Economy

Special Attention

Special Economic Zones

With the highest GDP per capita in the world, ranked 16th overall in the 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report, and a consistently growing economy, Qatar is one of the most progressive […]

With the highest GDP per capita in the world, ranked 16th overall in the 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report, and a consistently growing economy, Qatar is one of the most progressive and competitive business environments in the region. Such strong economic fundamentals mean the country is quickly becoming a central investment hub for the Middle East. Situated in the heart of the Gulf, Qatar is truly interconnected, and gives investors access to all major business cities across the region and the world.

As mandated by the State of Qatar, Manateq, Qatar’s Economic Zones company, has developed three SEZs, all of which benefit from unique incentives. Situated adjacent to Doha’s new Hamad International Airport, Ras Bufontas is an ideal location for businesses that need international connectivity. Ras Bufontas is set to become an advanced technology and logistics hub for the region, attracting regional and global business, trade, and investments that will service the Qatari government’s plan of becoming a SMART nation. This zone will provide a vibrant and inspiring workplace, whilst still having a long-lasting, high-quality, and low-maintenance design that includes service hubs, public spaces, land for labor accommodation, utilities access, versatile office and retail space, and a satellite Manateq office located in-house. With the Gulf Region and beyond on the doorstep, the world-class infrastructure at Ras Bufontas will help grow investors’ businesses both within and outside of Qatar. This zone is suitable for such sectors as healthcare and medical devices, automotive and aerospace, advanced technology, logistics, and business services.

Um Alhoul is perfectly located to facilitate access to the rest of the world via the sea. This SEZ is situated next to Hamad Port, and is ideally situated to serve the Northern Gulf area. With a Greenfield maritime cluster situated around unique, centrally located industrial canal, this zone gives easy access to the waterfront and, with close proximity to the Port, it is set to be a dominant gateway for Qatar’s imports and exports. Only 20km south of Hamad International Airport, and close to Mesaieed Industrial City, this zone is primed to be an advantageous hub for suitable industries, and businesses locating there will also benefit from one-stop shop services. This zone is suitable for sectors such as marine industries, logistics, food and beverage, construction, metal processing and machinery, and downstream petrochemicals.

Advantageously situated half-way between Doha and Abu Sumra, Al Karaana is on the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and will therefore be the overland gateway to GCC markets. With access to over 100 million customers through the connectivity of this golden location, locating on Al Karaana will provide businesses with the entire required infrastructure needed to successfully service GCC countries and global markets. This zone is suitable for sectors such as construction and building materials, metals, chemicals, and plastics.

When considering investing in Qatar, not only should investors look toward the SEZ offering but also the transportation infrastructure surrounding and connecting the zones to major ports and transportation networks. In consideration of the massive expansion of Hamad International Airport and its warehousing and freight capabilities, the inauguration of Hamad Port, and the GCC rail network, investors will be pleased to see the prime economic incentives of the SEZ combined with ideal connectivity and logistics infrastructure.

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