Qatar plans to fund at least $70 billion worth of domestic transport projects, with the rail and metro network claiming more than $35 billion in the next ten years, said the organisers of an upcoming transport summit in Doha.

In addition, Qatar plans to modernise its road systems through an extensive expressway buildup worth a total of $20 billion of contracts, said Edmund O’ Sullivan, chairman of Meed Events, organisers of the fourth annual Qatar Transport Conference.

The event will take place from May 27 to 29 at the Renaissance Doha City Centre Hotel.
Other investment priorities include future expansion plans for the $12.5 billion Doha International Airport, Sullivan added.

“The next 10 years will be a crucial turning for Qatar’s transition into a highly progressive metropolis, with a transport system that will be amongst the most modern in the world,” he said.

“For contractors, project owners and developers as well as other transport industry stakeholders, there has never been a better opportunity to understand the key issues and challenges shaping Qatar’s transport requirements than at the conference, which will provide an essential breakdown of the country’s transportation sector by key experts and panelists.”

The transport masterplan includes an upgrade of 400-600 km of existing roads at an estimated cost of $8 billion; as well as expansions for Qatar’s three main ports – Ras Laffan City, Mesaieed City and Doha Commercial Port.

In addition to gaining key insights about Qatar’s transport sector, delegates attending the conference will be able to earn Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits at a networking and knowledge-sharing session being held in association with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Other presentations and panel discussions will cover the entire spectrum of transport projects in Qatar, including rail, ports, freight, and airport developments.

Qatar Transport 2013 is supported by Bentley, EC Harris, Grace Construction Products, Hyder Consulting and Louis Berger.

It is expected to attract a large and influential international audience, and provide attendees networking opportunities that are available with high profile officials. – TradeArabia News Service