Construction

Construction represents Qatar’s fastest-growing sector, with the government having pledged $200bn of investment as part of a vast infrastructure expansion scheme. As a result, opportunities for contractors abound, particularly in the transport, retail, real estate, tourism, and education sectors, not to mention the eight multibillion-dollar stadia being built in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With such rapid growth, however, the sector has faced numerous challenges, including late payments, inflation and project delays. Labour conditions in the sector have also come under considerable international scrutiny. The state is working to address these issues however, with the government having announced plans for far-reaching labour reforms that will improve its work visa and salary payment schemes.

This chapter contains an interview with Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President, Ashghal (the Public Works Authority).