Energy, digital, transport plans reinforce Qatar’s position as pivotal hub in global economy, says report

Qatar is keen on transforming the country into a leader in key areas, particularly energy, digital connections, and transportation, placing it at the forefront of shaping future-ready infrastructure, the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) stated in a report."Qatar is powering the future with world-class energy infrastructure by building a hyper-connected digital ecosystem for AI and innovation, and strengthening global trade and mobility with cutting-edge transport networks, Invest Qatar stated in its ‘Qatar’s Future-Ready Infrastructure’ report.The report underscored that Qatar boasts "world-leading” liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, emphasising that the country is set to become the "world’s top LNG producer by 2030.” Backed by cutting-edge liquefaction and export facilities, Qatar is increasing production to 126Mmtpa by 2027, the report further stated.According to the report, Qatar has invested over $1bn in the "world’s largest” blue ammonia plant located in the Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC). The plant will produce 1.2mn tonnes of blue ammonia annually, "reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions.”In addition, Qatar is building one of the world’s biggest solar power plants in Dukhan, aimed at producing 2,000 megawatts of power. This is part of a larger plan to generate a total of 4,000 megawatts from solar energy, Invest Qatar reported.Qatar is also leading the way in digital technology, Invest Qatar emphasised in its report, stating that the country was recognised in 2023 for being first in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region for its digital infrastructure and readiness for Artificial Intelligence (AI).The country was also the first to launch a commercial 5G network. According to the Invest Qatar report, Qatar’s advanced 5G infrastructure ensures the fastest Internet speeds globally. This fast Internet helps support smart cities and industries that maximise AI, the report stated.Tech giants like Microsoft and Google Cloud have also poured investments in Qatar, driving AI and cloud infrastructure growth, emphasised the report, adding that this has expanded fibre-optic networks, data centres, and cloud computing services in the country.Also, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is strengthening submarine and terrestrial cable networks, enhancing global data traffic and AI-driven services, stated the report, adding that Ooredoo has spearheaded the "largest regional submarine cable network ever built in the GCC” and "the world’s largest subsea cable system.”On robust transportation infrastructure and port capacity, Invest Qatar reported that the Qatari government has built top-notch systems, citing Hamad Port, Hamad International Airport (HIA), and Qatar Rail.Hamad Port is one of the largest and most environmentally friendly ports in the Middle East. It can handle 7.5mn shipping containers, ensuring seamless international trade with state-of-the-art terminals.HIA, on the other hand, is recognised as a global aviation and cargo hub. In 2023, it connected to over 180 destinations, handled more than 1.7mn tonnes of cargo, and welcomed over 45mn passengers, Invest Qatar reported.Qatar Rail is also making travel easier within the country. The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram systems have 110 trains that transported 18.2mn passengers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, stated the report."Qatar offers a strong, collaborative and supportive ecosystem that is facilitating the development of infrastructure. Qatar is home to prominent key national champions and entities, multinational firms, fostering innovation, developing key sectors and driving infrastructure development,” the report also added, citing global, local, and regional partners.