Special Supplement - Gulf Times

Special SupplementWednesday, June 30, 2021

MADE IN QATAR2 Special SupplementWednesday, June 30, 2021

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art production facility in Umm Alhoul Free Zone, built by a partnership

between iLife Digital, a leading intelligent robotics and electronics company based in Florida, US, and Prime Technologies, a subsidiary of Ali Bin Ali Holding.

iLife and Prime Technologies will use the 2,500 sqm factory to create innovative iLife-branded electronic devices, including laptops, PCs, smart watches and mobile phones, among others. The new space will help meet the growing demand for affordable electronic projects in the MENA region, and is the latest of many partnerships QFZs have orchestrated with the private sector.

Production at the factory is expected to begin in August 2021 and will produce up to 350,000 electronics a year. In addition to the production of electronics, the factory will support logistics and R&D activities and feature a customer solution center.

H.E. Ahmad Al-Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of QFZA, said, “We are proud to host this partnership between iLife Digital and Prime Technologies at Umm Alhoul Free Zone. It is the latest example of our close collaboration with the Qatari private sector to foster growth and innovation for the country and the broader region. This partnership is also

testament to the strategic place of Qatar and its free zones in global trade, and the exciting potential of technology manufacturing in Qatar. This factory will play an important role in our growing technology ecosystem and drive our continued support for Qatar’s technology and innovation sector.”

Speaking about the new venture, Vice-Chairman & EVP of Ali Bin Ali Holding Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali said: “Our Group has always been known for pioneering efforts and supporting innovations to get the best for the people of Qatar. The new facility, with its state-of-the-art production and R&D facility along with a logistics and customer solutions center, is a reiteration of such efforts. The project also reflects our support for Qatar’s 2030 vision of self-reliance and contributes to the ‘Made in Qatar’ initiative. It is a perfect platform for young Qatari scientists to research, innovate and develop AI tools and robots. We are happy to be a part of the Qatar Free Zones and this strategic partnership will help us make Qatar more prominent on the global trade map.”

This new venture will bring additional benefits to Qatar. The factory, the first of its kind in Qatar, will create 160 new jobs, including 144 skilled opportunities, and customers across the MENA region will benefit from a local technology powerhouse. Qatar Free Zones’ technology ecosystem will allow iLife Digital and Prime Technologies to enhance their own operations and develop cutting-edge yet affordable products for the MENA region. The strategic location of Umm Alhoul Free Zone will facilitate the trade integration of these products across the MENA region, and offer consumers a valuable local alternative to products made further afield.

Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa), through the National Programme for Conservation & Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) has unveiled the 19th charging station for

electric vehicles, located at Katara - the Cultural Village, Qatar News Agency reports.

It is also the fastest such charger in Qatar, the corporation said in a press statement recently.

“We are glad for this co-operation between Kahramaa and Katara. This is the 19th station we have installed, which is the fastest charger for electric vehicles in the State of Qatar with a capacity of 180KW and with a direct current system that has the ability to fully charge a car in less than 10 minutes,” Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari said.

This station comes within the first phase of completing the electric vehicle charging network infrastructure and joins other stations at several vital locations across Qatar, he noted.

“Kahramaa has set up several pilot stations to identify the best quality and evaluate the most suitable for Qatar. Nineteen stations have been installed and these represent an effective model for guidance in all sectors of the State. These include the Kahramaa building station in Mesaieed - a solar station model. Moreover, there are two stations to charge electric buses at the Mowasalat building, one for fast charging and the other for night charging, as models for different bus stations. Kahramaa is continuously working to complete the installation and operation of eight new stations in collaboration with other institutions in Qatar, such as the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), Qatar Foundation and Qatar Museums,” al-Kuwari explained.

Kahramaa is also about to award a general tender for the installation and operation of 100 electric charging stations around Qatar. The charging stations will be installed at vital locations such as intersections, shopping malls, government buildings, hotels and Doha Metro station parking lots during 2021. The stations’ capacities will vary according to the location.

This tender comes as part of the joint working plan between the MoTC and Kahramaa to establish an integrated network of stations, in co-ordination with different authorities in Qatar such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, General Directorate of Traffic and others.

Other stations will be available for electric charging in serving and vital areas such as the project involving the beautification of roads

and public places in Qatar, in co-operation with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), to support the country’s march towards achieving sustainability and economic and environmental balance for infrastructure projects, Kahramaa has stressed in a statement.

About 20% of the stations will be implemented with renewable and clean energy systems.

Kahramaa, through Tarsheed, seeks to provide a healthy and safe environment for the coming generations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, by promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions to achieve its commitment to the National Strategy 2018-2022 in reducing 1mn tonnes of carbon emissions in Qatar annually, the statement adds.

The factory, the first of its kind in Qatar, will create 160 new jobs, including 144 skilled opportunities, and customers across the MENA region will benefit from a local technology powerhouse

QFZA to host Qatar’s first laptop manufacturing facility

The partnership between iLife Digital and Prime Technologies will support Qatar’s National Vision 2030 aimed at creating a knowledge-based economy and promoting economic diversification. It will expand the skilled labor pool of Qatar, support the development of its logistical infrastructure and bring added value to the Qatari economy.

Qatar is in the midst of rapid digital growth across all industries, including as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 – the world’s biggest global sporting event. These new partnerships in the technology industry foster an attractive market for foreign corporations, SMEs and start-ups geared towards innovation solutions.

Kahramaa installs fastest electric car charger in Qatar at Katara

This station comes within the first phase of completing the electric vehicle charging network infrastructure and joins other stations at several vital locations across Qatar

n New charging station is 19th to be installedn It can fully charge a car in less than 10 minutesn Kahramaa working to complete installation and

operation of eight new stations

MADE IN QATAR 3Special SupplementWednesday, June 30, 2021

Since its inception in 1979, Coastal Qatar, a Qatari company, has been playing a pivotal role in local manufacturing in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. With an impeccable track record

of delivering quality projects on schedule, Coastal Qatar has left their imprint on all the landmark projects in Qatar like the Hamad International Airport, Qatar National Museum, FIFA Stadiums etc. With the agility to pivot in line with market demands and through technology partnership with leading international experts and overseas manufacturers, Coastal Qatar currently has several “Made-in-Qatar” initiatives under its belt; stadium seating, lighting poles- including high mast and smart light poles, road safety barriers, slotted channels, toilet cubicles, lockers, street directional signage, traffic gantries, street furniture, etc. are some of the products the company manufactures locally in Qatar.

Being a manufacturing and construction company, Coastal Qatar is structured with divisions that synergizes among each other. The company’s main operations include manufacturing, steel fabrication, hot dip galvanizing, construction, trading, project support and logistics. This unique competitive advantage allows Coastal Qatar to carry out the majority of the works in-house which ensure schedule and quality compliance.

A key player in local manufacturing

As the build-up towards hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 continues, Coastal Qatar has successfully completed the production of over 300,000 spectator seats for six of the World Cup venues: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Janoub Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Lusail Stadium, and Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. As of now, thanks to its diligent planning and execution, Coastal Qatar has completed the installation and handed over the seats for five out of six venues on schedule despite the challenges posed by the unfair blockade and Covid 19.

The firm’s efforts towards Qatar FIFA 2022 are seen as a success story in local manufacturing for several products which are not limited to the stadium spectator seats. Coastal Qatar also produced and installed more than 2,000 toilet cubicles in addition to the lockers and expansion joints covers at several World Cup venues. Coastal Qatar also played an important role in the redevelopment of the first tournament-ready venue, Khalifa International Stadium, including its fabrication, supply and delivery of secondary structural steel works and cladding in addition to the VIP seats in the stadium.

Coastal Qatar takes pride in maintaining a fundamental baseline quality that is best in class. Their products are capable of competing with the best products across the globe. The company has started manufacturing of street furniture products like benches, bollards, decorative lighting poles, litter bins, planters, etc. mainly using Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). UHPC is one of the latest advances in concrete technology and addresses the shortcomings of ordinary concrete in addition to providing flexibility for innovative designs.

In line with the company’s objectives of transferring innovative manufacturing technologies to Qatar, Coastal Qatar has set up a new venture to start production of heavy-duty temporary raised flooring at Coastal’ s injection molding factory.

CULTURALTo maximize the exposure of the local heritage and artists, Coastal Qatar has created opportunities for fans and visitors to interact with art rather than the art being confined within the walls of art galleries and museums. With this objective, Coastal Qatar has initiated an endeavor that seldom finds parallels in the region. A project that envisions illuminating the history, the culture and the heritage of Qatar to the world; “Qatar Al Fann”, under the patronage of Qatar Museum and Fire Station in collaboration with Ashghal, Katara Hospitality and Qatari Diar.

The objective of this project is to provide a unique platform and medium of expression for the local artists to showcase their creativity and talent that could be utilized in public spaces, parks, stadiums, hotels, offices, mosques etc. and at the same time provide exposure to a global audience and revenue streams.

Qatar Al Fann Exhibition was attended by dignitaries from Katara Hospitality, Qatari Diar, Public Works Authority, Fire Station Artist in Residence, as well as high-ranking officials from government agencies, ambassadors and members of the art community.

Qatar Al Fann focuses to unveil the potential of local artists, exhibiting and utilizing their exquisite creations in public spaces as part of Doha Beautification Project.

As a testament to the exquisite design and quality of local manufacturing, products designed by local artists under the Qatar Al Fann initiative were incorporated at Ahmad Bin Ali – Al Rayyan Stadium, showcasing the motifs of traditional Qatari houses design in the planters at the VIP entrance and the carpet in the Emiri Majlis, in addition to other artifacts like wall paintings and carpets that are inspired by pearl diving, the floral print of traditional Qatari women attire, etc. The artists are hopeful that similar opportunities to showcase the Art and Heritage of Qatar to the global audience from FIFA 2022 would be made available to them by the government agencies.

“The alluring collection in Qatar Al Fann, judiciously selected through a design contest, craves an intimate abode in the viewers’ minds. This project, exclusively made in Qatar, shall splendidly flaunt the country’s art and its glorious heritage with the global audience. The international exposure and revenue rewards Qatar Al Fann extends to the artists is fascinating and truly deserving. We are immensely proud that our vision to unveil their captivating potential finally bears fruit. We hold intense gratitude to all the champions of this gratifying project”, Nishad Azeem, CEO of Coastal Qatar, said.

Coastal’s next focus area is on exporting the Made in Qatar products worldwide. Coastal Qatar has sufficient manufacturing capacity and the high quality standards of their products will ensure that the products are capable of meeting the international market demands and compete with the international brands globally.

COASTAL QATARA BEACON OF QATAR’S SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Nishad Azeem, CEO of Coastal Qatar“At Coastal Qatar, we have always been about constantly taking on engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of innovation. What began in the 70’s, soon established itself as a brand that is synonymous with successful integration capabilities – both forward and backward, and an expertise that allows for holistic delivery and partnership”

Inauguration of Coastal seat manufacturing facility

Qatar Al Fann Exhibition at Fire Station

Planters at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

Lamp Poles manufacturing facility

Street Furniture design based on Qatar art and heritage

Spectator seats at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium High Mast and Traffic Signal Gantry


The story of a nation’s self-reliance and sustainability drive started off with the steadfast efforts of farmers under the umbrella of the Ministry of

Municipality and Environment (MME) a few years ago. The general awakening happened in the agricultural sector and in the nation’s economy at large in the recent past has been instrumental in attaining self-reliance and sustainability.

The governmental authorities have played a pivotal role in this initiative, and especially the support being extended by the Ministry of Municipality & Environment to the private sector farm owners has been invaluable in this context, which encouraged them to make advancement in the agricultural and other related sectors to ensure food security, self-sufficiency and economic efficiency by adopting best practices in farming with optimal use of scarce resources and minimum impact on the environment. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment provided them marketing platforms at several major outlets including Lulu Hypermarket, to support local farms to get suitable prices for their produce. The government support enabled local farmers to offer high quality produce at very competitive prices, especially during the season.

Lulu Hypermarket, as a responsible retailer, has nurtured long-standing close tie up with the local farmers and has been the focal point in marketing the local agricultural produce since beginning of its operations in Qatar. Lulu supported them largely by increasing its procurement of a wide variety of locally grown produce and food products and selling them through its retail stores across the region. This has minimized the handling and transportation costs, and that gives farmers the maximum return on their investment. Shoppers are also benefited as they get the best quality farm-fresh agri-products at highly modest prices. The Group has arranged dedicated area for exhibiting Qatari products prominently to help the local produce to compete with those imported ones.

The support extended by Lulu Hypermarkets to the local companies and farms helped to energize and green up the local economy as the investment made by them in the process remains within the country. Farmers are benefitted with maximum return on their investment as buying Qatar national products and agricultural produce minimize expenses incurred towards handling and transportation.

Lulu has also been supporting locally manufactured FMCG products. They have provided dedicated space and POS for the locally manufactured products and started sourcing of their private label products locally. This has ensured uninterrupted supplies and stock availability to the Group.

The management stated that at least 150 Lulu Private Label products including meat, poultry, water, tissues etc. are being manufactured in Qatar. Lulu Group is now in pursuit of extending its product lines and making enormous progress in its efforts for self-reliance. It is also said that they have a plan to use their Qatar hub to export its own Qatar-made products to other sourcing offices across the world.

Although Lulu Hypermarkets have been promoting Qatari products and farm produces for a long time by now, they have been concentrating more in this regard recently as a social and economic commitment to the nation.

A passionate promoter of Qatari food and non-food products and agricultural produce throughout the year, Lulu Group has made available round the year on their shelves more than 2000 items from all prominent Qatari brands, to name a few: Baladna, Mazzraty, Dandy, Ghadeer, Al Maha, Qbake, Athba, Rawa, qfm, Rayyan, Qatar Pafki, Pearl, Flora, Gourmet, Agrico Qatar, Paramount Agricole, Ocean Fish, Napoli Bakeries, Al Waha, Korean Bakeries, Al Manhal, Dana, Aqua Gulf, Safa, Sidra, Lusail, Doha and Napico, etc.

Lulu Hypermarket has been organizing the festival of Qatari products annually since 2010 in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in a

big way, reiterating its commitment to promote Qatari products in all Lulu stores. To upkeep this commitment, they keep on increasing promotions, visibilities, pace, and making the listing easier. The festival largely showcases the agricultural bounty of the nation due to sustained efforts taken by the farm owners relying on the advanced agricultural methods.

With a vision to support the budding Qatari startup companies, Lulu Hypermarket Group recently signed an agreement with the Bedaya Center - a joint initiative between Qatar Development Bank and Silatech.

Over the years, the group has expanded its retail storage area to 3 million sq.ft. in the region. During the pandemic, they had opened two retail stores – one at Bin Mahmoud and the other at Lusail City. Additionally, the group has made investment on three state-of-the-art warehouses in the country.

Manateq, the sustainable foundation for Qatar’s Economic Diversification, has allotted land for a warehouse and the work in this regard is under progress. They have also signed an agreement with Qatar Free Zone Authority for an automated fulfilment center, and the spadework is underway. As part of expansion of e-commerce, recently they had enhanced the fleet facility and expanded the area of coverage.

Most recently, Lulu Hypermarket Qatar was certified as the first retailer in MENA to achieve sustainable operations certification under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). The project achieved an overall score of 1.51 after audit by the sustainability experts from GSAS Trust and GORD Labs, which corresponds to a ‘GOLD’ rating under the GSAS Operations certification.

Lulu Group: an ardent promoter of “Made in Qatar” products


While driving along the Orbital Highway in Umm Salaal, a deep blue edifice seems to emerge from the distance, breaking the monotony of the browns of the desert. This impressive structure is the home

of the brand new Galfar Fabrication and Coating (GFC) Facility and the Galfar Plant & Equipment Workshop.

They are the latest state-of-the-art additions to the vast in-house resources of the leading Qatari contracting company, Galfar Al Misnad. Both establishments, along with the company’s large training hall and central stores are housed on 42,000 sqm of land in Manateq’s Jery Al Samur Logistics Park. The location is easily accessible by main highways, providing connectivity to Doha, Mesaieed, Ras Laffan and Dukhan.

Speaking about the new facilities, Satish G. Pillai, Executive Director of Galfar Al Misnad, said, “Over the past 25 years of Galfar’s journey in Qatar, our operational standards have become benchmarks for quality, workmanship, safety, environmental sustainability, and technical support. The new GFC facility will considerably expand our capabilities in fabrication and coating, and allow us to cater to the burgeoning needs of the energy sector in the country. Further, the newly built inhouse plant workshop ensures reliable backup support for our large fleet of equipment and vehicles.”

This unique facility will strengthen Galfar Al Misnad’s business portfolio, extending enhanced support and services to their clientele in Qatar. Moreover, the expansion of capabilities will augment localisation and self-reliance, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

GALFAR FABRICATION AND COATING FACILITY (GFC)

GFC provides a comprehensive range of high quality services with specialisation in fabrication of steel structures, piping, tank plates rolling, and industrial protective coatings.

The property also houses utility rooms, pump rooms, fire water tank and amenities and support facilities. All the functional designs are built with the highest quality materials and the best workmanship. The company’s trained and certified employees are equipped with the skills and industrial expertise required to ensure top-notch service to different business demands.

The existing fabrication and coating services of Galfar Al Misnad are sought after in the country for their competitiveness, and the utmost priority the company provides to its customers. Their services are already pre-approved with key clients in both the public and private sector in Qatar.

Fabrication FacilitiesGFC’s capabilities include piping pre-fabrication, plates rolling for API

650, API 620 tanks, heavy custom steel fabrication, structural columns, and other specialised fabricated products like platforms, stairways, caged ladders, railings, hand rails, etc.

To improve the productivity and quality, the facility’s distinctive features include a semi-automatic pipe spool fabrication system, and profile cutting solutions for structural steel fabrication. In addition to this, the GFC team plans to implement the Spool Welding Robot shortly, which will increase the automation of the facility to further enhance productivity and quality.

GFC is well appointed with specialized equipment that meet all client requirements and comply with environmentally sustainable processes, namely, the CNC Plasma Cutting Machine and CNC Plate Rolling Machine. The facility’s large pool of machinery also include a Hydraulic Shearing Machine, CNC Press Brake, Radial Drilling Machine, and Lathe.

Coating FacilitiesGFC is a recognized leader in the application of industrial protective

coatings in Qatar. They have distinguished themselves as a service provider with the resources to handle jobs of all sizes; from all types of storage tanks; structural steel, and piping; to manufacturing facilities, chemical plants and refineries.

With a view to provide maximum flexibility, GFC maintains the requisite manpower and resources to perform client projects driven by schedule, budget, technology, and project specific parameters. Their list of capabilities include, tank blasting & painting, piping coating, structural coating, equipment painting, floor coating, and decorative painting.

GFC’s unique industrial coating facilities enable them to apply single or multiple coats on different applications, including jet fuel storage tanks, thermal storage tanks, fire water tanks, live piping, structural members, wrapping, and gantry cranes. Mobile unit systems also provide GFC’s painters an on-site extension of the workshop environment in order to maintain the quality finish anywhere in Qatar.

The GFC team consists of more than 300 applicators and supervisors who deliver safe and superior services using a Quality Systems Program. The MoE approved coating facility protects the environment with its fume and dust collector systems. Furthermore, the painters utilise a modern airless conventional paint application system. This eco-friendly methodology ensures a consistent quality finish.

As part of their services, GFC offers surface preparation, protective coating application, decorating painting application, concrete coating

application, fire proofing application, and oil & gas maintenance for onshore & offshore.

Additionally, the company also provides the following protection methods for Structural Steel and Concrete Assets: pressure washing; solvent cleaning; sandblasting; painting of equipment, presses and machinery; and interior preparation and painting of walls, epoxy floor systems, warehouses, and production areas.

GALFAR PLANT & EQUIPMENT WORKSHOP

This workshop will cater to the repair and maintenance of the more than 1700 in-house equipment and vehicles of the company’s plant division. The facility comprises of large repair bays, service ramps and electric service lifts for carrying out preventive maintenance, denting and painting shop, machine shop, and ancillary repair unit. They are all built in accordance with environment regulations. The entire division is managed by a well experienced and dedicated team of transport executives, maintenance engineers, mechanics, and technicians who have specialised skill sets in fault diagnosis and are capable of undertaking various kinds of repairs.

The building also includes a large training hall, offices, a fuel station, and a spare parts store which serves as a backup for Galfar Al Misnad’s large fleet of equipment and vehicles. The large parking bay around the workshop caters for 75 vehicles, including 42 spots for trucks and equipment.

Galfar Al Misnad strengthens business portfolio in QatarSatish G. PillaiExecutive Director Galfar Al Misnad

“Over the past 25 years of Galfar’s journey in Qatar, our operational standards have become benchmarks for quality, workmanship, safety, environmental sustainability, and technical support. The new GFC facility will considerably expand our capabilities in fabrication and coating, and allow us to cater to the burgeoning needs of the energy sector in the country. Further, the newly built inhouse plant workshop ensures reliable backup support for our large fleet of equipment and vehicles.”

Galfar Fabrication and Coating Facility (GFC)

Galfar Plant and Equipment Workshop

GFC FACILITY THROUGHPUTS:Piping Fabrication – 15,000 ID per month with auto pipe spool fabrication machinery.Plates Rolling – 500 MT per month for API 650 & API 620 tanks.Steel Structure Fabrication – 400 MT per month.


Qatar’s population has more than quadrupled since 2000, increasing dependence on food imports and leading to a growing sense of

national food insecurity. Fully aware of the issue, the Qatar National Food Security Program (QNFSP) was established in 2008 to reduce Qatar’s reliance on food imports through improved self-sufficiency. The QNFSP develops recommendations for food security policy and works with foreign governments and non-governmental organizations to develop practices that utilize resources efficiently within the agricultural sector.

Moreover, the 2017 Gulf rift raised national concerns regarding food security and led the country to explore alternative supply-side strategies and sources to satisfy the country’s food demand. In response, food production in Qatar greatly increased and it was soon appreciated that agricultural production was both economically viable and a much more sustainable solution. Consequently, agriculture

in Qatar can now be considered to be an emerging industry with the number of active and operational farms has increased steadily during the recent times.

Several local companies are following organic farming principles as the demand for organic products is increasing with consumers becoming more aware of the benefits of locally grown organic produce and follow a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, some companies like Agrico Agricultural Development, apart from the sustainable farming methods that they follow, are applying circular economy principles, aiming to transform business processes into sustainable, closed-loop resource systems, in their waste management by composting and reusing the organic waste generated in the farm.

Several opportunities for the development of this sector include exports, the use of greenhouse farming with hydroponics and aquaponics and the use of TSE for irrigation, permaculture techniques, and the use of saline crops.

The government, through the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, has launched several initiatives to help and further encourage

the development of the agricultural sector. For instance, there has been a concerted effort to supply greenhouse owners all over the country with low-cost technology needed to increase production, reducing the capital investment required for start-ups.

Qatar’s treated wastewater stood at 22.11mn cubic metres out of 22.34mn cubic metres of wastewater received in September last year, according to the data of the Planning and Statistics Authority. The country uses the most modern membrane ultra-filtration system that helps in the recycling of treated wastewater. The treated wastewater saw an 11.4% and 6.5% month-on-month and year-on-year decline respectively in the review period.

Nevertheless, there has been an overall robust reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture, a sector that has received increased thrust and support from the government as part of the self-sustaining initiatives, especially after the country came under unjust economic and trade embargo.

THE JOURNEY TOSELF-SUFFICIENCY

Several local companies are following organic farming principles as the demand for organic products is increasing with consumers becoming more aware of the benefits of locally grown organic produce and follow a healthier lifestyle


Enhancing food security The Ministry of Municipality and Environment has

signed a number of contracts and agreements with the authorities concerned in the country to enhance food security and achieve self-sufficiency in strategic commodities.

The ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to launch an initiative to encourage the production of tilapia by giving farmers an opportunity to establish productive projects on farms registered in the country, and with concessional financing from QDB.

The initiative includes establishing two projects for the production of tilapia fish with a capacity of about 310 tonnes per project per year, with a total production of about 610 tonnes per year. This will contribute to achieving 70% self-sufficiency with regard to tilapia in the country.

The two projects will give farmers an opportunity to improve their production by taking advantage of the integrated farming system between plants and fish together, relying on fish residues to feed the plants to obtain healthy vegetables that are free of chemicals.

In a statement, director of the MME’s Fish Resources Department Abdulaziz al-Duhaimi affirmed the ministry’s keenness to adopt projects that support the programmes of the national strategy for the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and enhance the food security of these products. He noted that the tilapia fish farming projects will directly contribute to developing and supporting food security and increasing local production of these economically viable species.

The MME, represented by the agricultural sector, also signed an agreement comprising contracts for nine projects for the breeding and fattening of local sheep and goats.

This has been inked with nine private companies for projects in five complexes: Al Wakra, Abu Nakhla, Al Kharib, Al Khor, and Simsima. Each project will cover an area of 50,000sqm.

The initiative to establish sheep breeding and fattening projects aims to achieve the highest possible rates of production according to the best international standards, and use the best scientific methods in raising local sheep and goats, as well as the ability to collect male sheep from producing farms in the country and fatten them with a focus on their distinct types.

The projects will use the best environmental technology and methods to achieve the maximum possible efficiency in the use of resources, while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Each project includes establishing the pens necessary for breeding and fattening, a slaughterhouse, and a unit for fermentation of manure, in addition to stores for the production requirements of fodder and other materials.

The fattening projects initiative will achieve a set of goals, the most important of which are increasing the self-sufficiency rate in terms of red meat, making use of farms and traditional farms as a strategic stock for animals producing red meat, creating a permanent outlet for sheep and goat breeders to sell their production for fattening projects, and providing technical and advisory support for breeders.

The MME’s Animal Resources Department director Abdulaziz al-Ziyara explained that the ministry continues to work towards achieving its goals and implementing its plans for increasing the local production of red meat, and stressed that offering these projects to the private sector will contribute to achieving food security and increasing self-sufficiency in this area.

The MME, represented by the agricultural sector,

signed an agreement to implement contracts for three agricultural projects to produce green fodder using treated wastewater, with three private companies to produce about 10,000 tonnes per year at a production rate of up to 20 tonnes per year, per hectare each.

Plots of land for these projects have been allocated in three areas: Al-Karaana (with a total area of about 1.5mn sqm), Bu Glaila (with an area of about 2mn sqm), and Aba Al Hiran, with an area of about 3mn sqm.

Projects to produce green fodder using treated wastewater are one of the important to support food security due to the increased demand for the same.

Assistant director of the MME’s Agricultural Affairs Department, Adel Al Keldi al-Yafei, said projects to produce green fodder using treated wastewater aim to cover the needs of the local market, and noted their role in preserving groundwater by reducing dependence on groundwater and moving to use treated wastewater.

The local market’s annual consumption of green fodder is about 215,000 tonnes, while the total production is 115,000 tonnes annually, with a self-sufficiency rate of 54%.

These projects are expected to cover about 10% of the domestic consumption gap, as green fodder production in Qatar will reach about 125,300 tonnes per year.

Meanwhile, the MME and the Qatar Livestock Society (Anaam) signed a memorandum of understanding to launch an initiative to rehabilitate and afforest mobile farms in the country, with the aim of contributing to preserving the environment and intensifying the vegetation cover with wild tree species from the Qatari environment.

Under the initiative, the Qatar Livestock Society will play an awareness and advisory role to educate

livestock breeders on the importance of developing nurseries through afforestation and planting wild plants.

The MME, on its part, will provide appropriate wild trees and seedlings as well as technical and advisory support on the methods of cultivation and plant care.

HE the Assistant Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani said that the initiative, launched in co-operation with Anaam, aims to support the ministry’s efforts in promoting environmental sustainability by increasing the green area and developing nurseries.

He explained that the MME seeks, through the signing of the memorandum, to support all initiatives and activities aimed at increasing afforestation, developing vegetation cover and preserving the environment, while stressing the importance of working in partnership with other bodies and associations to develop nurseries and spread awareness among all segments of society.

Assistant undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, Hassan Jumaa al-Muhannadi, said that the launch of this initiative contributes to preserving the environment, mitigating global warming and the effects of pollution, combating desertification and limiting grazing degradation by promoting an increase in vegetation cover and an increase in biodiversity.

Anaam president Mubarak Rashid al-Sahouti noted the role of the Society and livestock breeders in preserving the environment, activating the introduction of environmental awareness into the Anaam’s activities, stressing the importance of the initiative in supporting and developing nurseries in the areas surrounding the farms, which will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and increasing green spaces.

The uptrend in the volume of vegetable production in Qatar is expected to continue year-on-year, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce from local ‘active farms’, a prominent

agriculturist told Gulf Times.“If local farms produced around 40,000 tonnes in the past

years, we have reached 60,000 tonnes this year due to the increase in the number of production (active) farms and the growing area and greenhouses,” said Nasser Ahmed al-Khalaf, who is also the owner and managing director of Agrico, a private Qatari agricultural development company.

He also cited the significant contribution of advanced farming technology in growing various types of vegetables in the country even during the summer season. Some of these fresh produce include cucumber, tomato, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce, bell pepper, onion, beans, capsicum, and other green leafy vegetables, in addition to mushrooms.

“We are at the end of the season this year, but some farms will continue to produce until end of June using greenhouses with cooling system. Unfortunately the production does not last during summer and the only way is using high tech greenhouse with cooling and hydroponic system,” al-Khalaf said.

Agrico has developed a highly sophisticated hydroponics system capable of producing various types of organic and pesticide-free vegetables and fruits year-long. It also ventured in aquaponics aimed at producing better and high quality yields at a faster pace.

He noted that Qatar also started exporting its hydroponics farming technology in the region, particularly to Oman where a 1mn sqm farm is being developed and could be ready by next year. Agrico will be in charge of its operation and marketing.

Al-Khalaf expressed confidence that the volume of vegetable production in Qatar will keep increasing annually “but our aim is not only to increase the amount of production but also the ‘season of production.”

“I’m happy to see some farms are following on our steps and start to use our technology. As a result we do have some farms that are producing vegetables all year long,” he stressed.

It is learnt that the growing demand for fresh produce in the country prompted many non-productive local farms to become active and adopted hydroponics farming.

Qatar vegetable production reaches 60,000 tonnes this year

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Ma’adenFrom Germany, the company is using SICONS’s innovative processing of

scrap and shredder residues for all types of metals including steel copper, aluminuim and plastic; which has additionally successfully adopted its competence to density-based separation.Ma’aden Company updates and refines various metal products from different sources and of greatly differing quality to products suitable for use as input materials in steel mills and at non-ferrous smelters. This is achieved by using different technologies such as airflow, eddy-current, floatation and magnetic technology.

This makes sorting more efficient, as contaminants are removed and the sorting depth is increased. At Ma’aden, the firm is committed to deliver customers with the best, tailor-made products according to their specifications of the highest levels.

S’hail Holding is one of the leading establishments in Qatar that operates in producing and exporting processed non-ferrous metals, stainless steel and plastic in the State of Qatar. The company has a solid business base

and extensive market reach with strong logistic support and modern export facilities in several locations around the region.

Its reputation exceeds itself with an extensive network of subsidiaries firmly established as the leading recycling enterprise in Qatar. S’hail Holding Group comprises of over 10 diverse and extensive companies across 10 locations in Qatar, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea and Ethiopia. The group boasts a collective metal production capacity of over 100,000 metric tons per year, and a collective plastic production capacity of over 10,000 metric tons per year.

The company utilizes the latest cutting-edge technology throughout each and every one of their dedicated facilities, ensuring an efficient streamlined environmentally-friendly operation, and a high-quality end product tailored to meet the specifications of any given client.

S’hail Holding Group is now working to expand the trade operations of the group, and export its premium products to major European and international markets, whilst looking to obtain additional material sources within new promising regions. The firm strives to provide clients with products of the highest caliber with premium products according to international standards.

Since its inception, S’hail Holding Group has achieved considerable growth, and expansion due to their strong leadership, and great work ethics. They continue to make investments into both their equipment and industry experts, unwilling to compromise in their endeavour to stand out as an industry leader in the local and international markets.

The National Factory for Copper The National Factory of Copper, which occupies a total area of 10,000m2

in the heart of Doha’s modern industrial area, stands as the first of its kind in the region. The facility is fully fitted out with automatic lines, advanced process controls, and the latest in copper-machining technology. All products manufactured within this factory will possess minimal surface defects and Copper Oxide, thereby maintaining lowest Oxygen levels for premium product specifications.

The factory specialises in the manufacturing of copper rods, ingots and bullions in accordance with international specifications, for which it has a total manufacturing capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes per year facilitated by the latest technology from France, Italy, Russia, and Germany. It manufactures 8 mm Cu-FRHC (fire-refined, high-conductivity) copper rods, bullions and ingots. They use secondary copper to produce Cu-FRHC that’s commonly used to make power cables, building wiring, and many other electrical wire products. The firm takes pride in their premium products of copper bullions and ingots, produced in accordance to clients’ specifications following international standards to the highest degree.

The National Factory for AluminumAnother regional first-of-its-kind for the group comes in the form of the

National Factory for Aluminum. Similar to its copper-orientated counterpart, it occupies 10,000 m2 within Doha’s industrial area.

The company is widely acknowledged as the leading aluminium recycling facility in Qatar with significant technical knowledge in the aluminium recycling process. Thus, the firm is able to ensure the best output levels are achieved to produce quality aluminium ingots catered to the clients’ specifications. Substantial investments have seen this facility outfitted with the most advanced applicable technologies and machinery, imported in this case from Spain, Austria, and Germany. The facility produces aluminium base metals from automotive casting, extrusions, wheels, radiators, wire and cables,

UBC and sheets. The facility also produces aluminium alloys like ADC12, LM6 or any other alloy upon request by the client.

Multiple smelting facilities housed within the factory allow them to achieve an overall smelting capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes per year, split across a 3-chamber furnace (15,000 MT) and a single rotary-tilting furnace (25,000

MT). With a particular emphasis on metal cleanliness, analytical accuracy and compositional consistency, clients can enjoy products with premium quality and upmost satisfaction.

Shail PlasticS’hail Plastic is one of S’hail Holding Group’s establishments spreading

across 10,000 m2 located in the Industrial Area in Doha City. The Material Processing Factory emphasizes the use of cutting-edge technology from Taiwan and Germany to produce 4,000 metric tons of pelletized plastic per year from wholly recycled sources. The facility is responsible for the fabrication of a number of industrial plastics and other material products including pelletized black PP, HDPE, LDPE, and PE, as well as a range of recycled plastic garbage bins available in 110 liter, 240 liter, and 360 liter varieties.

S’hail Global Logistic Services S’hail Global Logistic Services is a distribution arm that operates a fleet

of 50 vehicles from their dedicated 5,000 m2 facility located near the newly developed Hamad Port in Qatar. Thus, making it an ideal location for the ease of exporting and importing. From this base, the firm is able to distribute to clients far and wide, benefiting substantially from the facility’s excellent access to major transport routes, proximity to ports and airports, and their own internal network of wholly-owned facilities and locations.

Chairman’s messageQatar has successfully cemented its position as one of the most resilient, diverse and competitive economies in the region. This is in line with the approach set by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country, capable of sustaining its own development and providing a high standard of living for all of its people for generations to come.

Qatar has worked on balancing its strategies and plans to promote comprehensive development by embracing integrated economic policies that raise the contribution of the non-hydrocarbon sector to GDP. Qatar also continues to focus on the energy sector as an important source of national revenue while channeling these revenues into supporting all economic sectors and transforming national industries and trade sectors into active partners in achieving the objectives of its National Development Strategy.

Along these lines, S’hail Holding Group, which is considered the first of its kind in the country, has prioritized the development of a favourable business to meet the needs of the country and build a strong production base that will achieve balanced economic growth for Qatar.

GOALSDevelop our skills in the metal and plastic industry to reach the highest levels of sophistication and quality in the Arab and Western World, our goal in that is to satisfy God and customers.

MISSION To provide extensive logistical services and systematic and safe export to major European and international markets according to its standards with continuous search for additional sources of resources in promising areas.

VISION First of its kind in the country, places its top priority on meeting the country’s needs through the modern and advanced industries it provides and building a strong production base that contributes to the economic growth of the State of Qatar.

S’hail Holding Group

Sheikh Khaled bin Mubarak al-Thani, Chairman


The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), participated in the activities of the 16th Izmir International Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition (AGROEXPO 2021), which was held from June 23-27, in Izmir,

Turkey.The state delegation at the exhibition was represented by a number of officials

from the agricultural and fisheries affairs sector, and representatives of the most important agricultural and animal production companies in the State of Qatar, headed by Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment H E Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani.

The State of Qatar participated in the Turkish Agricultural Exhibition, with a special pavilion displaying the most important and prominent agricultural projects and services implemented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. On the sidelines of the exhibition, a number of contracts were signed between Qatari and Turkish companies in the field of agricultural and livestock production.

The Qatari delegation also held several meetings with the participants in the exhibition, which gives them an opportunity to open channels of communication with their counterparts from all participating countries, and thus to discover the best experiences and expertise in the agricultural field.

The participation of the State of Qatar in the Turkish agricultural exhibition reflects the interest of the state represented by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in learning about the latest agricultural developments and technologies, as Qatar attaches great importance to improving and developing agriculture and livestock, in an effort to achieve self-sufficiency in commodities and foodstuffs as part of its efforts to achieve food security.

The Qatari pavilion included a number of national companies working in the field of agricultural and animal production, namely: Al Rayyan Agricultural, Baladna Food Industries, the National Group for Agricultural Products “Mazzraty” and AGRICO for Agricultural Development.

MME takes part in 16th edition of farm, livestock expo in Izmir

Qatari fish farms are expected to annually produce around 600 tonnes of tilapia, almost equal to a quarter of the imported quantity, but at an attractive

price, a senior official announced recently. Mohamed Mahmoud al-Abdullah, head of the fish

farming section at the Fisheries Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) was addressing a press conference about the national initiative to encourage the production of tilapia fish in Qatari farms.

“The fisheries sector in the country has made major strides to develop farms and maintain the food security strategy in the sector,” he explained in the presence of Hamad Hadi al-Hajiri, head of the programmes and projects section at the Food Security Department, and a number of specialists.

Al-Abdullah pointed out that the Fisheries Department aims to support the owners of farms and improve their income while increasing the diversity of fish products in

the local market and maintaining the national fish wealth, as the country imports around 2,000 tonnes of tilapia fish a year.

Accordingly, licences will be granted to two strategic projects for the production of tilapia fish at registered farms, with an estimated production capacity of around 310 tonnes a year, per project.

Al-Hajiri stressed that the Food Security Department has many other initiatives and projects to be launched in the future according to the National Strategy for Food Security in co-ordination with various departments and sections in the Agriculture Sector.

For instance, a number of related initiatives and projects were launched earlier, including the production of table eggs in the Qatari farms, fortified and green livestock fodder, and greenhouses. Besides, nine projects were launched recently to fatten and raise sheep and livestock. The farmed tilapia fish will be exclusively marketed in Qatar.

FISH FARMINGThe Aquatic Research Centre (ARC) of the Ministry of

Municipality and Environment (MME) at Ras Matbakh will produce 1,000 tonnes shrimp next year. “Plans are

progressing in this regard,” ARC director Ibrahim Salman al-Muhannadi recently told Qatar TV.

“The country currently imports 100% of its shrimp requirement from abroad,” he explained. The ARC has two hatcheries, one for fish and the other for shrimp. Modern methods and devices are used for shrimp hatching while a special laboratory measures the extent of shrimp’s tolerance to salinity, temperature and diseases. This is in addition to the research to reduce salinity so that shrimp can be farmed in

freshwater.In December 2020, the MME announced the production

of the first batch of shrimps at the centre. Out of the total production of around 250,000 shrimp larvae (PL25 type),

about 160,000 were moved to the external cages, with work progressing to produce at least 2mn larvae by the end of March 2021.

In an attempt to increase fish production, preserve marine wealth and promote research, the ministry opened ARC in January 2020. The centre focuses on the production of high quality fish as per the needs of the local market. The centre has made a future plan to produce 80mn baby fish and shrimp yearly. In progress is a programme to produce 2.5mn baby fishes of Hamour, yellowfin seabream (Al Shaam) and sparidentex hasta (Al Sobeiti) species. It is also envisaged to produce 15mn baby fish and shrimp during the first three years by making

use of 180 ponds.After three years of producing Hamour, Al

Shaam, Al Sobeiti and local shrimp, there is a plan to focus on specific species, in order to achieve self-

sufficiency and meet the needs of the local market.

Courtesy: Gulf Times reports

SHRIMP PRODUCTION

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s pavilion at AGROEXPO 2021, in Izmir, Turkey.


With preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 well under way, Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) is spearheading a country-wide initiative. To ensure that Qatar

is prepared to welcome football fans next year, the initiative aims to implement green practices in the hospitality industry.

One key aspect of ensuring a more sustainable hospitality industry has been the implementation of a supply chain for 360-degree waste management. In a series of recent virtual workshops hosted as part of its Green Hotels for Qatar - Challenges and Pathways, held in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and supported by the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), QGBC converged relevant stakeholders in the hotel sector to ascertain the best way forward in the handling and recycling of solid waste.

“It is important to stress the need for quality control to ensure the effective handling of waste from collection to transportation, to sorting and recycling,” QGBC, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), said in a press statement.

Key recommendations for waste reduction and sustainable procurement include: the supply chain needs to be validated and have quality assurance, making use of local and eco-friendly products; hotels should have a clear framework and clearly streamline best practices for waste management; and the circular waste economy has to gain stakeholders’ trust and support of regulations.

Commenting on the importance of circularity in solid waste management, Hamoda Youssef, head of Technical Affairs at QGBC, noted the many challenges facing the industry in relation to effective and sustainable waste management, which include a lack of incentives, regulation and quality assurance measures.

He also highlighted the exceptional progress that is being made, saying: “With the help of our partners and the industry stakeholders, we managed to identify the many challenges facing the hotel industry to achieve effective waste management.

“However, despite the hurdles, we are also seeing excellent best practices being implemented by hotels in terms of raising staff awareness, changing the mindset of guests, altering procurement policy, and reducing quantities of food waste.”

The process of sorting waste is particularly important when it comes to green best practices in the hotel industry. Waste handlers need to ensure that different materials are separated correctly and not mixed as failing to do so would greatly impact the possibility of it being able to be utilised for quality recycled products.

To address the need for quality assurance of waste management, QGBC recently launched Al Tadweer, a recycling validation scheme that provides scalable guidance for the recycling industry in Qatar. The programme offers a validation pathway for the industry covering the whole recycling lifecycle: solid waste collections and haulers to waste; sorting and processing; and waste recycling into manufacturing.

Additionally, in September 2020, QGBC released ‘Sustainable Hospitality: Case Studies from Green Key Hotels in Qatar’ – a report that provides a comprehensive overview of the hospitality sector in Qatar and assesses the current challenges and what can be done to ensure more sustainable practices. The report highlights the green practices of W Doha Hotel & Residences, Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel Doha, Mandarin Oriental Doha and Warwick Doha Hotel, all of which are Green Key certified and leading the way in sustainability best practices in the sector, the statement notes.

The Green Key Certificate is an international initiative that provides a sustainability framework for several sectors, including the hospitality industry. QGBC leads the initiative in Qatar, providing hotels with guidelines and checklists to implement greener practices.

“We have several hotels in Qatar that are Green Key-certified. Spearheading the initiative in Qatar, QGBC provides hotels with step-by-step guidance and trustworthy and transparent criteria to make the process of implementing green practices straightforward. The process can be done in-house whereby hotels are able to comply with the green criteria in a cost-effective manner,” Youssef explained.

Through the Green Key certification, QGBC offers the hospitality industry the tools to leverage their business in the field of sustainability while also granting them access to a global network of experts where they can keep abreast on the latest best-practice guidelines in the sustainable development of the industry.

With QGBC having laid the foundation for establishing a robust circular waste economy in the hospitality industry - one that is built on quality, engagement and involvement - there is sure to be buy-in from other sectors in the country, the statement adds.

When Qatar hosts one of the biggest sporting events in the world next year, it will be well-equipped to effectively and seamlessly manage the excess waste produced in the hotel sector. This will pave the way for greener and more sustainable practices in the hotel industry as well other sectors, further positioning the country as a regional leader in championing sustainability.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department, has taken several measures in the recent past to boost honey production in Qatar within the framework of its food security efforts.

The ministry also aims to help farm owners increase and diversify their income through bee keeping.

The Agricultural Affairs Department supports and encourages bee keeping activities in the country under the National Honeybee Project and it has started yielding positive results. Honey production is set to increase further because of the ministry’s proactive efforts in this direction.

The number of queen bees (queen bee refers to an adult, mated female in a hive), for example, went up to 987 last year, which were distributed to the active farms after ascertaining their quality, in order to enhance honey production. As many as 510 queen bees were distributed to 18 farms between January and April itself, while efforts are on to produce queen bees in the nursery.

Furthermore, the Agricultural Affairs Department has been working consistently since 2016 to promote beekeeping in the country.

The ministry also provides technical support and training for supervisors and beekeepers on breeding and producing honey while offering them the necessary guidance.

QGBC leads the way in Qatar’s green hospitality

Honey production

As part of its efforts to facilitate the availability of treated water, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has built a filling station for treated sewage effluent (TSE) at the Doha West Sewage Treatment Plant.

The objective is to supply TSE directly from the plant to the users, an Ashghal statement said recently. This step comes as part of Ashghal’s initiatives to provide TSE filling stations in various strategic locations in Qatar to encourage the industrial, construction, fodder agriculture and cooling sectors to use treated water instead of potable water.

The project includes design, supply, installation, construction and operation of the TSE tanker filling station at the Doha West Sewage Treatment Plant, which is strategically located at the crossroads between Salwa Road and Al Majd Road.

The filling station for TSE at the Doha West plant can fill up to 20 tankers simultaneously with a capacity of 20 cubic metres of treated water. It takes about 12 minutes to fill a tanker. The plant can fill up to 40 tankers per hour, 960 tankers per day and more than 350,000 tankers per annum. The Doha West plant produces 275,000 cubic metres of TSE per day and in 2020 it produced approximately 100 mn cubic metres treated water.

Ashghal operates 24 wastewater treatment plants across Qatar. These plants produce TSE that conforms to international and local specifications. The uses of TSE include irrigation of green areas and beautification of roads, fodder agriculture, cooling system, washing sand used in construction and roads and construction projects.

The treatment process begins with the primary stage of removing sludge, sand and oils, followed by the secondary stage of removing nutrients, then the tertiary advanced filtering stage using sand and microns (UF 0.02 micron) and then the sterilisation process by chlorine and ultraviolet rays.

The drainage water flows by gravitational force from the facilities to the lifting stations, from where the water is pushed to the treatment plants. The water enters through various treatment stages to finally emerge as TSE, suitable for many uses.

Ashghal’s two wastewater treatment plants in West Doha and Lusail provide the service of filling treated water to tankers. Many advanced systems and technological solutions are used, such as smart meters, leakage detection devices, tankers tracking systems and lately the systemised filling stations.

Ashghal constructs new TSE filling unit


By Joseph Varghese

In an effort to find a more efficient waste disposal solution and to boost food production in the country, a team of researchers from Qatar Foundation’s (QF)

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is exploring the means to utilise food waste and other organic matter for producing biochar, Gulf Times has learnt.

The research is led by Dr Gordon McKay, professor of sustainable development at HBKU and funded by QF’s Qatar National Research Fund. Installation of a large pilot plant for the project at Education City is also expected later this year.

Biochar, also known as agriculture’s black gold due to its charcoal-like appearance, adds great value to the soil.

“Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that’s produced when agricultural waste, plant matter (leaves, trunks, roots), manure or other organic material is heated in a zero- or low-oxygen environment – a process known as pyrolysis,” said Dr Hamish Mackey, associate professor, College of Science and Engineering (C SE), HBKU.

Preliminary studies by the group using biochar produced from local waste cabbage have been “very promising”. Pot tests were done by adding biochar to sandy soil to investigate the effect of biochar on the growth of basil plants.

Adding only 2% biochar resulted in the doubling of shoot height as well as the number of leaves per plant. It also reduced the uptake of aluminum – an undesired element by the plant while increasing the uptake of desirable trace metals and salts. The water retention capacity of the soil nearly doubled; this is likely to have a considerable effect on the irrigation needs of the plants.

“Two of biochar’s most valued benefits for plant growth are nutrient and water retention. When worked

into the soil, biochar can prevent nutrients from leaching out and water from draining out of the soil, making biochar an effective soil amendment,” said Dr Tareq al-Ansari, assistant professor, College of Science and Engineering, HBKU.

“Food waste is a major issue both in Qatar and globally. Through this project, we are laying the groundwork for a circular economy in agriculture wherein we use food waste for the regeneration of natural systems and enhanced agricultural productivity,” continued Dr al-Ansari.

Biochar production is also a carbon-negative process, as it effectively reduces CO2 in the atmosphere. The waste used for making biochar would release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere if it is left to decompose naturally. Through pyrolysis, its carbon content can be transformed into a stable structure that doesn’t react to oxygen, ultimately reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Because of its porous nature, biochar can improve the water retention capacity of soil, allowing plants to have more water available to them for a longer period of time. Biochar is most effective when applied to soils with poor fertility making it especially useful for plants

in arid to semiarid environments, regions prone to drought, and areas with limited irrigation capabilities.

“It is more important to note that not all biochars are the same. Their properties depend heavily on the production parametres such as temperature and heating rate. Similarly, their effects vary depending on the kind of soil that is being amended, maximum improvement is seen in sandy soil which is prevalent in Qatar,” said, Dr Mackey.

“The next step is carrying out long-term evapotranspiration tests to estimate the loss of water from both plants and the soil after addition of biochar. This will be key in determining how much real water savings can be realised,” explained, Dr al-Ansari.

The group is expecting installation of a large pilot plant at Education City this year, which will allow them to scale up the biochar production capacity and move towards field scale testing, a crucial step before commercialisation.

“Field tests will be conducted over an extended period of time so we have solid data to demonstrate the effects of biochar on the soil as well as the plants and most importantly quantify potential water savings,” Dr Mackey added.

QF research explores using organic waste to boost food production in Qatar

Dr Tareq al-Ansari

Dr Gordon McKay and Dr Hamish Mackey with other members of the team

By Joseph Varghese

Two former students of Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university, have launched an initiative to discourage the use of plastic cutlery in Qatar.

Abdullah Shaat and Saoud al-Emadi, who graduated from Tamuq in 2019, have started a company called Enavra – meaning “from earth to earth” - selling environment-friendly cutlery made from the seeds of avocado.

The products, which aim to discourage the use of plastic cutlery in Qatar, are available on QF’s EC Marketplace platform.

Speaking about how the idea evolved, Shaat said: “We always believed that plastic cutlery should not be used in restaurants and cafes. So last year, we decided it was necessary to find biodegradable alternatives that would have a minimal impact on the environment.”

“We began by investigating alternatives available in the local and global market. We tried and tested several samples over a period of months, eventually finding the perfect biodegradable product, which uses avocado seeds as the base,” he continued.

The duo faced a number of challenges at the start of their venture, especially the launch of Enavra coinciding with the start of Covid-19 in the country and globally. According to al-Emadi, shipping costs were high for the products as they had to be brought in from North America.

They also faced several other issues, as al-Emadi noted: “We found it very difficult to convince business owners to adopt an environment-friendly option, especially when plastic disposables are so easily available and are very cheap.”

“We analysed shipping methods and tried to reduce costs where possible. We have succeeded in signing contracts with many companies in Qatar. And, in the long term, we aim to manufacture the products in Qatar, which will help reduce prices further and provide more options,” he added.

Al-Emadi highlighted how cutlery made from avocado seeds is an ideal alternative as it has the same texture as plastic, but breaks down within a year.

At the moment, the team is importing spoons, forks and knives, but plans to provide more options such as cup covers, plates and food containers in the future.

“Many cafes and restaurants have already started using the products and it is only a matter of time until we completely replace plastic,” said Shaat.

Currently, 11 vendors are using the plastic alternatives sold by Enavra. “We believe that every business should take part in keeping our planet green and sustainable. We are all responsible,” said Maryam Jaber, a café owner.

“We are doing our best to go green and use environment-friendly materials. The Enavra team has been a great supplier, we love their products – we are currently using their cutlery and straws. The quality is very high and our customers are happy,” added Jaber

QF graduates on mission to stop plastic cutlery use in Qatar

Qatar Foundation’s Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) has hosted an online discussion titled ‘The Importance of Local Initiatives for Plant

Conservation and Food Security’.The interactive session, moderated by

renowned Qatar Radio anchor Buthaina Abdul Jalil, featured QBG research assistant Ahmed El-Gharib and several other environmental experts from around Qatar.

They shared their expertise and experiences in plant cultivation, agriculture, and biodiversity. Other discussion topics included the conservation and propagation of fungal plants, home farming, and the importance of food security initiatives.

One of the guest speakers in the event, Shuaa Abdullah Al-Sada, botanical researcher and author of the book ‘Gardening in Arabia: Fruiting Plants in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf’, discussed her experience in tree, perennial, and medicinal plant cultivation and how they can be grown in home conditions. She also detailed the plant varieties that can be cultivated in Qatar’s high heat and humidity ecological conditions.

Maryam al-Dosari, founder and director of the Gharsa home gardening initiative, addressed the important role that local initiatives play in plant conservation and food security, and the role of the Gharsa initiative in particular, when it comes to spreading agricultural knowledge among women and empowering women to cultivate.

Other themes that she discussed included home agricultural production, the long-term preservation of food, and achieving domestic self-sufficiency on an individual home basis. The Gharsa initiative focuses on these themes through dedicated training programs, meetings, the exchange of seedlings and seeds, as well as agricultural materials to enable women’s agricultural success. Members of the initiative have achieved high rates of self-sufficiency of dates, lemons, and seasonal vegetables.

Dr. Mohamed Elsir Ahmed Awaad, Agricultural Affairs Department, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, said: ‘We would like to thank QBG for organising this fruitful event and sincerely hope that such seminars will be organised in the future. In addition, we would like to commend the efforts of all Qatari farm owners, who have played a pivotal role in the increase of vegetable production to meet the State of Qatar’s needs, with the percentage of self-sufficiency of locally grown vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers well exceeding 100%. In the near future, we hope to significantly increase this percentage, particularly over the summer period.’

Commenting on the webinar, Fatima al-Khulaifi, director, QBG, expressed delight in having brought together some of Qatar’s most important stakeholders to discuss these important environmental topics.

‘As part of our bid to support Qatar’s sustainable development and the UN SDGs, we regularly host events, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions that enable the public to engage with well-respected environmental experts.

‘In line with this, we brought together experts from across Qatar to share their expertise with one another, as well as the wider community, which helps raise awareness of the pressing need to protect the environment through plant conservation, home farming, and food security initiatives.’

Additionally, in a bid to support the Environmental Development pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, protect ecosystems, and empower community members to be active contributors to these efforts, QBG recently launched its free-of-charge ‘Home Garden Phone Helpline’.

QBG webinar underscores local plant conservation, food security initiatives


Qatar is a major business destination in the Gulf region, and one of the premier cities in the Middle East

for attracting investment. However, just as in any other country, Qatar has its own specific guidelines and requirements for foreign business owners and investors. As such, it is dynamic, progressive and replete with business opportunities, setting up any new venture in a country like Qatar can be challenging, particularly when the right information as to how to proceed is difficult to discover.

In order to address this concern, Signature, a leading player in the field of international corporate services, has established a major presence in Qatar. With over 20 years of experience in the public relations and corporate consultancy, they are all set to deploy their industry experts in Qatar.

The firm’s three Qatar based founders, with extensive experience in both local and international services, are fully acquainted with all the necessary processes and legalities of PRO services.

Situated in an iconic building, with spectacular views on the c-ring road, near the Holiday Villa Hotel in Al Hilal, their office is fully staffed with the skilled manpower needed to drive forward innovative approaches that can inform, shape, and create a brighter future for businesses based in Qatar.

Signature’s unique history combines excellent reputations, and professional service mindset with a deep understanding of individual business needs to support the specific aims and goals of any business entities. The firm offers a wide array of services, including, amongst others, business consultancy, company formation, PRO services, visa and immigration services. Thanks to their top-notch operation system in place, Signature is capable of serving clients in local communities and around the world.

As every company requires legislation in many of their operations, mainly PRO services, making sure that processes are handled appropriately and in a timely manner

can lower the possibility of needless penalties or similar detrimental consequences for the business. Signature specialises in the legal requirements necessary, so the clients don’t have to worry about any penalties, fines or other negative consequences.

The company’s highly approachable and skilled workforce provides companies with unrivaled access to a wealth of information, with around the clock support and advice with PRO related issues, and they also provide free business consultation to help nurture and develop the formation of the business.

The firm consists of experts in the field of immigration, particularly in education, serving as a reliable source in the whole process of student relocation. They assist students with work authorization documents, permits, visas, admission to accommodation provision and management services.

As Mohammed Aslam, the president of Signature comments: “The decision to expand our footprint in Qatar has

been incredibly exciting. Our Doha office significantly boosts the company’s presence in the Middle East.”

Shamseer Hamza, the co-founder of Signature, goes on to add: “Our continuing success stems from our total commitment and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. We look forward to establishing a strong and coherent service network in Qatar to ensure good client communication. Many investors who are not familiar with the region might find the processing of government documents cumbersome and face communication problems with local

partners. As a reliable corporate service provider we can assist them well and manage without any hurdles.”

Ali Hassan, another co-founder, adds: “It is our utmost responsibility to provide accurate and up-to-date information to our clients based on their needs. Hence, we develop a completely tailored solution for all government PRO services in Qatar. Our objective is to handle our clients’ needs while guaranteeing full compliance, information, and transparency of all PRO services.

Signature launches in Qatar to facilitate corporate services

“With over 20 years of experience in public relations and corporate consultancy, the Signature aims to provide a transparent platform between expat business owners and Qatari sponsors and to provide an accurate and clear account of the legal aspects to public that are changing day by day” Mohammed Aslam

President, Signature

Special Supplement - Gulf Times

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