The phenomenal multinational construction show and standout trade event is almost here…

Project Qatar – The 11th International Construction Technology & Building Materials Exhibition is less than 2 weeks away from the 12th – 15th May 2014 and looks set to break even more records. Last year’s hugely successful show was widely reported on but if you did not know it featured 2,100 exhibiting companies from countries worldwide and had 45,162 visitors. It is produced by the leading event’s organiser in the Middle East IFP Qatar, part of the IFP Group. This year, the show will be held at the multi award winning state of the art venue Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). In this special report Qatar Construction Review takes a look at some of the companies exhibiting this year and speaks to Mr. Rawad Sleem – Project Qatar Project Manager,  about what visitors can expect at next month’s show which features 2 concurrent events & 2 specialized conferences under PQ conference series which clearly categorises different specialisations: Qatar-Stone Tech 2014; Heavy Max 2014 / LightingTech Qatar; and HVACTech Qatar. The is the standout show for construction companies in Qatar.

German companies have always been very well represented at the Project Qatar industry events and this year many corporations that exhibited last year are returning to build on the successes made through meeting key decision makers at this unique platform. However, some German companies exhibiting for the first time include Baumaschinen Fink GmbH which supplies spare parts for construction equipment globally; pipe specialists BQ-Rohrsysteme GmbH; engineering and instillation company Ebawe Anlagentechnik GmbH; material separation specialists Steinert Elektromagnetbau GmbH; Haver Niagara GmbH; Prime Drilling GmbH and may more. The German pavilion is always strongly represented in terms of manufacturing organisations and this year will be no different for their companies in Qatar. 

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (IBCQ) has been very active in finding opportunities for companies from the country and in March of this year met senior Qatari dignitaries. IBQC Chairperson Ms Palma Libotte accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Qatar Guido de Sanctis, presented their chamber’s work to Abdullah Eid Al Sulait, Qatar’s Ambassador to Italy and top  Qatari business leaders including  Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani,  Mohammad bin Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani and Remy Rowhany, Director General, Qatar Chamber.  

 

At Project Qatar this year the Italians have said that they will have their largest representation with up to 100 Italian firms exhibiting. First time exhibitors from the Italian pavilion include safety equipment and automated door specialists C.C.E. Costruzioni Chiusure Ermetiche Srl, specialist surface finishing company Colorificio Veneziano srl, Deen Production Srl, DG Mosaic SRL, Fabbrica Trentina Conduttori S.r.l., Ferrero Rubinetterie s.r.l., renowned heavy equipment transportation specialists Industrie COMETTO S.p.A., Mech Studio SRL, MEP (Macchine Elettroniche Piegatrici) S.p.A., lighting decoration specialists P&P di Divona Rosanna and many more. Italy has worked hard to achieve success for their Qatar construction companies. 

Another nation that will be extremely well represented at Project Qatar this year is India. Their pavilion also features The Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce (FICCI) amongst first time exhibitors. Indeed there is a growing trend now for international government agencies to represent themselves at this event due to the type of contacts that can be made here. Apart from making the vital Qatari government contacts, exhibitors can also take advantage from the huge exposure to key regional agents, dealers, buyers and suppliers. Other first time exhibitors from India will include the manufacturers and exporters of armoured doors and designers Dormak Interio Pvt. Ltd., international cement exporters and marketers GSR Marketing Ltd, Jaypee India Ltd., Nirmal Overseas Limited, Prince Industries, Rohin Stone Impex Pvt. Ltd, Sanwa Diamond Tools, Simbel Ceramic Pvt. Ltd., as well as communications company Stone Infotech Services to name but a few.  

All the country pavilions have companies that are exhibiting for the first time including Spain, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt and many more. As ever once again there is a very impressive global representation. Qatar Construction Review caught up with Mr. Rawad Sleem – Project Qatar Project Manager to find out more about this year’s show and what visitors can expect. The exhibition was fully booked in under 3 months and Mr. Rawad Sleem said that Project Qatar had experienced, “the highest number of enquiries ever received”. He also commented that the event organisers were, “excited about our move to the QNCC given its considerable size and its state-of-the-art technologies”.  

Undoubtedly the centre will provide a brand new experience for visitors and exhibitors and Mr. Rawad Sleem said, “Building on previous successes, we expect this year’s 11th edition to be our best exhibition to date. We are introducing exciting and technologically advanced features, including a specialized show planner, a B2B matchmaking platform for which exhibitors and visitors can register on the Project Qatar website to match their respective profiles and areas of interest, which will lead to subsequent meetings. Visitors and exhibitors will also benefit from an advanced mobile application that will provide information about the event, the exhibitors’ list, the event planner, the location of the venue, links to social media accounts, the online visitor registration form and much more”.  

Project Qatar promises to take the exhibition experience to a whole new level and this can only be very good for the international companies seeking contracts in Qatar and indeed the construction industry in Qatar which needs the global specialised expertise. Mr. Sleem also stated how Project Qatar serves, “as a strategic hub, empowering local, regional, and international companies to interact with key industry players and obtain potential deals to be signed by the Qatari government during and after the event”.

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The Top 10 Construction Companies In Qatar Websites

Qatar Construction Review recently exhibited at the standout construction trade show Project Qatar 2014, the 11th International Construction Technology & Building Materials Exhibition, which took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The scale and magnitude of the event was simply breath taking with over 2,100 exhibitors from 50 different countries worldwide, held at the state of the art award-winning venue.  Now www.qatarconstructionreview.com is looking forward to the next PQ live event in 2015.  Of course there are other construction industry events in Qatar throughout the year, each with their own specific focus. We would be happy to provide you a list of them upon request. In the meantime, we have compiled a top 10 list of the best construction companies inQatar websites. First, we asked ourselves one simple question:

“Outside industry trade shows, how can one know of or research information online about global contractors who might have great solutions for the Qatar projects industry?”

Qatar Construction Review will not be including itself in this list. We have used the top 5 search terms by monthly volume from within Qatar over the last 12 months and the www.google.com search engine. Both local and international resources are included. Finally, the list is by no means exhaustive. The best construction companies in Qatar websites includes the following:

1.    Qatcom

http://www.qatcom.com/listings/qatar-search/construction-companies

‘Qatar’s Online Yellow Pages Business Directory’. This directory lists almost 400 construction companies in Qatar. It is a local comprehensive directory.

2.    Qatar Online Directory

http://www.qataronlinedirectory.com/108230/company-list/companies-qatar/CONSTRUCTION-COMPANIES

Lists 0ver 400 construction companies involved in work in Doha. This is a local comprehensive directory.

3.    Hejleh

http://www.hejleh.com/companies/qa.html

Qatari construction company list.

4.    InfoQat

http://www.infoqat.com/companies

Nicely designed directory, with comprehensive information about companies in Qatar. Companies featured have / are undertaking work in Qatar. It is a one stop shop of information for the country.

5.    Construction International

http://www.construction-int.com/

Well-designed comprehensive international website.

6.    NO1 Construction

http://no1construction.com/

7.    The Engineering, Procurement and Construction Portal

http://www.epcengineer.com/directory/engineering-and-construction

Very nice international portal comprising of news, tenders, information,

company directory (502), jobs,  recruiters and much more.

8.    My Qatar Business Directory

http://www.myqbd.com/qatar-companies-search

Comprehensive local company directory.

9.    Qatar Construction Guide

http://www.qatarconstructionguide.com/index/index.php

A great resource put together by the Qatari Businessmen Association.

1. Construction Week Online

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/directory/cnt-Qatar

Comprehensive and a fantastic resource – lots of information, well put together – clean and clear design. Features international Qatar construction companies.

If there are any other resources of note that you know, please contact us info@qatarconstructionreview.com .

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Construction companies in Qatar 2014: Business as usual...

At the time of writing this article the FIFA World Cup in Brazil is in full swing and the issue of whether or not Qatar will host the 2022 edition of the said event still has not been resolved - at least publicly. There has been a welcomed respite for some since at the moment the football on the pitch is dominating the headlines (it's been a very good tournament actually). The situation currently is that there are those that think the World Cup will never take place in Qatar. Then there is the European leagues scheduling nightmare emanating from talk of the games going ahead in Qatar, but moving the tournament dates away from some of the hottest months in the country. It is very difficult to forecast what might happen from our point of view because we do not know how things work internally with the FIFA organisation. Although a very messy affair as things stand, QCR believe that it is highly unlikely that the games will be taken away from Qatar.

None the less, the majority of infrastructure projects in Qatar were already planned prior to said announcements. The award of the FIFA 2022 World Cup to Qatar primarily put a scheduling date into the 2030 National Vision timetable. Qatar also want to host the Olympics and many other major international celebrations. That said, the decision to give the football event to Qatar hit another level when sections of the British media (of which we are part of), uncovered a myriad of 'damming emails' seemingly suggesting that Qatar had indeed 'bought' the World Cup. We cannot comment on these allegations, but they seem to be of little interest outside the UK.

What might all this actually mean though in terms of the construction projects in Qatar and for Qatar construction companies or for global contractors that are seeking to work in the country? This Qatar Construction Review commentary looks at the situation from a construction companies in Qatar perspective. We are not for or against Qatar being awarded the event - Qatar Construction Review seeks to analyse any given situation pertaining to events surrounding the wider construction industry in the country. Further, whatever projects are undertaken in the country, we would would always like to see the best companies in Qatar delivering their solutions. Yes, many projects would be cancelled if Qatar were to lose the games and in a worst case scenario a few may even get abandoned. Yet this worst case scenario - if FIFA could actually get to this point, would actually be a blessing in disguise.

I have to say that a nervousness appeared to hit Qatar following World Cup corruption allegations. Indeed many international contractors were also seemingly hesitant waiting for the next twist and turn of the protracted saga. However, we at Qatar Construction Review believe that the GCC is currently experiencing some capacity constraints in delivering projects and that these issues will become increasingly more acute. Market capacity is falling behind levels of demand primarily because of financial constraints and adequately skilled people. There are also delays in the client decision making process that is leading to projects falling behind scheduled time frames and raising costs. Indeed, we happen to think that if the 2022 FIFA World Cup was taken away from Qatar, that there is a very strong argument this would lead to greater efficiency in the management and execution of the country's planned infrastructure projects.

What does this mean for construction companies already operating in the country and those that want to enter the Qatar construction market? For the companies already working in Qatar, very little changes with or without the games. Even in the worse case scenario (for authorities in the country), vital master contractors have already won tenders so are well known and have the connections, some have completed projects and where they are currently working on infrastructure mega projects within transportation, electricity and water supply, Qatar's requirement for them will not change. Government spending will be underwritten by the continued supply of LNG and recent reports cite how Qatar's dominant position in it's production globally is secured for several more years.

Some floating hotel projects may never see the light of day... but you can bet that within 10 - 15 years, Qatar will have one of the most advanced metro systems in the world: some projects are not going anywhere with or without the World Cup. For the big international contractors it will be business as usual because there will still be a demand for their expertise and they will be called upon to deliver international project solutions. Add to that the issues of over capacity and the market failing to keep pace with demand... the worse case scenario could actually mean better management and less pressure on the supply chain.

Whenever (and where ever) the dust finally settles with this saga... what it means politically, or for the media, is completely different to what it means for international construction companies in Qatar, where it will be business as usual: construction companies looking for work overseas, going where the demand takes them and highlighting their particular areas of expertise. It is probably also worth mentioning that what we care about in the UK... all too often is at odds with the rest of the world. Whatever the size of the construction market in Qatar, www.qatarconstructionreview.com will always have a vested interest in seeing the best project solutions globally, reaching the Qatari market.

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The valued information and structures already in place for success in Qatar

Naturally the Qatari construction industry continues to attract new entrants into its market from all over the world. However for companies that are already working in Qatar, what happens next is just as important as winning that first contract. None the less, what is common to both new entrants and companies already in the Qatar construction market, is the significance of networking – equally as key in deliberations concerning how to establish in a country or what sort of base to setup. Vital contacts made through exhibitions and trade associations are essential marketing elements towards being awarded with a contract in Qatar. This Qatar Construction Review Special Report is inspired by a specialist French engineering company.
The chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Seine et Marne was created in 2004 and figures among the top 10 official chambers of commerce in France. Its primary role is to accompany firms at each stage of their development, whether starting up, expanding company activity or wining contracts in new international markets. In 2012, the CCI ranked Qatar as one of their top priorities embarking 11 specialised French companies, in collaboration with UBIFRANCE (the French Agency for Export promotion), for a visit to seek new business opportunities in the Middle East. Then in 2013, the Qatar Chamber signed an agreement with MEDEF International (Movement of the Enterprises of France) to launch the Qatari French Joint Business Council. Shortly after this a contract was signed between QDVC (Filiale Vinci Qatar Diar) and Qatar Rail worth €1.5 billion, over a 5 year project involving 3000 employees.
EURETEQ, a company specialised in pipeline engineering, is one of the French companies that was assisted by the trade associations. Mr. Francois Clement, Export Manager at EURETEQ said, "In a new country you need to create and develop your network. You need to generate your contacts and find your partners and clients. UBIFRANCE has been supporting us with advice in how to find these potential clients and partners. I have also met a lot of people through the Qatari French Business Club (QFBC). So definitely it is useful to be part of a trade organisation". Mr. Clement was asked about what were the important first steps for companies seeking entry into the Qatari market and he underlined the importance of utilising structures that were already in place, for example with the economic services of embassies, trade associations and industry events.
EURETEQ won their first contract in Qatar in 2010 due to their specialist expertise and previous partnerships with a major pipeline operator, world leader in industrial gases. "We worked with them to develop their pipeline structure in Ras Laffan and were awarded a contract since we had a long history of collaboration with this group in Europe for developing their network of industrial gas facilities. They knew our expertise in pipelines", states Mr. Clement. Other construction companies in Qatar have used this same route to gain Qatari work.
Following that, EURETEQ's work in Ras Laffan gave them a base and a platform in Qatar but as well the project added a big value to the company. Mr Clement noted that, “We developed an expertise in managing projects (in Ras Laffan), adding value and expertise towards others projects. This gave us unique experience for other contracts, in particular in the rules and regulations of working in this particular area."
EURETEQ is now well established in Qatar and regularly works with large engineering companies in their specialist area of pipeline expertise, facilitating the completion of complex elements within certain projects. Indeed, Mr. Clement also explained how the company had attended other trade exhibitions in the Middle East to widen their client base. He noted how such events were an ideal place to meet potential clients and partners. Further, it was clear that time spent on the proper assessment of each contact made through attending industry events was an important aspect to realising the business opportunity.
Visiting trade shows and exhibition will give one an excellent overview of the buyer and seller markets and attendance is a crucial first step for those vital contacts. Mr Clement stated that EURETEQ had “found partners and made a lot of contacts exhibiting and attending trade shows. It is a good way to get exposed". New international companies in Qatar should liaise closely with their respective government trade organisations in Qatar. Further information can be obtained from www.qatarconstructionreview.com . Qatar business directory | Qatar construction | construction in Qatar | Construction companies in Qatar | companies in Qatar | Qatar construction companies

The necessity for multinational construction expertise in Qatar

This year has been cited as a period of further substantial growth for the Qatar construction projects market due to planned infrastructure spending by the Qatari government. It is also a key phase because the country is undertaking a number of mega-projects in order to realise its National Vision 2030 as well as preparations for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Alongside that, there has been a diversification of Qatari investment at home and more significantly abroad, factors that can undoubtedly underpin confidence in the construction sector and its continued expansion. Further, this year will also see the upgrading of Qatar by the International equity index compiler S&P Dow Jones Indices to emerging markets status in September. These factors, along with Qatar's leading position in global LNG supplies sustaining planned government expenditure, mean that the Qatar projects market is looking very strong for several more years. In this key phase of the country's infrastructure progress, Qatar Construction Review looks at international expertise from Germany and Italy in key infrastructure projects.
Last week saw the Qatar General and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) award German electronic engineering multinational Siemens a significant contract to further develop the country's power supply system. In an agreement worth $253 million, Siemens will deliver gas-insulated switchgears for the first phase of the expansion project, which also involves the construction of nine turnkey substations in the region. The project is scheduled to be completed within the next 26 months. Mr Bernhard Fonseka, CEO of Siemens WLL Qatar stated, "Siemens has been a long-standing partner to KAHRAMAA and this contract strengthens our cooperation further". He went on to note that, "This project will contribute to improving the power infrastructure in and around Doha, helping the government meet its requirements for achieving its National Vision 2030."
Siemens has been constructing turnkey substations in Qatar since 2005 and has almost 2,000 high-voltage GIS bays installed in the country. Moreover, the company has been operating throughout the Middle East for many years, providing their infrastructure expertise in eco-friendly power generation and water purification plants to government and commercial organisations. Siemens has contributed to economic development in the region and has enhanced quality of life, winning a raft of international industry awards for their work in the region. Indeed they are Europe's largest engineering company and aside from automaton, the conglomerate operates in the sectors of industry, energy, transportation and healthcare.
		Almost half of all contracts awarded in 2013 involved the Doha Metro project (almost $8bn alone), with contractor expertise recruited from leading multinationals in joint ventures to meet government requirements. International contractors should also look to partner with local companies and make consideration for this in tendering and proposals.
Once again however, German expertise was on hand as the Infrastructure & Cities division of Siemens returned to the tram market with the Avenio 100 percent low-floor tram and next year should be completing an 11.5 km catenary-free tramway in Doha. That contract is reportedly in excess of 100 million euros and was awarded by the Qatar Foundation. The project is part of the plans to transform Qatar into a knowledge-based society, and involves the supply of signalling and communication systems, electrification and provision of depot equipment and nineteen Avenio trams. This project and the development of Doha's power supply by Siemens, underline the importance of worldwide expertise for the overall success Qatar's construction plans.
The capabilities of another German multinational – Herrenknecht will also be instrumental in the construction of Doha's metro system after having been awarded a contract by the Qatar Railways company (Qatar Rail). World leading experts in infrastructure tunnelling, the company will be providing 15 high-tech tunnel boring machines to Qatar Rail and their joint venture partners QDVC, GS Engineering & Construction and Al Darwish Engineering.
Last month a Qatari delegation led by HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport visited the Herrenknecht plant in Schwanau to see the first tunnel boring machine for the Doha metro project accompanied by the former German Chancellor Dr. h.c. Gerhard Schröder.
HE Minister Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti underlined the huge significance of this project for Doha and Qatar, "Qatar holds its hopes and aspirations for the future in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030. One of the most important elements in fulfilling this vision is the infrastructure of the country itself. As such, we have allocated tremendous resources and a generous budget for upgrading Qatar's infrastructure, to which Qatar Rail's Doha Metro project is also included". Engineer Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al Subaie, Managing Director of Qatar Rail was very confident "in Herrenknecht's abilities to deliver exceptional quality products", adding that their attention to detail was why they had been awarded the tunnel boring machines contract.
The Doha metro project is a vital part of Qatar's infrastructure plans for the World Cup. Fans will use it to travel between the 64 matches. Different to most metro projects, usually constructed line-by-line, Qatar is planning to build three lines of its network concurrently in order to guarantee that by 2019 it has 111km and 37 stations ready, including the Education City station, which will connect with the new national rail line. Another 152km of lines are set to follow with a further 56 stations by 2026, in line with the Vision 2030. Project Qatar is always very well represented internationally, however this year one of the largest delegations is from Italy – one hundred companies from there alone. The Italian Chamber of Commerce has been very proactive in seeking opportunities for Italian firms. The country's largest construction company is also involved in the Doha metro project. Qatar Rail awarded the Salini Impregilo Group a contract valued at €1,803 million to work on the Red Line North. They are a world leading contractor with over 80% of the company's revenues coming from abroad. Their part in the Doha Metro project is scheduled for completion over 60 months and involves the excavation of two parallel tunnels, one in each direction, almost 11.6 km long with an internal diameter of approximately 6.17 m. There is no doubt that international expertise will deliver a state of the art metro system to Qatar, and certainly there will be new global entrant into this exciting market. Construction companies in Qatar have already began laying the foundations. www.qatarconstructionreview.com | construction companies in Qatar | Qatar construction companies | Qatar construction | Qatar business directory | companies in Qatar