The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced the re-awarding of delayed infrastructure projects, with the remaining eight projects re-awarded to new contractors, in preparation for the resumption of work. This follows the resumption of work on 13 projects since April 2025. As part of the transition towards tangible progress and intensive field monitoring, President of Ashghal, Engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, accompanied by a number of the Authority’s senior leaders and officials, conducted field inspection visits to several roads and infrastructure development projects in the country to monitor implementation and review the latest work updates. In this context, al-Meer stated: “Ashghal has re-awarded the remaining works on a number of delayed roads and infrastructure projects in residential areas and neighbourhoods to new contractors to accelerate progress and improve delivery efficiency.” He added: “Our current focus is on accelerating the remaining works to improve traffic flow and ease travel for residents and road users, while continuously monitoring progress and adherence to approved schedules to ensure projects are completed as planned.” During the visits, al-Meer reviewed the latest updates on roads and infrastructure projects in several areas, including completion rates and remaining works. He also inspected progress at several sites and sections that had been developed or opened to traffic. Al-Meer directed teams to intensify work in vital areas most affected by project delays and accelerate works that deliver a direct and immediate benefit to residents. He also emphasised the importance of opening roads or vital sections to traffic, providing safe access to homes and public facilities, and completing infrastructure networks while adhering to quality and safety standards. Engineer Khaled al-Khayareen, Director of Projects Affairs at Ashghal, stated that work is proceeding at an accelerated pace on the re-awarded projects, with the first package scheduled for completion in Q3-2027. Additionally, a number of other remaining projects have been awarded to new contractors to complete the work in accordance with approved programmes and timelines. He added: “Our objective was not limited to restarting work at project sites, but also included accelerating implementation through updated execution programmes, continuous field monitoring, and priorities focused on works with the greatest impact on residents and traffic.” The 13 projects on which work had resumed since April 2025 serve a total of over 11,500 plots for citizens in the Northern, Southern and Western areas, as well as Doha City. The eight recently re-awarded projects include roads and infrastructure development projects in Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa (Package 4), Al Kheesa North and East — Rawdat Al Hamama (Package 2), Al Meshaf West (Package 9), Al Mearad and Muaither Southwest (Package 6), West Umm Slal Ali, Umm Ebairiya Village, South Umm Al Amad and North Bu Fessela (Package 1), and Al Sheehaniya (Package 1). Together, these projects serve around 6,360 residential plots. The projects also include the Construction of a Main Sewer Connecting Al Shahhaniya to the Doha North Sewage Treatment Works, and Construction of a TSE Pipeline along the Orbital Highway between Dukhan Road and the Doha North Sewage Treatment Works. Roads and infrastructure projects aim to improve services and enhance residents’ quality of life by developing road networks to ease travel within residential areas and improve their connections to roads and vital facilities, while enhancing road safety through the provision of lighting systems, parking spaces, pedestrian and cycling paths, and other features. The projects also include the construction and development of sewage, stormwater drainage and treated sewage effluent networks to meet residents’ needs and improve the areas’ readiness for the rainy season.

Qatar could unlock new revenue streams from waste through technologies that convert food scraps and biomass into compost and alternative fuels, as green solutions gain importance in the country’s sustainability drive.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the sixth Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference and Exhibition, organised by the Ministry of Municipality, Katina Aghayan, CEO of Kingdom Konsultate, highlighted the potential of waste-to-fuel technologies, clean biodiesel and smart recycling systems to reduce emissions while creating economic opportunities.Kingdom Konsultate is a specialised consultancy that works on sustainability strategies, climate technology, and solutions to tackle greenwashing. Aghayan said the company has worked with Qatar’s municipal sector for more than six years, introducing technologies that support the country’s environmental objectives.“We do end-to-end solutions. We’re the only one in the region that does strategies, and we also have an arm in technology for climate tech,” she said.Aghayan said one key area the company was promoting was converting biomass waste into alternative energy, including biofuel, biodiesel and bio-LNG.In her conference presentation, titled around the concept of “waste to fuel”, she planned to explore how waste could be transformed into a valuable resource rather than becoming an environmental burden.She also highlighted the potential to scale up green industries and develop commercial models that make sustainability financially viable.“How we can take this very rich biomass that we have as waste and turn it into a revenue stream and reduce pollution in the environment,” she said, describing the opportunity.Aghayan also revealed that Kingdom Konsultate had signed an exclusive partnership with a Saudi partner to introduce B100, a 100% biodiesel product intended to support decarbonisation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Another technology attracting attention at the exhibition is CompoBot, a Hungarian innovation introduced to the Qatari and wider Middle Eastern markets through Kingdom Konsultate’s exclusive partnership.The robotic system processes food waste into compost while allowing users to monitor their environmental impact.“What it does actually is recycle the food, and it turns it into compost,” Aghayan said.The system can also communicate with users and track how much waste and emissions have been reduced. Its mobile application allows the technology to be used in settings including homes, offices and lounges.Beyond food-waste management, Aghayan said the company was introducing solutions in water recycling, microalgae, biofuel production and emissions reduction, working with public and private sector organisations.She said these technologies aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its environmental sustainability objectives.“We are trying to really help our public sector and private sector to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030,” she said.Aghayan also stressed the importance of collaborating with government bodies, including the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment, to advance sustainable practices.For Qatar, the opportunity lies not only in reducing the amount of waste sent for disposal, but also in treating waste as a resource that can support alternative energy, lower environmental impacts and create new economic value.As sustainability technologies develop, initiatives such as those showcased by Kingdom Konsultate underline the growing focus on practical solutions that connect environmental responsibility with commercially viable outcomes.

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has issued new instructions for insurance companies, exchange houses and financing companies to enhance access to financial services for persons with disabilities and the elderly, reinforcing its efforts to advance financial inclusion across Qatar. The instructions are aligned with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Financial Sector Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Strategy, QCB said in a post on X. They build on regulatory measures introduced in 2025 to strengthen financial inclusion, promote equal opportunities and ensure that financial services are accessible to all segments of society. The new requirements focus on improving accessibility and streamlining procedures and service channels. They require financial institutions to raise employees' awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities and elderly customers, give priority to these groups when they conduct transactions at financial institutions, and train employees to identify and respond appropriately to signs of financial exploitation. The instructions also require branches to train a number of customer service employees in basic sign language, further strengthening their ability to serve customers with disabilities. QCB said it would continue to develop its regulatory framework and promote financial inclusion and accessibility, supporting the development of a more sustainable and inclusive financial sector.