HLG part of consortium awarded QR1.5 billion (US$412 million) People Mover System in Qatar

A consortium including Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) has been awarded a QR1.5 billion (US$412 million) contract for the design, construction, installation, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of a new People Mover System in Doha’s Education City for Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF).

HLG (operating as Leighton Contracting Qatar WLL) is part of the Siemens Tram Consortium with Siemens WLL Doha and Siemens AG from Germany. HLG’s component of the project is worth QR450 million (US$124 million).

HLG’s scope of works incorporates the design and construction of track-work, tram-stops and the depot facility which includes maintenance workshops and administration buildings.The project will be the first operating rail transport system in Qatar and it represents the start of the country’s US$35 billion investment in rail infrastructure over the next 10 years as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup infrastructure program.

The People Mover System is designed to reduce the flow of traffic within Education City by allowing students to park their cars in purpose-built multi-storey carparks and travel free of charge on a battery-powered tram system to their destination within Education City.

HLG CEO and Managing Director Laurie Voyer said the new project fits with the Group’s strategy of pursuing infrastructure work outside its traditionally largest market of the UAE.

“Our strategy has been to focus on infrastructure projects where we have a clear competitive advantage. Rail is a key element of this strategy,” he said.

“We’re delighted to be given the responsibility for the design and construction of one of Qatar’s first rail projects, and we look forward to demonstrating our rail expertise in what will be one of the world’s largest rail markets over the next decade.

“By successfully delivering this project, we will place ourselves in an ideal position to secure additional work as part of the Doha Metro,” he said. 

“Qatar is a key market for us. This project confirms our status as one of the largest and most established contractors operating in the country. 

“We have been operating in Qatar for more than six years, employ over 6,000 people across the country and have completed a range of large-scale infrastructure and building projects for both the private and public sector.

“We have placed considerable effort into securing repeat work for reputable clients to whom we have demonstrated our ability to deliver large, complex projects. QF is one such client. This project continues our strong relationship with QF, for whom we have delivered the world-class Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy in Doha,” he said.

The project will commence immediately and be completed in September 2015. 

ENDS

In Dubai:

Chris Gordon

Habtoor Leighton Group

M: +971 (0) 50 654 9415

Habtoor Leighton Group

The Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) is one of the leading diversified international contractors in the Middle East and North Africa. The Group operates in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Afghanistan. HLG is part of the Leighton Group, Australia’s largest project development and contracting group with annual revenues exceeding US$18 billion.

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Development

Qatar’s Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) aims to support Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to a knowledge economy by unlocking human potential. It was established in 1995 by His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. His wife, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, is the organization’s chairperson and driving force.

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 was published in July 2008 and outlines how the nation will use its vast revenues from hydrocarbon resources to transform itself into a modern knowledge-based economy. The people of Qatar are the key to achieving this aim, so the plan places developing human resources as the main priority for the next 20 years. National Vision 2030 gave QF an exciting mandate: to be the ‘engine’ driving the development of Qatar’s people, with the headline aim of ‘Unlocking Human Potential’.

QF aims to unlock the human through its three pillars of education, science and research and community development. It is bringing world-class education, work experience and career opportunities to Qatar’s young people; It is building Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercializing solutions through key sciences. It is fostering a progressive society, enhancing cultural life and protecting Qatar’s heritage whilst addressing immediate social needs in the community.