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.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has signed a concession agreement with the Economic Zones Company (Manateq) to manage the small and medium industries zone, as part of strategy to enhance operational efficiency and improve the services provided in the zone without affecting the current conditions of factories and the owners.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the ministry by Abdulla Ghanim al-Maadeed, Industrial Development Director, and Hamad Jarallah al-Marri, chief operations officer, on behalf of Manateq, in the presence of Assistant Undersecretaries at MoCI as well as Mohammad Lutfalla al-Emadi, chief executive officer of Manateq.

The concession pact spans 25 years, renewable, during which Manateq will be responsible for managing and operating the small and medium industries zone.

The company’s duties include preparing and implementing development plans, overseeing their execution, delivering related services, and providing essential infrastructure and facilities while ensuring their maintenance to optimise operational efficiency. It also mandates adherence to designated land uses, approved specifications, and performance standards.

The agreement authorises Manateq to lease and promote lands in the zone for permitted activities and establish procedures for development and operations, subject to MoCI’s approval. The pact also allows Manateq to contract qualified entities to provide required services and to conclude or amend lease agreements with tenants.

The MoCI will maintain complete oversight through its relevant department to ensure that the factories within the small and medium industries zone comply with technical and construction requirements in co-ordination with other stakeholders.

This collaboration reflects the ministry's commitment to providing an advanced investment environment that supports business continuity and meets the needs of manufacturers, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening the industrial sector's competitiveness.

"The signing of this agreement underscores the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the role of small and medium industries as key drivers of economic growth and vital components of industrial diversification," said Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development at MoCI.

"Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and create distinguished and integrated investment opportunities that drive innovation and industrial growth to support and develop the national economy," according to al-Emadi.

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.

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.

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.