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 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, 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'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.