• 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 and Qatar University (QU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in a variety of scientific, technical, research, and administrative fields.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Vice President for Academic Affairs at QU, and Engineer Mohammed Al-Emadi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Manateq, during an official ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions.

This strategic partnership aims to establish long-term collaboration that promotes the exchange of expertise and information, such as newsletters, journals, statistics, and data. It also encompasses joint efforts in organizing studies, conferences, meetings, training programs, research projects, and other activities of mutual interest. The MoU reflects the shared commitment to sustainability through initiatives aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commenting on the agreement, Prof. Rana Sobh, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at QU, said, “We are proud to sign this MoU with Manateq, which reinforces our commitment to building bridges between academia and our partners in the business community. This partnership in applied research and capacity building reflects our shared dedication to promoting innovation and practical knowledge. Through close collaboration with Manateq, we aim to strengthen our social impact, provide our students with hands-on experience, and contribute to finding solutions for the challenges faced by our business partners, thereby fostering sustainable growth in our community.”

Engineer Mohammed Al-Emadi, Acting CEO of Manateq, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "At Manateq, we are committed to building effective partnerships with academic institutions that contribute to enhancing the business environment and strengthening institutional capacities. Signing this MOU with Qatar University reflects our commitment to fostering collaboration between the academic and economic sectors in Qatar. We believe that the exchange of expertise and research-driven knowledge is the key to developing innovative solutions that contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. Through this partnership with Qatar University, we aim to enhance sustainable development and develop local competencies, which will positively impact the business community and investment environment in the country."

This MoU reflects the shared vision of QU and Manateq to foster a culture of innovation by linking academic research with market needs, driving economic competitiveness, and supporting the growth of local industries.

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.

Qatar Chamber has announced that the Economic Zones Company (Manateq) is supporting the 'Made in Qatar 2018' exhibition in Oman as Official Sponsor.

The expo, which will be organised by Qatar Chamber for the second time overseas, in co-operation with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) as strategic partner, is scheduled to be held from November 5 to 9 on a 10,000sq m area inside the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.

The expo aims to exchange experiences with Omani companies in the industrial sectors, as well as to introduce Omani to Qatari products and opening up new foreign markets to small and large Qatari companies.

Qatar Chamber Director-General Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Manateq's CEO, Fahad bin Rashid Al Kaabi signed the sponsorship agreement at the Chamber's headquarters.

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.

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.

Qatar Chamber has announced that Economic Zones Company "Manateq" would sponsor 'Made in Qatar 2016' exhibition as an economic zones partner, according to a press release issued by the Chamber yesterday.

Scheduled to be held between November 6 – 9, 2016 for the first time outside Qatar, the expo will be organized on an area of 10,000 sqm. at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition, KSA.

Commenting on the agreement signing, Mr. Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, Manateq's CEO, said: "Our participation in this event is aimed at synergizing our capacities and efforts with the various partners and stakeholders in the field of Entrepreneurship and SME Development in Qatar. Being there is also a major opportunity for Manateq to better introduce its portfolio of "Economic Zones" and to highlight their major contribution to the development and growth of SME and private sectors in various fields of the economy, which will eventually translate into a diversified economy on the longer run."

Al Kaabi pointed out that this participation of "Manateq" in the exhibition is an apparent confirmation from our side on the importance of coordination and communication with our partners and effective institutions in the field of entrepreneurship.

The four-day exhibition aims to attract investment in the manufacturing sector while promoting and showcasing locally manufactured products in Saudi markets.

It also aims to promote Qatar's industry sector and encourage the use of Qatari products, while updating the Saudi business community on the latest developments in participating sectors.

It also helps provide an opportunity for exhibitors and manufacturers to meet, while directly introducing Qatari products to the Saudi community, and encouraging Saudi businessmen and women to invest in industrial projects in Qatar

Economic Zones Company "Manateq" announced its participation in Qatar International Medical Devices & Healthcare Exhibition and Conferences (QMED), the major medical event in the state of Qatar, as an official partner of the economic zones during the exhibition held from the 2nd to 4th of December at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center ( DECC), on an area of 5.000 m2.

Mr. Fahad Rashid Al-Kaabi, CEO of "Manateq", stated that such participation in QMED aims to boost the healthcare sector which is considered an important factor in supporting the economy of the state. He added that Manateq concentrates on the economic and industrial development of the medical projects and seeks to be a part of the support and promotion system of the local health industries.

Al-Kaabi asserted that Manateq is fully committed to support the private sector in Qatar as well as enhancing its competitive abilities in healthcare field. He clarified that the company's interest to support such medical events emerges from its belief in the important role it is playing to serve the local investors and to attract the potential investors outside the state, who aspire to have access to the Qatari market and invest their capitals in the healthcare sector of the state, while the government tends to expand the number of hospitals and diverse medical centers in addition to the establishment of various medical projects.

He referred that Manateq is currently developing three projects at different areas of the state, Um Alhoul that is located near Hamad port and Ras Bufontas that is near Hamad International Airport that attracts different sectors from which industries in the healthcare sector which provides growing opportunities. Private sector, local and international investors can play an important role in developing the healthcare sector through the numerous advantages provided by the projects of "Manateq", the most important is providing a world class infrastructure in order to facilitate and support many economic sectors, especially the healthcare sector. Moreover, the companies shall benefit from the one stop shop to facilitate all the administrative procedures.

Al-Kaabi said: "by establishing "Manateq" and its diverse advantages and services offered to the investors, I expect that the investments in healthcare sector will be increased in the state of Qatar during the next years and it will exceed the governmental expenditure in such sector. I also expect a rise in local and foreign investments in the healthcare sector through the zones provided by Manateq.

From his side, Khalifa Garoun, the Manager of the exhibition, expressed his appreciation for Manateq for being one of the main sponsors to QMED, He further noted the significance of public and private sector participation in this exhibition to be held in Qatar, for highlighting the priority H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, gives to healthcare sector.

Haroun said: "More than 100 national and international corporates and companies are participating in QMED. They rank amongst the most leading international and regional companies in the field of developing and providing medical devices, and supplies for hospitals and medical laboratories".

He further stressed the fact that achievements over the past years at all sectors of the country, especially the medical sector receiving tremendous support of H.H. Emir, have been the motivator for organizing such an important event, since Qatar is deemed as the most advanced GCC country in the field of healthcare services. It also accommodates hospitals with various departments duly equipped with the state-of-the-art devices.

He noted that organizing such a conference represents a great opportunity for regional healthcare sector officials, as well as specialists from all over the world, to meet together; thus, creating a competitive atmosphere between such companies to display the state-of-the-art medical services innovations. This would contribute to raise awareness amongst locals and residents of the real healthcare achievements, and the role such achievements will play in improving and developing the lifestyle of both locals and residents on equal footing, with the end goal of promoting the healthcare level.

He said that such a conference marks a great opportunity for highlighting the medical devices available in Qatar and its major role in medical investment. On top of such concerned authorities are the Supreme Council of Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, Aspetar Hospital, Qatar Chamber, Hamad Medical Corporation, Ali bin Ali Medical, the British Ascot Rehabilitationm MMUSA, Bangkok Hospital .

He further indicated that QMED attracts a wide group of medical corporations as well as the leading national and international healthcare entities. It consists of 10 key sectors, the prime of which is the medical devices sector, medical training sector, and medical tourism.