, and commercial areas at Manateq-operated zones reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the private sector and fostering an investment-friendly environment, in fulfilment of Qatar’s National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-2030.

Al Malki added: "The decision is part of ongoing endeavours aimed to enhance the competitiveness of local products and the attractiveness of industrial and logistics zones. It contributes to achieving sustainable development and supports economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030."

Saleh Majed Al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said: "The initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy focused on enhancing the investment environment countrywide. Reducing lease cost is a pivotal step in supporting investors, lowering operational expenses, and increasing the competitiveness of Qatari products in regional and global markets."

On his part, Eng Mohammed Lutfalla Al Emadi, CEO of Manateq, highlighted the company’s role in supporting economic development and attracting investment, stating: "At Manateq, empowering investors is at the core of our strategy. We offer a world-class business environment and strategically-located sites with competitive lease rates. This initiative reflects our continued efforts to enable investors to succeed and expand in Qatar. We are confident that this move will encourage more investments and strengthen national industrial and logistics sectors."

Manateq operates various projects with the aim of promoting economic diversification and drawing local and international investments, e.g. industrial zones, logistics parks, and warehouses.

Manateq’s zones are developed to the highest standards to cater to diverse industrial needs, offering strategic locations with seamless access to regional and global markets, advanced infrastructure, and comprehensive support services, whereby constituting ideal destinations for investors seeking sustainable expansion opportunities.

Manateq honored the Top Performing Investors of 2023 for their outstanding commitment to Quality Operations, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE). The event highlighted Manateq's dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and safety across Qatar's industrial zones and logistics parks.

Out of over 3500 investors, five investors from the Industrial Zones and fifteen investors from the Logistics Parks were recognized for their exemplary performance in QHSE standards.

Industrial Zone Awardees:

1. Laffan for Resins

2. Hepworth PME Qatar WLL

3. FRIJNS Steel Construction Middle East WLL

4. Industrial Cable Management Systems Co. (ICMS)

5. Al Jabor Cement Industries Co.

Logistics Parks Awardees:

1. Trucks and Cranes LLC

2. Al Makaan for Silverware Trading

3. Galfar Almisnad Engineering & Contracting

4. Prime Power Middle East

5. Trading and Agency Services LTD

6. Trust Doha Trading Services and Contracting

7. Auto Site Spare Parts Center

8. Qatar Pest Control

9. Al Danah Medical Stores WLL

10. WellCare Trading

11. Al Nazha Gold Jewellery Workshop

12. Friendly Food Qatar

13. Al Mana and Partners

14. Lucinda Trading

15. Al Madar Holding Company

During the ceremony, Mr. Ali Al-Ibrahim, QHSE Director, introduced Manateq’s Seven QHSE Golden Rules, which underpin the rigorous selection criteria for the QHSE Excellence Awards. These rules reflect Manateq's proactive approach to maintaining industry-leading safety, quality, and environmental standards.

Eng. Mohammed Al-Emadi, CEO of Manateq, stated: "Our investors’ unwavering dedication to safety, quality, and environmental excellence is what drives Manateq's success. These awards not only recognize achievement but inspire continuous improvement, reinforcing a future where excellence is the standard. By honoring these industry leaders, we celebrate a collective commitment to safer workplaces and sustainable practices. Our QHSE Golden Rules set the framework, but it's our investors who bring them to life."

Manateq remains committed to fostering innovation and best practices in QHSE. The next round of nominations for QHSE Excellence Awards will commence in the first quarter of 2025, as part of the company’s ongoing mission to promote a culture of excellence and sustainability.

Manateq will continue to support and recognize investors who lead the way in quality operations and HSE, reinforcing its role as a strategic partner in shaping Qatar’s industrial and logistics landscape.

The Qatar Credit Bureau and the Economic Zones Company - Manateq have inked a membership agreement aimed at facilitating the exchange of credit data and information.

The agreement was formally signed by Sheikha Maryam bint Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO of the Qatar Credit Bureau, and Engineer Mohammed Lutfalla Al Emadi, Acting CEO of Manateq.

This strategic collaboration aligns seamlessly with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy for 2030-2024, which emphasizes the implementation of regulatory frameworks to streamline research and development activities, thereby creating an enhanced working environment. Moreover, it fosters greater cooperation and information sharing among relevant stakeholders

Emphasizing the significance of this partnership, Sheikha Maryam bint Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of the Qatar Credit Bureau, highlighted that the inclusion of Manateq as a member of the Bureau marks a strategic move towards enriching and broadening the Bureau's database. The primary objective of this collaboration is to advance electronic processes in accordance with Qatar Vision 2030. By establishing electronic connectivity between the parties and leveraging the credit reports provided by the Bureau, sound credit decisions can be made, risks can be mitigated, and positive impacts on the Qatari economy will be realized.

The signing of this membership agreement underscores the commitment of the Qatar Credit Bureau to strengthening partnerships with various entities within the country, thereby promoting seamless integration across diverse electronic systems.

In parallel, Engineer Mohamed Lutfalla Al Emadi, Acting CEO of Manateq, affirmed that Manateq is dedicated to providing a world-class business environment through the operation of industrial zones and logistics parks, aiming to enhance economic diversification of in the country. He further stressed that collaboration with the Qatar Credit Bureau will enhance our capacity to make informed and effective credit decisions, thereby making a positive contribution to national economic growth and the business landscape of Qatar. This electronic integration and the development of financial services underscore our dedication to realizing Qatar's National Vision 2030.

Manateq, the national company working to diversify Qatar's economy by providing premium infrastructure within strategic zones, has reported that number of investors applied in its Birkat Al Awamer Logistics Park has outstripped the plots available for lease.

The company received more than 3,800 applications for the 787 plot leases, offered a 25-year lease period, which was launched in November.

Following the high demand, a public draw was conducted for the qualified applications from companies with 100% Qatari ownership, to withdraw the winning applications and backup list, with the event being supervised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The winning applicants will benefit from a two-year rent exemption starting from 1st of January, 2021.

"The response to the plot offers has been highly encouraging and underlines the confidence investors have in the future of Manateq and the country's economic diversification strategy," commented Eng. Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq.

The plots on offer divided into three categories – those spanning up to 1,140 sqms, those ranging from 1,141 -2,500 sqms and those covering between 10,601 – 21,000 sqms. The varying categories is aimed at responding to diverse investor needs.

Birkat Al Awamer is one of five logistics projects being developed by Manateq and is designed to appeal to companies wanting to build their own warehouses or workshops, commercial showrooms, offices, and staff accommodation on one plot. Birkat Al Awamer benefits from proximity to vital logistics gateways making it a highly strategic location to facilitate speedy logistics delivery with convenient connectivity to Hamed Port and Al Majed Road.

"The huge demad has demonstrated Birkat Al Awamer's strong appeal to various logistics sectors including, but not limited to, the construction and food sectors, aluminium, stone and steel workshops and multi-purpose storage operators," added Al Kaabi. "We look forward to the investors now progressing their projects and to begin realising the benefits of Qatar's national growth drive."

Manateq, the national initiative working to diversify Qatar's economy by providing premium infrastructure within strategic logistics parks, has signed with Qatar's Waseef Asset Management Company the leader in the management and marketing of real estate projects, to provide facilities and rental management of all the commercial and residential assets in seven service hubs across all its logistics parks.

The agreement was signed at Manateq headquarters by Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, Manateq CEO and Abdullah Jubara Al Rumaihi, Acting CEO of Barwa Real Estate Group and CEO of Waseef Asset Management Company.

As per the agreement, Al Waseef will now manage the rental affairs of all investors' commercial and accommodation assets in the service hubs in Manateq's Jery Al Summar, Birkat Al Awamer, Aba Saleel and Al Wakra logistics parks which are designed as gateways to fast-track economic diversity and business growth throughout Qatar and beyond.

"With the right partners we can succeed in contributing to long-term economic growth, and we believe that in Al Waseef Asset Management Company, we have a partner who can deliver further investor confidence to ensure that our service hubs will be enjoyable places to live, work and thrive. The award underlines our strong intent to provide sustainable business environments in which enterprises can prosper and grow supported by premium infrastructure and services for visitors and tenants alike." said Manateq CEO, Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi.

"We are excited to work with Manateq on successfully activating these service hubs which will provide well-managed communities for the many staff who will work in the logistics parks," said Abdullah Jubara Al Rumaihi, CEO of Waseef Asset Management Company. "We will bring to this contract our extensive experience gained through offering our services to 15 destination companies in Qatar and through which we manage over 3.6 million sqm in projects and we look forward to playing a role in delivering exemplary services to assets which are at the heart of Qatar's national development ambitions."

Manateq has designed the service hubs as thriving, showpiece communities. They will feature cafes and restaurants, supermarkets, money exchange services with ATMs, pharmacies and medical centres and a host of service operators including utilities providers, laundries, barber shops and tailors with ample parking throughout.

In all around 92 retail premises and 172 residential accommodation units are available for rent and investor applications can now be made via Waseef Asset Management Company's website at: https://www.waseef.qa/en/projects/manateq-logistic-service-hubs or by calling 8004444 for more information.

Manateq's logistic parks have been designed to accelerate the economy by enabling businesses and SMEs to invest in a diverse range of sectors such as aluminium, steel, automotive, electronics, construction material, and food and beverage, by offering around 15 million square metres, distributed across Jery Al Samur, Al Wakra, Birkat Al Awamer and Aba Saleel, to promote economic diversification. The parks have been strategically planned close to Hamad Port and key gateways to offer logistics companies optimum connectivity to save transport time and cost.

Manateq, which is working to diversify Qatar's economy by providing premium infrastructure within strategic economic zones, has launched new plot leases in its Birkat Al Awamer Logistics Park, designed for investors.

The 9.4 million sqm park – one of five logistics projects being developed by Manateq – is designed to appeal to companies wanting to build their own facilities through providing them comprehensive solutions that will allow them to build warehouses or workshops, commercial showrooms, offices, and staff accommodation all in one piece of land. The plots sizes will vary from 800 sqm up to more than 20,000 sqm to respond to the diversified requirements of the intended projects.

Leases are available at QAR20 per sqm per year with investors being incentivised by a two-year, rent free grace period and flexible construction procedures.

"Investors in Birkat Al Awamer will benefit from proximity to vital logistics gateways such as Hamad Port," explained Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq. "This is a highly strategic location with convenient connection to Al Majed Road which provides easy access to Hamad Port facilitating speedy logistics delivery."

Birkat Al Awamer is seen as having strong appeal to various logistics sectors including but not limited to the construction sector, food sector, aluminium, stone and steel workshops and multi-purpose storage operators.

Potential investors are required to provide valid commercial registration and a business plan as part of their application submission which can be processed via the Manateq website www.manateq.qa.

"We have designed an easy application procedure to ensure swift approvals decision-making," explained Al Kaabi. "Once applications are received with the required documentation, Manateq Investment Committee will assess them and respond on approvals or otherwise in a timely manner."

Manateq has also signed last year a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with QIB to

facilitate financing for its logistics parks investors. Under the agreement, investors in Manateq's four logistics parks – Jery Al Samur, Birkat Al Awamer, Al Wakra and Aba Saleel - can raise 60% of their project financing against land and personal guarantees from QIB.

The finance partnership demonstrates Manateq's ongoing client support approach which earlier this year also saw the company offering investors in its all logistics parks and industrial zones a nine months' rent exemption to help them better navigate business difficulties experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Manateq, the leading provider of Logistics and Industrial Zones and Warehousing Parks in Qatar, announced the successful completion of the construction of its four Warehousing Parks under the supervision of the Technical Committee to Stimulate Private Sector Participation in Economic Development Projects. This achievement was celebrated at Bu Fesseela warehousing park in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The completion of this landmark project is in line with the government's thrust to encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) in major projects and the contribution of the private sector in the state's development projects.

In 2014, Manateq invited developers in the field of warehousing and logistics services to tender for the construction of the four Warehousing Parks projects. Following the tendering process, contracts for the project were awarded to four developers on a "Build - Operate - Transfer" (BOT) basis. The four companies were Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) for Bu Sulba warehousing park, Al Asmakh Real Estate Development for Bu Fesseela, Dohatna Logistics Parks for Umm Shaharaine 1, and Barwa Real Estate Group for Umm Shaharaine 2.

Talking about the completion of the Warehousing Parks project, Mr. Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq, said, "We are delighted to announce the completion of this first-of-its-kind project that supports Manateq's vision to promote economic diversification in investments that add value to Qatar and underlines its mission to create a world-class business environment for local and overseas investors, to help meet the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Warehousing Parks is set to become Qatar's classic example of world-class logistic parks that reflect our trust in the private sector and its commitment to provide quality warehousing facility with the best of infrastructure, designs, construction quality and connectivity."

Manateq's steadfast dedication to the highest standards of Health, Safety and Environment Management (HSEM) in its Special Economic Zones and Logistics Parks has been recognized with an international seal of approval through a double ISO certification.

Manateq has been awarded ISO 14001:2015 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 certificates for MANATEQ HSEMS after a comprehensive, independent review and audit conducted by TŬV NORD CERT GmbH, a service-provider for comprehensive testing and certification on the basis of global specifications and standards for products, services and management systems.

The double certification follows the ISO 9001:2008 certificate for Manateq Quality Management System that was awarded in 2016 .

According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the ISO 14001:2015 certificate means that an organization meets stringent international requirements in implementing an environmental management system to meet their environmental responsibilities that contribute to sustainability, provide value for the environment, the organization and its employees, clients and interested third parties.

According to the British Standard Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (BS OHSAS), the BS OHSAS 18001:2007 certificate demonstrates that an organization has applied a management system to successfully reduce workplace hazards and achieve the best possible working conditions, in line with global industry best practices.

"A healthy, happy and safe working environment is critical to the success of any business, for its employees, clients and partners, and Manateq is committed to adopting global best practices as we strive to achieve excellence across all strands of our operations," said Mr. Fahad Rashid Al-Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Manateq. "And as we are contributing to the future of our great country, sustainability also plays a large part in our business strategy.

"The ISO 14001:2015 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 are reward for the commitment of the entire Manateq team to health, safety and the environment as we continue with our Special Economic Zones & Logistics Parks projects' development. I thank the TŬV NORD CERT GmbH for their continued stringent assessment and audit that has enabled us to exceed such high international standards, following the ISO 9001:2008 certification we achieved in 2016."

Manateq places strong focus on HSE, striving to set HSE performance objectives that continually improve processes to ensure effective management systems that prevent untoward incidents and hazards. Manateq also requires Investors, Consultants, contractors and their subs working on their behalf or within their zones to demonstrate a similar commitment towards strict HSE compliance, while rewarding outstanding HSE practice in the workplace.

Manateq, the leading provider of special economic zones, industrial zones, logistics & warehousing parks in Qatar, has signed a landmark agreement with Ismail Bin Ali Group (IBA) to develop and operate accommodation buildings that will house more than 8,700 workers in the Ras Bufontas special economic zone (SEZ).

The agreement, which emphasizes the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in the development of Qatar, will result in private sector investment totaling QR550 Million. Ismail Bin Ali Group has been awarded to construct and manage the facility in line with the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) model, for 25 years.

The new development will sit on an area measuring approximately 150,000m², which has been handed over by Manateq, and will accommodate up to 8,784 employees and workers who will be working in the factories and warehouses within Ras Bufontas and the surrounding areas.

Designed to enhance the overall experience for both employees and employers, it will include worker, supervisor and technician accommodations in the form of fully-equipped rooms, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. The complex includes catering, laundry, training, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and community areas. Along with a public retail center, there will also be a mosque, medical, banking and administrative facilities.

Work on the project, which will begin this month, is expected to take up to three years to complete. Underpinning the strong bond Manateq has formed with the private sector to successfully contribute to the diversification and economic development of Qatar, IBA Group will offer competitive rental rates for companies interested in housing their workforce in the new development.

“This is a landmark agreement for Qatar and builds on the success that Manateq has achieved to date as we continue with the development of our Special Economic Zones, which play a crucial role in transforming the country into an industrial and logistics hub for the world,” Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq, said. “Our partnership with Ismail Bin Ali Group is a key indicator of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can have a beneficial contribution on the economic success of our country.”

Hamad Mohammed Esmael Al Emadi, CEO of IBA Group, said: “We believe in the strength of Qatar's economy and we would like to thank our government for its continuous and unlimited support to the private sector and our role is to contribute to the achievement of Qatar’s Vision 2030.” “We are proud to be working with Manateq to drive the economic development of Qatar” The CEO of IBA Group added.

“We are committed to quality and performance and our reputation in these two areas speak for itself. Clients who invest in this leading new development will be assured of a quality product that will benefit them and their workforce.”

Ras Bufontas SEZ is strategically located next to Hamad International Airport, providing businesses with easier access to global markets. The special economic zone is aimed at various sectors including firms specializing in healthcare and medical devices, light industries, advanced technology and air cargo services.

Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, Chef executive officer of Manateq, remarks to " Al Raya economics" that the instructions of His Highness the Emir were timely and support the industry leaders and encourage them to expand their industries and to build promising investment opportunities to overcome the crisis resulted from the blockade countries.

Al-Kaabi added that 1,800 investors in the southern logistics parks "Berkat Al-Awamar, Al Wakrah and Aba Saleel" will benefit from the decisions of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The two-year lease value will be reduced by 50%. With rental values falling from 40 to 20 riyals per square meter.

He said that during the last periods, Qatar has facilitated the procedures for investors, to motivate them to build and finish their projects on time. In addition, the instructions from His Highness to facilitate the development of the infrastructure to be completed on time.

Manateq, the leading provider of special economic zones, industrial zones, logistics & warehousing parks in Qatar, has held a signing ceremony to unveil the development of two hotels and three hotel apartment complexes in its Ras Bufontas Special Economic Zone (SEZ), resulting in private sector investment worth QR488.5 million. The signing ceremony, which represents another important milestone in Manateq’s drive to secure private sector investment into Qatar, was held at Rotana City Center Hotel. Manateq CEO Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi was present at the ceremony, along with representatives of the property developers involved in the project, including Mr. Ahmad Hussein Abdulla, the Managing Director of Hotel Musherib WLL, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Ansari CEO of Ras Bu Fantas Trading & Contracting W.L.L., Mr. Sraiya Nasser Rashid Sraiya Al Kaabi, Board Member from Al Sraiya Holding Group, Mr. Jaafar Ali Jaafar Al Saraf, Board Member from Zukhrof Trading and Contracting, and Arch. Mohamed Abbas R. Hussein, General Manager of Bab Ishtar Trading and Contracting Co. Under the landmark agreement, two (4-star) business hotels and three (3-4 star) hotel apartment buildings will be developed on the waterfront at Ras Bufontas SEZ, on the land handed over by Manateq, further highlighting the proactive approach and hard work of Manateq to form strong bonds with the private sector and its efforts to continue contributing to the diversification of the Qatar economy and developing industry in the country. “This announcement is yet another milestone for Manateq and complements the success we have enjoyed so far and the partnerships we have formed within the private sector as we continue to develop our special economic zones and logistics parks,” Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO of Manateq, said. “Our ability to be able to offer such a service that eases the process for investment offering businesses a tourism district in one location, and the appetite from entities to partner with us is very encouraging for the development of industry and various other sectors in Qatar.” One of the hotels will be constructed by Zukhrof Trading and Contracting and operated by the Wyndham Hotel Group, while the other 185-room property will be developed by Bab Ishtar Trading and Contracting and operated by Aspire Hospitality to have another branch of The Torch, Doha. Both properties will be developed in line with the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model for 25 years. The hotel apartments meanwhile, will each have a minimum of 100 rooms and will be constructed by Hotel Musherib W.L.L., Ras Bu Fantas Trading and Contracting and Al Sraiya Holding Group, and operated by Tourist Hotel, Katara Hospitality and Al Sraiya Hotels & Hospitality respectively. Scheduled for completion by April 2019, the business and tourism venture will be located on the waterfront at Ras Bufontas, and will service business travelers working in the Ras Bufontas SEZ and surrounding areas. Guests will benefit from a scenic relaxed environment, while being within easy reach of the retail and leisure options available on the shoreline and within the SEZ. Ras Bufontas SEZ is expected to become a business hub for technology, business services, logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and medical devices. In addition to hotels and hotel appartments, the facilities in this zone will include residential units, office spaces, showrooms, retail outlets, and public spaces all located on the panoramic waterfront.

Manateq's unwavering commitment at providing excellence in the Management of Design & Development of its Special Economic Zones has been stamped with a global seal of approval, in accordance with stringent international standards, through an ISO 9001:2008 Certification.

According to the International Organization for Standardization, an ISO 9001:2008 certificate means that an organization has met specific requirements for a quality management system. This includes having demonstrated its ability to consistently provide products and services that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the organization also aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The certification was issued to Manateq after a thorough and independent review and audit conducted by TŬV NORD CERT GmbH, a service-provider for comprehensive testing and certification on the basis of national and international specifications and standards for products, services and management systems.

Manateq's Special Economic Zones, as is its other projects such as Logistics Parks and Warehousing Parks, are aimed at further promoting the growth and development of the private sector in Qatar. These projects are also envisioned to spur further business economic activities in the country and significantly contribute to the achievement of the 'Economic Development' pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

"The ISO 9001:2008 Certification is indeed a deserving reward for all the dedication and hard work that the entire management and staff of Manateq has poured into our Special Economic Zones project," said Mr. Fahad Rashid Al-Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Manateq. "This also further strengthens our resolve at Manateq to remain focused and continue to work hard in order to not just meet but actually exceed all of our clients' expectations.

"As I thank TŬV NORD CERT GmbH for their strict testing and assessment that has enabled us to pass such high international standards, I also wish to congratulate the entire management and staff of Manateq for a job well done," he added. "Now we can move further ahead into our core business at hand and our vision of becoming Qatar's trusted provider of Economic Zones by delivering a streamlined range of property and business services to domestic and foreign investors, SME's and national champions in Qatar, Middle Eastern and international markets."

As a premium partner of choice, Manateq aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation through investments towards a sustainable future. With its Client Services Team working tirelessly to assist both local and foreign investors at every stage in order to ensure speedy set-up process of businesses, this is well complemented by a diverse range of strategically located Land and Property solutions that will foster growth amongst small, medium and large enterprises.