Transport

Qatari authorities’ emphasis on infrastructure development is not surprising. Trade remains a key component of the state’s economic livelihood. Between 2000 and 2012, transport and communications’ share of GDP nearly tripled from 2.2% to 6.9%. Qatar allotted $45bn to finance transport infrastructure in 2013, and looking ahead, a growing transport and logistics sector fits within the government’s plans for the country’s future. Possible changes in construction conditions seem like the biggest potential challenge on the road ahead, while materials and contractor costs could rise significantly as more infrastructure projects continue to break ground. The authorities’ progress on Customs regulations is a positive sign, however, as smoother procedures lower costs and speed up projects. This chapter contains interviews with Saad Ahmed Al Muhannadi, CEO, Qatar Rail; and Nabeel Mohammed Al Buenain, Project Executive Director, New Port Project.