United Developers returned to Cityscape Qatar, Qatar’s leading real estate event to showcase its QAR5 billion development, Place Vendôme. Currently underway in Lusail City, Place Vendôme is set to become a new luxury, lifestyle and leisure destination for the region.

Recognized as Qatar’s most influential real estate event, Cityscape Qatar 2015 took place from the 11th to the 13^th of May at the Doha Exhibition Center. Building on the rich architecture of the project, United Developers’ unique stand design featured two meticulous architectural models of the Place Vendôme development, detailing all the remarkable features of the project. Place Vendôme, which broke ground on the 17^th of March 2014, is well underway and on schedule for its opening slated for third quarter 2017. Enabling works were completed with the excavation of 2 million cubic tons from the site, the installation of 5,300 foundation piles and the pouring of 12,000 cubic meters of concrete per work. The project is now advancing in its construction drawing significant progress on the hotel components.

Drawing inspiration from the Parisian district of the same name, Place Vendôme will be reminiscent of the famous high-end shopping street in Paris, Rue de la Paix, of which Place Vendôme is the starting point. The architecture radiates luxury and extravagance while conveying a touch of cultural and artistic feel. The development will feature a canal running through it directly from the sea, seamlessly drawing together the surrounding environment to provide visitors a unique experience.

Commenting on United Developers’ presence at Cityscape Qatar, Mr. Sean Kelly, Project Director of Place Vendôme, said: “ We have returned to Cityscape Qatar for a second year in a row to reinforce our position in the local real-estate market and to showcase the progress of our project. We are delighted with the strong interest of our industry peers and the local market in our Place Vendôme project.”

“Since we had announced our project at Cityscape Qatar last year, we have been travelling around the world to promote Place Vendôme and introduce it to the leading brands in the fashion and luxury industries. So far we have been to Paris, Milan, Cannes, Dubai, London and most recently Florence.We are confident that Place Vendôme will transform the luxury and leisure experience in the region, as it introduces new retail brands and varied entertainment choices in a unique setting.” added Mr. Kelly

The 800,000m² mixed-use development will host two five-star hotels, serviced apartments, up to 400 different retail outlets, a central entertainment component showcasing permanent attractions, technologically advanced installations and special events. In addition, the retail portion of the development will boast an exclusive section dedicated to unrivaled luxury featuring the most elite brands. Aligned with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, Place Vendôme reflects the owners’ commitment to Qatar’s economic diversification as well as human and social development through the opportunities and jobs that the development will create during construction and upon completion. 

As part of ongoing works to improve safety and traffic flow as well as ease congestion on temporary roads during construction, the Public Works Authority, 'Ashghal' has announced changing Lagoona2 Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection to improve traffic safety on Lusail Road and facilitate the implementation of works on the Lusail Expressway Project in such a way that minimizes the effect on traffic. The new intersection also includes traffic sensors to detect the vehicle patterns that vary throughout the day and help determine the timing of lights.

The Lagoona 2 Roundabout will be converted to a signal-controlled junction.The Lagoona 3 Roundabout leading to the ZigZag towers has been closed in order to build another roundabout to control the incoming traffic heading toward the ZigZag Towers and Lagoona Mall. Vehicles coming from the direction of the mall and the ZigZag towers and wanting to access the Pearl will need to drive to Lagoona1 Roundabout, also known as Diplomatic Roundabout, make a U-turn and head back in the direction of the Pearl.

It is worth noting that Lusail's temporary Road which Ashghal built to ease traffic flow from Al Wahda Street (Arch Roundabout) to the North Canal Crossing t is considered one of the most advanced temporary roads allowing a smooth traffic flow while construction works are taking place on Lusail Expressway Project simultaneously.

The Lusail Expressway project is part of Qatar’s Expressway Programme which involves reconstruction and upgrading of the existing Lusail Street from south of Al Wahda Street (Arch Roundabout) to the North Canal Crossing and connecting the Lusail area with West Bay. Lusail Expressway involves the construction of a network of tunnels, flyovers and junctions comprising three multilevel interchanges, connecting the Pearl Qatar, Katara and Lusail, as well as the residential and commercial areas in the surrounding area.

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has participated in the “Made in Qatar” exhibition organised by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Industry. The exhibition is held under the patronage of H.H. Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani and was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The opening of the exhibition "Made in Qatar" took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Doha Exhibition Centre.

The participation of the authority in the “Made in Qatar” exhibition, which is held between 19 and 22 May, comes in order to shed light on Ashghal’s effective contribution to the development of the State of Qatar through its roads and infrastructure development projects. This will contribute and support the national economy and the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. Ashghal took part in the exhibition with a booth in which it showcased a number of the authority’s most prominent and important projects currently being implemented. The projects fall under Ashghal’s different roads and infrastructure programmes, including expressway projects as well as drainage and local roads projects, in addition to the most prominent public buildings, education and health facilities projects.

Representatives from various departments of Ashghal were present at the exhibition to give the visitors of the authority’s booth an overview of these projects and programmes carried out by Ashghal across the state. In its booth, the Public Works Authority distributed a number of publications that familiarise the people with the authority’s mission and projects. A large number of representatives for Arab and foreign industrial companies are participating in the exhibition’s fourth edition. This constitutes a good opportunity to get to know these companies and their local counterparts. 

As part of its continuing efforts to achieve operational efficiency, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has launched the shared services contact center. The integrated internal call center has been established to enable employees to access all the services it provides by contacting a sole entity.

The Shared Services Affairs contact center receives staff calls, responds to employee's inquiries, meets their requests, and follows up with them. The shared services contact center comprises a team of four employees trained to deal with callers inquiries and to meet their requests in accordance with the authority they have which enables them to access staff databases in order to address their demands. The team also processes, registers and classifies each request with a sequential number, in special databases and follows up on those requests until they are processed.

The services provided by the Shared Services Affairs contact center include receiving requests and inquiries related to the human resources department, namely services related to salaries, leaves, and all kinds of allowances, as well as exit procedures, training courses,official duties, and other HR services. The call center also handles all the IT requests and inquiries such as hardware requests, requests to extend and repair networks, as well as requests to activate the applications adopted in Ashghal, in addition to other IT services.

With regards to the services provided by the Financial Affairs Department, personnel from the contact center receive calls regarding governmental housing, furniture allowance expense, financial approvals,payment requests, etc. Furthermore, the call center receives calls regarding office furniture orders, access and exit cards,vehicles parking, guests housing, and all the services provided by the General Services Department.

In this regard, Mr. Meshaal Sultan Al Hitmi, Director of the Shared Services Affairs in Ashghal, said: “We always aim to improve the quality of the services provided by Ashghal to its employees whether through the shared services contact centre or through internal systems provided by Ashghal, namely self-service system for the employees via an electronic portal and the number of self-service operations has reached around 40 services.This portal eases the electronic submission of applications such as training courses requests, performance assessment procedures, and many others. Moreover, the development and expansion operation will continue and new will be added in accordance with the work requirements and the need for these services which continue taking shape with the progress of the implementation path.”

Mr. Meshaal Sultan Al Hitmi added: "The paper use in the authority has decreased significantly since the launching of the shared services affairs contact centre and the employee's self-services system becameoperational.”

The purpose of the shared services contact centre is to save the employees' time and effort and to provide immediate response to all their inquiries and follow up on their request to ensure it is managed as swiftly as possible. This is part of Ashghal's beliefs in the importance of the employees' time so as to achieve the policy adopted by the authority regarding time management and strengthening institutional efficiency. Since the launching shared services contact centre, it has been taking around 1150 and 1300 staff requests and inquiries per month. The working group of the Shared Services Affairs contact centre was carefully selected and has undergone intensive training to ensure its ability to handle the several inquiries it receives. The centre answers any request regarding IT, general services, financial affairs, and HR.

In a related context, Ms. Abeer AlHajri, IT Department manager, Planning and Quality Department manager, and the project’s manager, clarified that the "Ashghal adopts the latest technology to strengthen the operational efficiency."

Ms. Al Hajiri noted that the "Shared Services Affairs contact center is an integrated internal contact center whose work is not only limited to providing support for the employee. It comprises a system aiming at collecting and documenting complaints and requests within a database in a way that grants each call,request or complaint a sequential number. This allows Ashghal to analyse the data in order to identify the areas that need development and optimization. In addition to this, the centre logs all the applications and inquiries in a central database which helps them to extract and compile reports for each department separately and easily.”

Ms. Eman Mohammed Abdullah, a staff member in the Shared Services Affairs contact center said that: “The contact center is a successful project by all standards, simply because it spares the trouble to hundreds of employees in Ashghal’s headquarters in West Bay, Salwa, and Najma areas. Once they call 1234, they can get immediate support and response to any inquiry regarding any of the four departments related to the Shared Services Affairs in Ashghal and if what they need falls within our jurisdiction we handle their applications immediately and follow-upon them to make sure they have been completed."

As part of the sewerage network construction works in Al Khor Commercial Street, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announces the complete closure of two sections of Al Ghaws Street in Al Khor area between Al Khor Corniche Roundabout and Al Khor beach. The closure will start on Wednesday May 27, 2015 for a period of two months.The length of each of the two closed parts is 250 meters (as shown on the map).

Duringthe closure period, one lane will remain open to traffic in the middle part of the road between the two closed sections, in the direction from the Al Khor beach to Al Khor Corniche Roundabout. Drivers can use the local roads in the area to go around during the closure period. The roads and infrastructure development in Al Khor Commercial Street is one of the Local Roads and Drainage Programme projects implemented by the Public Works Authority to develop the existing infrastructure and construct an integrated infrastructure in the new areas all over the country.

On Monday 25 May 2015, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ in coordination with the MMUP organised a community event with representatives from various organisations, businesses, schools, and residents in Al Rayyan Municipality area West of Qatar. The event aimed at familiarizing the community with the various important projects that the Authority is implementing in this vital area.

Representatives of Expressway,Buildings, and Local Roads and Drainage projects located in West Qatar attended the event in addition to representatives from consulting and contracting companies implementing the projects. A detailed presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the projects being implemented in the west area including their components, stages and features,and what has been achieved so far. Material in both English and Arabic were distributed to the attendees and they included general information on the projects, guidelines to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, as well as contact details for Ashghal and community engagement officers responsible for each project. The audience showed interest and questions were discussed and answered by project engineers.

In addition to the event,a site tour to the Dukhan Highway Central project, part of the Expressway Programme, was organised to demonstrate the considerable progress made on the project.The tour went through to Rawdat Rashed Interchange, which will be constructed as part of the project works.

It is noteworthy that this event reflects Ashghal’s commitment to strengthening communication and outreach with the residents living in the vicinity of its projects. The event is part of Ashghal’s integrated community outreach programme, which includes various community initiatives that aim to minimise the impact of construction works on residents and visitors. Ashghal will also continue to engage communities about the progress of its projects and any traffic delays during the implementation stages.

The following is a detailed overview of the projects that the Public Works Authority is implementing in the west of Qatar:

First: Expressway Projects in West Qatar

1. Dukhan Highway Central

The project includes the construction of approximately 15 km dual carriageway with four lanes in each direction, and comprises the construction of three multi-level interchanges.The project is expected to be completed in 2017. This project will improve traffic between Dukhan and central Doha by creating a strategic east-west highway, in addition to separating the highway traffic from local traffic. The project will also include an extensive network of pedestrian footpaths and cycleways to provide active transport options, and reduce the reliance on vehicles.

In June 2014 a 9 Km four lane carriageway from Al Rayyan Roundabout to Al Sheehaniya Roundabout including an underpass of Al Dehailiy at Army Camp interchange was opened to traffic. As part of the project, two underpasses for camels crossing located near Al Rayyan R/A and Al Sheehaniya R/A are now open. In addition, two lanes of the service roads have been opened to traffic in each direction. In April 2015, a new stretch of road on the Dukhan highway was opened to traffic from the direction of Dukhan towards Doha.Traffic which was previously diverted to the service road south of Dukhan road was redirected to the newly completed 1.5km road.Redirecting the traffic to the newly completed section on the main Dukhan Road improved the traffic flow by providing 4 lanes in each direction. It also separates the traffic coming from the direction of Doha from the traffic coming from beneath the steel bridge on the Temporary Truck Road enabling commuters to use the service road south of the main Dukhan Road to reach the inner region.

2. Dukhan Highway East

The project includes the construction of approximately 6.5 km of new dual carriageway with 4 lanes in each direction to be the main Dukhan Road East, and 3.4 km along Al Gharrafa Road, as well as the construction of six multi-level interchanges. This project will create a strategic east-west highway to connect Dukhan in the west with the heart of Doha. A 90m pedestrian plaza will be built between Tilted and North interchanges to provide on-foot connections for people in the Education City area. The project is expected to be completed in 2018.

3. Al Rayyan Road - West of New Rayyan Roundabout to East of BaniHajer Roundabout (Contract 1)

The project encompasses the construction of approximately 2.9 km new dual carriageway with 4 lanes in each direction, from west of New Al Rayyan Roundabout to east of BaniHajer Roundabout, and the construction of three multi-level interchanges. The project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in an area vital to the flow of goods and people into the centre of Doha. It will serve important residential areas and improve connections with key locations like the Education City and the universities and schools at Qatar Foundation. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

4. Rayyan Road - West of Olympic Roundabout to West of New Rayyan Roundabout (Contract 2)

The project includes the construction of 5.5 km new dual carriageway with four lanes in each direction, from the west of the Olympic Roundabout to the west of Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah Roundabout (New Rayyan Roundabout), and the construction of six major interchanges. This project will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in an area vital to the flow of goods and people into the centre of Doha, through improving the main Al Rayyan Road and the associated side roads and service roads. The signalised junctions will provide new access to other key roads, as well the residential and commercial areas improved connections with February 22 Street.

Infrastructure improvements will include upgrading and relocation of utilities, new road lighting system, the installation of Intelligent Transport System and storm drainage network, in addition to the provision of walkways and cycleways, and landscaping works. The project will also contribute to enhancing environmental sustainability and improve safety standards on the road and is expected to be completed in 2018.

5. New Orbital Highway & Truck Route: Dukhan Highway to Al Khor Link (Contract 2)

The project encompasses the construction of approximately 48km of dual carriageway with 7 lanes in each direction, and the construction of eight two-level interchanges. The project is located to the north west of Doha, starting at Salwa Road and passing through Dukhan Road and North Road, and up to the North Relief Road. This new route will form part of the New Orbital Highway connecting the south and north of Qatar and enabling traffic to move efficiently around the country without having to pass through central Doha. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

6. New Orbital Highway & Truck Route: Mesaieed to Salwa Road (Contract 3)

The project includes the construction of approximately 55 km of dual carriageway with 7 lanes in each direction, and the construction of five two-level interchanges. The project is located to the south west of Doha, starting at Mesaieed Industrial City interchange and reaching up to Salwa Road, connecting the side roads Mesaieed Road 1, Wukair Road 1 and Wukair Road 2, and the East-West Corridor to the New Orbital Highway. This project also provides the vital connection between the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route Contracts 1 and 2, and is expected to be completed in 2017.

7. Rawdat Al Khail Street

The project includes the construction of approximately 8 km of new dual carriageway with three lanes in each direction, and the construction of six multi-level interchanges. This project will improve traffic and reduce traffic congestion in the region, and will link the Industrial Area with the centre of Doha city and facilitate access to Barwa City and commercial areas. The project will also link F-Ring Road with the Wholesale Market Road and Mesaimeer Street. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.

8. Al Jemailiya-Al Otouriya-Al Sheehaniya Road

The project encompasses the development of the existing Al Sheehaniya- Al-Jemailiya road passing by Al Otouriya, over a length of approximately 29 km with two lanes in each direction, as well as the construction of four main interchanges. The project also comprises the development of services and infrastructure facilities to include the construction and upgrade of rainwater drainage system,installation of intelligent transport systems, in addition to the operation, installation and maintenance of electrical sub-stations.

The project is distinguished by its pedestrian paths and cycleways along the side of the road, in addition to a pedestrian bridge that provides access to bus stops and improves safety. Camel underpasses will also be developed to facilitate their access to the camel race track located within the project area. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Second: Local Roads and Drainage Projectsin West Qatar

The Local Roads and Drainage Projects include the construction and upgrade of the area’s old and incomplete roads, in addition to improving the main accesses to residential and commercial areas and providing  safe pedestrian and cycle paths, traffic signals, street signage, street lighting, landscaping works, and upgrading the water drainage network .

Completed projects

1. Construction of Gharrafa Area Sewerage

The project includes 993 land plots with a total area of 3,741,308.3 sqm, and has been completed in Q3 of 2014.

2. Flow Diversion Schemes in Al-Wajba and Barzan Camp

The project has been completed in Q4 2014.

Projects Under Construction

1. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phases 1 & 2, Package 1)

The project includes 652 land plots with a total area of 1,521,341.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2016.

2. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phases 1 & 2, Package 2)

The project includes 478 land plots with a total area of 1,070,595.8 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2017.

3. Roads and Infrastructure in BaniHajer North (Phase 2, Package 7)

The project includes 597 land plots with a total area of 1,353,088.7 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2016.

4. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Themaid and RawdatEgdaim (Phase 3, Package 18)

The project includes 1,268 land plots with a total area of 3,941,807.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2018.

5. Gharrafa Sewage Scheme – Remaining Area

The project includes 3,036 land plots with a total area of 10,443,340 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

6. Roads and Infrastructure in North of Al-Nassriya

The project includes 825 land plots with a total area of 1,950,368.3 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4 of 2017.

7. Roads and Infrastructure in Aziziya East (Phase 4)

The project includes 420 land plots with a total area of 828,300 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

8. Roads and Infrastructure in West Muaither (Al-Manaseer) - (Package 1)

The project includes 2,560 land plots with a total area of 2,386,219.6 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q3 of 2018.

9. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Sailiya – North of Salwa Road

The project includes 831 land plots with a total area of 1,462,472.7 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q4of 2017.

10. Roads and Infrastructure in RawdatAbalHeeran (Package 1)

The project includes 1,279 land plots with a total area of 3,150,699.4 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1of 2017.

11. Roads and Infrastructure in RawdatAbalHeeran (Package 2)

The project includes 1,321 land plots with a total area of 2,175,049.1 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2017.

12. Roads and Infrastructure in Al-Mearad and Southwest of Muaither

The project includes 3,716 land plots with a total area of 7,984,370 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1of 2020.

13. Construction of Al-Nassriya Area Sewerage

The project includes 1,002 land plots with a total area of 1,736,021.5 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2015.

14. Flow Diversion Schemes in Al-Wajba and New Al-Rayyan

The Project is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2016.

15. Muaither Area Sewage (Package 1)

The Project is expected is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2016.

16. Roads and Infrastructure in Rawdat Egdaim and lzghawa

The project includes 890 land plots with a total area of 2,039,346.8 sqm, and is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2018.

Third: Buildings Projects

• Educational Projects in the West of Qatar

Eleven schools are currently under construction in the areas of Al Oteiqa, Al Wajba, Al Karaana, Umm al Sanim, and Al Sheehaniya. Construction works on these schools commenced in Q1 of 2015 and is expected to be completed in of Q3 2016. There are also two schools and kindergartens in the design phase in the areas of Al Meerad and Rawdat Rashed, and six schools in the tender phase in the areas of Rawdat Al Burj and Al Meerad.

The schools are being built according to standard design, and the total construction area of each school is 9,159sqm, and consists of a two story building that accommodates around 650 students in 25 classes. Each school is equipped with a multipurpose hall as well as science labs and rooms for computer, arts, and language.The main building is also surrounded by a series of external adjoining buildings, covered parking lots, and an outdoor football, handball, and volleyball court.

It should be noted that the schools are designed in line with the Qatari code requirements for persons with special needs, in terms of providing accessibility ramps, restrooms and other amenities. The schools are also eco-friendly green and smart buildings that are provided with special equipment to help conserve energy and decrease water consumption.

• Health Centers Projects in theWest of Qatar

Healthcare centres are built according to three design prototypes (A), (B), and (C) that share the same architectural identity and design. They all provide main medical sections and specialised clinics, dentistry, emergency, radiology, pharmacies and labs, but they differ in size.

Health centres under construction:

1. Al Karaana Health Centre

The centre is located west of Al Karaana. It is a “Prototype A” building. It comprises a ground level and service buildings. The building area is about 2,800 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

2. Al Waab Health Centre:

The centre is located in Al Waab area and is a “Prototype B” building. It comprises a two level basement car park, a ground floor and a first floor as well as service buildings. The building area is about 29,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

3. Ain Khaled Health Centre:

It is located in Umm Al Seneem and it is a “proto type B”. The centre consists of a basement, ground floor and an upper floor, in addition to service buildings. The total building area is about 25,681 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

4. Al Wajba Health Centre:

Al Wajba Health Care Centre is a “Prototype C” building and is located in Al Wajba area. It comprises of a ground and first floor with a two level basement car park and will include service buildings. The building area is about 33,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

5. Muaither Health Centre:

Muaither Health Care Centre is a “Prototype C” building and is located in Al Muaither area. It comprises of a ground andfirst floor with a two level basement car park and will include service buildings. The building area is about 31,000 sqm. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Bani Hajer Health Centre (in tender):

The project is located in Al Rayyan area and will have a built up area of 9,744 sqm (excluding the basement). The project also includes building a few additional buildings such as a mosque and other service buildings. It is part of a new series of health care centres launched by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) which incorporates Urgent Care as a core service. This new type of health care centre is different from the prototype designs previously developed for the health care centres now in construction.The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Health projects in Design:

1. National Laboratories Building:

The project aims to be the key reference in the field of specialised tests that support health services and supervising them in Qatar. These tests include the fields of specialised tests for food safety and the safety and quality of medical drugs, environmental protection and emergency response, in addition to supervising disease prevention campaigns. The project will be built in Mesaimeer covering an area of approximately 15,000 sqm (excluding the basement). The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

Mosques and Endowment Projects in the West of Qatar

Twelve mosques are currently under construction in the areas of Muaither, Rawdat Egdeim, Al-Aziziya, Al Sheehaniya, Industrial Area, Al-Meerad, Umm Sanim, Hazm Al-Markhiya, Al-Wajba, Al-Waab. The expected date of completion for these mosques is as follows: two mosques in Q2 of 2015, nine mosques in Q4 of 2015and one mosque in Q1 of 2016. Additionally, nine mosques and four Imam Houses are in the tender phase and will be built in Umm Ghuwailina, Muaither, Al Meerad, Mheirja, and Bu Sidra. Moreover, mosques and several houses for Imams and preachers, and Koranic centres are in the design phase and will be built in Bu Sidra, RasBrouq, RawdatRashed, Al Meerad, Umm Sanim, Bu Nakhla, Al-Markhiya, Al-Gharrafa, Al Sheehaniya, Luaib, and RawdatEgdeim.

The Public Works Authority announced that access and egress to and from Al Hiddan Street to Um Swaiah Street will be closed in the vicinity of Al Khor compound of Independent Schools for girls. The closure will be in place for two months starting Thursday 28 May 2015. (As shown in the attached map)

Vehicles will be able to access Al Hiddan Street by taking the exit from Um Swaiah Street onto Al Ishaiqr Street, turning left into to Al Shadidah Street and left again on to Al Hiddan Street. Egress to Um Swaiah Street will then be via Al Shadidah Street and Al Ishaiqr Street. Ashghal is implementing this temporary closure to complete phase two of the developments of roads and infrastructure of Al Khor Commercial Street. Ashghal urges all commuters to abide by the speed limits to help ensure their safety and to follow the new instructions displayed in the area to guide them.

The Public Works Authority "Ashghal" announced that a diversion will be put in place at the Coffee Pot Roundabout in Al Khor in the direction from Al Thakira toward Doha and vice versa. The diversion will be in place for three months starting as of Saturday 30 May and traffic will be diverted to an alternative route with the same number of lanes to avoid disruption of the traffic flow.

Ashghal will also close the median island and road shoulders leading to the Coffee Pot Roundabout in all four directions to replace the roundabout with a signal-controlled junction and develop the roads and infrastructure in Al Khor Commercial Street. Ashghal also announced that two lanes on the street that extends from the Coffee Pot Roundabout along the length of Al Khor Commercial Roundabout toward Nasser Bin Abdallah Al Misnad Street will be closed. Traffic will be diverted to an alternative two-lane street adjacent to the existing street as of Saturday 30 May and will be in place for 12 month.

Ashghal is implementing a number of diversions on Al Khor Commercial Street in order for commencing construction works of Phase I of the development of Al Khor's local roads and infrastructure. The development of Al Khor Commercial Street will improve road alignment and will comprise the construction of signal-controlled junctions, service roads and parking bays to improve commercial and residential access which will in turn ease traffic flow and congestion.

The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ participated in the Qatar International Medical Congress (QIMC) hosted in Doha from 26 to 28 May 2015. During the exhibition, H.E. Abdulla bin Khalid Al-Qahtani, Minister of Public Health & Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) visited the authority's pavilion and was received by Eng. Dr. Abdulla Al-Ajmi, Manager of Building Projects Department in Ashghal, and Mr. Abdullah Saad Al Saad, Manager of Public Relations and Communications Department.

The participation of the authority in this important international event came in the framework of strengthening awareness about the role Ashghal is playing, in coordination with the SCH, to provide the best and most developed medical services to the citizens and residents of Qatar that Ashghal is trying to achieve through the healthcare facilities and centres it is developing. In its pavilion, the authority distributed a number of publications that familiarise the community with the authority’s health care projects which represent a valuable addition to the health care sector in the State of Qatar.

These projects include a wide range of primary health care centres covering most of the country’s areas including Doha and the surrounding and outer areas. The facilities include a number of hospitals, additional operation rooms at Hamad General Hospital, a Communicable Diseases Unit at Rumailah Hospital, as well as Hamad Medical City (Hospital fit out) project, the National Health Laboratories in Mesaimeer, Hamad Medical City’s Simulation Centre, an annex for the emergency section at Hamad General Hospital, and an annex of Al Khor Hospital with a capacity of 500 beds.

These projects and many others will enhance the health care and medical research sector and will benefit citizens and residents as they will include the most advanced medical equipment to enable healthcare employees to provide the best health services required.

The Public Works Authority “Ashghal” has announced the complete closure of one direction of Al Markhiya Street beginning Friday morning, 29 May 2015 until midnight Saturday 30 May 2015. The closure extends for about 400 meters in the direction from Lejbilat Interchange to Onaiza Interchange and aims to facilitate maintenance work, including repaving and asphalt works on the street.

During the closure period, drivers wishing to reach Oneiza Interchange via the Lejbilat Interchange can make a right turn onto Al Taqadom Street (after Lejbilat Interchange) and then turn left onto Al Muhandiseen Street which leads to the Independence Street and onto the Civil Defense Roundabout after which they can make a U-turn and come back to Oneiza Roundabout. (As shown in the attached map). Ashghal will install road signs to advice motorists of the closure. The authority requests all road users to abide by the speed limits, and follow the road signs to ensure their safety.

The Public Works Authority "Ashghal" announces that access and egress to Omar Bin Abdulaziz Street will be closed in the vicinity of Al Khor Sports Club. Traffic will be diverted to the east entrance leading to Al Tawoon Street.

The closure will be in place for two months starting Saturday 30 May 2015. (As shown in the attached map). Ashghal is implementing this temporary diversion to complete phase two of the developments of roads and infrastructure of Al Khor Commercial Street. Ashghal is implementing a number of diversions on Al Khor Commercial Street to pave way for the construction and development of the street's local roads and infrastructure; namely the construction of signal-controlled junctions, service roads and parking bays to improve commercial and residential access which will in turn ease traffic flow and congestion.

The  United Development Company (UDC) will prioritise building its half-finished Pearl development in Doha, a 60-tower residential project situated on a manmade island, a senior executive has said in Gulf Times.

UDC’s move shows how soaring land values are leaving developers in Qatar with little option but to build high-end properties in their search for higher margins. According to consultancy Deloitte Financial Advisory, The Pearl’s units sell on average for about QR15,000 per square metre and monthly rents start at QR10,000. “Since the beginning of last year, UDC has ventured into signing new agreements to further develop The Pearl, attract more residents and expand the island’s investment offerings,” Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei, UDC chief corporate development officer, told Reuters in an e-mail interview. 

He said a company priority is to complete the 10 precincts of The Pearl, while UDC would increase its profits from sales and retail leasing. Qatar residential sales and rental prices increased 31.4 % in 2014, Deloitte estimates. UDC reported steady first-quarter earnings, with net profit rising 8.5 % to QR261.8mn, despite a 17.5% drop in revenue to QR399.7mn. About 90% of properties on the Pearl that have been made available for sale or leasing have been bought or leased, Yafei said, declining to provide more details. 

The project will consist of “60 towers, of which approximately 26 are currently near completion or already inhabited although the majority of those are not fully occupied”, Nick Witty, Real Estate Advisory Director at Deloitte, told a conference this month. UDC, which is 34% owned by Qatar’s government, also has interests in infrastructure, utilities, asset management and energy. “We will continue to look for new opportunities in areas of interest such as real estate, property and facilities management, retail, hospitality and others,” said al-Yafei. 

“Product diversification is core to our business objective.” He said UDC retained much of its assets for lease, rather than sale. “Although there is no fail-safe protection against a major market downturn, these stable income streams will cushion us from market cycles and support dividend payments to our stockholders,” added al-Yafei. UDC is a leading Qatari shareholding company with a mission to identify and invest in long-term projects contributing to Qatar’s growth and providing good shareholder value, information posted on the company’s website said.

The Pearl-Qatar is UDC’s flagship project and one of the largest urban developments in Qatar. Comprising an area of 4mn square metres, and a 32km coastline, this reclaimed island has been developed with funds in excess of QR50bn.

United Development Company (UDC), today announced that Ibrahim Al-Othman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company.

Approved by the Board of Directors, Mr. Al-Othman’s appointment follows the revelation last March by the UDC Chairman of the Board during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) that various candidates for the CEO position were being considered and that an appointment should be made within “two to three months’ time.” According to UDC Chairman and Managing Director Turki Al-Khater, Ibrahim Al-Othman is a perfect fit to lead United Development Company. “Mr. Al-Othman is a chief executive who will capably lead United Development Company forward by ensuring it remains results oriented and focused on delivering for our shareholders, clients, residents and employees.”

He further explained, "For six years, Ibrahim has led Gulf Drilling International (GDI) as their Chief Executive Officer, and during this time he has proved to be an outstanding leader who has made a direct impact on the Company’s bottom line.”

Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman holds a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut. He has over 25 years of experience in the oil industry, working for national, international and oil service companies. Throughout his executive career path at GDI, he has chaired various strategy-inclined committees and has also represented Qatar Petroleum (QP) as director on the boards of numerous joint venture companies. “I am honored to be offered this role,” said Ibrahim Al-Othman. “UDC, with its reputation as one of the leading Qatari Shareholding companies and its diversified portfolio of excellent businesses and developments, particularly The Pearl-Qatar, is well-positioned locally and globally, and I look forward to many years of productive team work there.”

UDC, which has joined Qatar Stock Exchange in 2003, has since seen some of the most impressive rates of growth in the market. Its long-term strategy towards investment has helped forge its reputation as one of the leading shareholding companies in Qatar. Since its founding in 2000, UDC has developed into a first-class urban developer and joint venture partner, and has successfully established several companies and ventures. Subsidiaries and partnerships under United Development Company’s umbrella include United Fashion Company, Hospitality Development Company, Ronautica Middle East, Qatar Cool, Madinainova, United Facilities Management Company, United Technology Solutions, and various others.  UDC is also owner and master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, the Middle East’s most innovative mixed-use urban development.

Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Building Project (entered by ASTAD Project Management) has been named as the region’s project of the year at the MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2015, in association with Mashreq. The project was also named the GCC’s UCC UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Social Infrastructure Project of the Year.

The project was one of ten named as the region’s best projects of the year at the prestigious MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2015, in association with Mashreq, at a gala awards ceremony held in Dubai at MEED’s Construction Leadership Summit. Qatar’s other regional winner was The New Doha International Airport Passenger Terminal Complex - CP 18 Project by the New Doha International Airport Steering Committee (entered by Sky Oryx Joint Venture: Taisei – TAV JV) which won the GCC’s Transport Project of the Year, sponsored by Hyder, an Arcadis Company.

John Iossifidis, Executive Vice President, Group Head – Corporate & Investment Banking, Mashreq Bank, psc., headline sponsor of the awards, praised the winners for their unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality. “Adherence to quality standards ensures optimum delivery of a project’s intended benefits, and for this we congratulate the winners for their resolute commitment to project excellence that continues to set the benchmark not just for the region, but also for the rest of the world.”

Saudi Arabia-based projects scooped a trio of awards: the Siemens Energy Hub Project by Siemens Energy (nominated by Hyder, an Arcadis Company) was named the GCC’s Daman Industrial Project of the Year; the Jabal Omar Project Phase 1 Project by Jabal Omar Development Company (nominated by Schneider Electric) was named the GCC’s Building Project of the Year; and the Qurayyah Independent Power Plant Project by Hajr Electricity Production Co. was named the GCC’s Power & Water Project of the Year.

Bahrain scooped two regional awards – the GCC Oil & Gas Project of the Year for the Awali Oil Field - Tatweer Petroleum Project (nominated by New Water Corporation); and the GCC’s Ramboll Sustainable Project of the Year for the Ministry of Works’ Muharraq STP and Sewer Conveyance Project (nominated by Muharraq STP Company). The UAE’s Emirates AquaTechnologies Caviar Factory LLC Project by Bin Salem Holding (nominated by Emirates Aqua Tech) was named winner of the GCC CH2M Award for Innovation; while Oman’s Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort Project by the Oman Tourism Development Co (OMRAN) won the GCC’s Drake & Scull Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year award.

Kuwait’s Structural Renovation of the Grand Mosque Project by the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs (nominated by PACE) was named the GCC’s Small Project of the Year. Two special awards were also handed out during the ceremony – The MEED Editor’s Award for Leadership, given to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); and The MEED Editor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Project Delivery, which was presented to the Al Maryah Island Project Team, Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure.

The MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2015, in association with Mashreq, is now in its 5^th year and this year was the biggest year to date. “We received a record number of entries, marking yet another successful year for the awards,’’ said Richard Thompson, Editorial Director, MEED. ‘’The growing number of entrants is a reflection of the continuing strength of the projects sector in the region, with more projects being completed year-on-year. At the same time, the interest in the awards continues to reinforce their position as the benchmark for project excellence in this part of the world.”

To enable maintenance works on the traffic signal at the intersection of Al Bustan Street with Al Waab Street, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced that part of Al Waab Street in the direction from Villaggio to Al Sadd will be completely closed to traffic. The other direction of the road will remain open to traffic.

The closure will take place on Thursday 4 June at 11pm until Friday 5 June at 11am. Ashghal apologises for any inconvenience, and urges all road users to abide by speed limits and traffic signs to ensure their safety.

To enable micro tunneling works to build a new pumping station, the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ will close part of Dareen Street heading towards Airport Street, while the other direction of the street will be open to traffic.

The closure extends from Dareen Street intersection with Al Aasha Street until the intersection of Dareen Street with Airport Street, as shown in the map. The closure starts on Saturday, 6 June and will last until 30 November 2015. Road users coming from Dareen Street towards Airport Street can take a right onto Al Aasha Street and continue until Um Al Maradem Street then turn left to reach Airport Street. Ashghal apologises for any inconvenience, and urges all road users to abide by speed limits and traffic signs to ensure their safety.

The Public Works Authority "Ashghal" announced the temporary one lane closure on a section of road approximately 1 km in length on Route 55, also known as the Temporary Truck Route (TTR), as of Thursday 4 June 2015. 

The closures will be carried out in two phases:

Phase 1 will take place on Thursday 4 June until Saturday 13 June and involves the closure of the outer northbound lane and the inner south boundlane, traffic will be diverted on to the remaining open lane (as shown in the map)

Phase 2 will take place on Saturday the 13 June until Thursday 25 June involves the closure of the inner northbound lane and the inner south boundlane, traffic will be diverted on to the remaining open lane (as shown in the map)

The closure of the lanes is needed to allow for the construction of the T-Junction that will connect Route 55 to the road leading to the New Doha Port as part of the works on the Orbital Highway and Truck Route Project. Ashghal will install road signs to advise motorists of the diversion. The authority requests all road users to abide by the speed limits, and follow the road signs to ensure their safety.

Ronautica Middle East (RME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Development Company (UDC) and operator/manager of The Pearl-Qatar’s three marinas, today announced that Porto Arabia Marina has been awarded ‘5 Gold Anchors’ rating from the Gold Anchor Award Scheme by the Yacht Harbor Association (TYHA).

Receiving the highest Gold Anchor rating is a significant development for the world-class Marina at Porto Arabia and for RME, in that the rating constitutes a testimony to the Marina’s international standing as well as to RME’s acumen in operating and managing the Marina, consequently positioning Ronautica as a leading force in Qatar’s luxury boating industry. The award recognizes Porto Arabia Marina for reaching international standards set for marinas offering excellent facilities, the highest service levels for members and achieving the International Council of Marine Industry Association’s (ICOMIA) Clean Marina standard.

Commenting on this recent award, Steven Stiglbauer, General Manager of Ronautica Middle East, said, “We are very proud to have received such accreditation. This award is not possible without a full team effort and the unceasing support regularly received from our parent company and master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, United Development Company. “Porto Arabia Marina is committed to providing the highest quality facilities, customer satisfaction, safe working environment and the productive use of its resources. We take pride in upholding a clean and friendly marina environment and for achieving the 5 Gold Anchor award”, Stiglbauer added.

The Gold Anchor Award Scheme is based on the TYHA Code of Practice for the design construction and operation of marinas. Ratings range from one to five gold anchors and any award issued is a sure sign of a credible, quality marina.The number of anchors, the ultimate 5 in this case,demonstrates the quality of facilities and standard of service available to berth holders as well as full compliance with statutory regulations. The Yacht Harbor Association (TYHA) is a trade association, which operates the Which Marina portfolio and Gold Anchor Award Scheme. TYHA provides support for marinas and related business throughout the UK and internationally. Moreover, it helps marina businesses improve their services and operate to high modern standards.

The Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) has organised a workshop for its inspectors of buildings and excavations on the ministerial decrees issued by the Minister of Municipality & Urban Planning on the management of construction works in the country, Qatar Tribune said.

Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning HE Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Khalifa al Thani has issued on May 19, 2015, three Ministerial Decisions on the regulation of the construction, maintenance and demolition works, including the Ministerial Decision No (120 on the site board, and the Ministerial Decision No 121 on the fences of the work site and the Ministerial Decision No 122 on the occupation of sidewalks. The ministerial decrees stipulate terms of the controls of site fencing requirements as well as the requirements for occupation of sidewalks and specifications pertinent to the site board in the work site. The workshop was presented by Omar al Yafey, director of Public Relations & Communications Department, and Salem Hamoud al Shafi, director of the Municipal Control Department at Doha Municipality; and Dr Ahmed Abu Mustafa, legal adviser of the Office of the Minister. Activities of the workshop began with the clarification of the aim of issuing such ministerial decisions, which is restructuring of the construction and excavation works through a set of controls and regulations.

The workshop described role of inspectors as an awareness role but not only regulatory one as inspectors are responsible for educating contracting companies and consultants at work sites about the content of the decisions and to abide by the regulations and controls at the time of conducting construction and drilling works. The workshop also addressed the regulations pertinent to the site board and the ministerial decisions that obliged the contractor to install a clearly noticeable site board at the entrance of the construction site, stating the name of the owner, name and description of the project, number and date of the construction permit, the consultant particulars and the contractor particulars. 

Other content of the board should include the particulars of the person in charge of the site, emergency telephone number, the sub-contractors, the project perspective, duration of the project, starting date of works and the anticipated date of the project delivery, besides the safety cautionary instructions. The workshop also addressed the controls and regulations for occupation of the sidewalks and the obligation of the contractor to install warning and direction boards and night lights in the work areas, along with installing all necessary protection requirements, such as barriers and direction boards around the excavations sites to protect passers-by. The contractor shall restore the site to its original status and repair any flaw in the sidewalks and remove any defective parts and restore it to its original state. The event also highlighted the requirements for the installation of fence around the work site and the requirements for the temporary fence around the excavation sites.

The Public Works Authority "Ashghal" announced that a traffic diversion will be in place on the main arterial road between Al Wakrah and Al Wukair areas, starting from Wednesday 10^thJune and up to 10 months. The aim of the diversion is to facilitate the construction of interchange number 11, one of the five interchanges that form part of the Design and Construction of Al Wakrah Bypass Road project.

During the diversion, the existing two lanes in each direction will be closed on part of Al Wukair road, from after Al Tayseer Petrol Station towards Al Wukair area with a length of around 500 meters. The traffic will be diverted to a minor diversion with the same number of lanes in each direction, as shown on the map. A 50 kph speed limit will be in force on the diversion route, to reduce risks to road users and the workforce. Ashghal will install road signs to advice motorists of the diversion. The authority requests all road users to abide by the speed limits, and follow the road signs to ensure their users.