The Private Engineering Office is currently developing the Al Khor, Al Wakrah and Doha fishing harbours to help fishermen improve their businesses, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning (MMUP) has said.

Replying to queries raised by the Central Municipal Council (CMC), the ministry said an evening shift has been started at the fish market on an experimental basis.

The Central Municipal Council (CMC) has submitted various suggestions to support local fishermen and the fishing industry to various government entities in the country.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) supports the fishing industry in co-operation with the Ministry of Environment (MoE) by extending loans up to QR250,000 to licence-holders to buy boats and fishing equipment.  “What has been bought would be inspected by the MoE fisheries department and a report would be accordingly submitted to QDB.”

The repayment period can be extended up to five years with two months grace period. Some 66 persons have been benefited from this programme, which has so far disbursed QR26.2mn.

There is another programme  that offer loans up to QR 60,000- 150,000. The bank is also preparing a new finance scheme for fish farms to maintain the strategic stock of fish in the country.   

Regarding fuel supply at subsidised prices for local fishermen, Woqod responded saying that it has been operating fuel stations at all Qatari ports. Though such stations do not cover its operational costs, Woqod has  continued with the service to support such an important industry.

In response to CMC suggestions, the Ministry of Social Affairs said that there is a move for registering a fishing society in Qatar.