State-run special economic zone provider and developer Manateq on Monday signed a QR550mn agreement with Ismail Bin Ali (IBA) Group to develop a workers' accommodation project at the Ras Bufontas Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The facility will accommodate 8,784 employees and workers from factories and warehouses in Ras Bufontas and other surrounding areas.
The agreement was signed by Manateq CEO Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi and IBA Group CEO Hamad Mohamed Esmael al-Emadi at Manateq’s headquarters in West Bay. Under the agreement, IBA Group will construct and manage the project for 25 years under a build, operate, transfer (BOT) model.
Al-Kaabi said the agreement emphasises “the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in the development of Qatar”.
The project will be built on a 150,000sqm area, which has already been handed over by Manateq. Construction will begin this month, said al-Kaabi, who noted that the project is expected to be completed in three years.
The official stressed that the project has been designed to enhance the overall experience of both employees and employers. It will include worker, superviser and technician accommodation units in the form of fully-equipped rooms, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
He said the complex includes catering, laundry, training, indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, as well as community areas. Along with a public retail centre, it will house a mosque and medical, banking and administrative facilities.
Al-Kaabi said the project “underpins the strong bond” between Manateq and the private sector “to successfully contribute to the diversification and economic development of Qatar”.
According to al-Emadi, IBA Group will offer local and international companies competitive rental rates for their workforce at the Ras Bufontas project.
“This is a landmark agreement for Qatar and builds on the success that Manateq has achieved to date as we continue with the development of our special economic zones, which play a crucial role in transforming the country into an industrial and logistics hub for the world.
“Our partnership with Ismail Bin Ali Group is a key indicator of how collaboration between the public and private sectors can have a beneficial contribution on the economic success of our country,” al-Kaabi said.
Al-Emadi added, “We believe in the strength of Qatar's economy and would like to thank our government for its continuous and unlimited support to the private sector. Our role is to contribute to the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030.
“We are proud to be working with Manateq to drive the economic development of Qatar. We are committed to quality and performance and our reputation in these two areas speak for itself. Clients who invest in this leading new development will be assured of a quality product that will benefit them and their workforce.”
The Ras Bufontas SEZ is strategically located near Hamad International Airport, providing businesses with easier access to global markets. The SEZ is aimed at various sectors, including firms specialising in healthcare and medical devices, light industries, advanced technology, and air cargo services.

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