* QR12mn initiative to benefit workers and contractors

Eight ‘points of use’ facilities located throughout The Pearl-Qatar were inaugurated recently for the benefit of United Development Company's (UDC's) foreign workers and contractors.
HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, along with United Development Company (UDC) chairman Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater and president and CEO Ibrahim al-Othman, inaugurated the facilities.
In line with the Qatar government’s efforts to ensure the well-being of workers involved in development projects in the country, UDC, master developer of The Pearl-Qatar, said it has invested QR12mn in the service points, inclusive of land and construction costs, “to ensure that workers are treated with civility and class".
On the occasion, al-Khater and al-Othman accompanied HE the Minister on a tour of the facilities.
Speaking to reporters at the launch, UDC’s commercial executive director Abdulrahim al-Ibrahim said more than 3,000 labourers working in open areas will benefit from this initiative.
“This is to serve workers across the board, those who maintain and do the landscaping, cleaning and other undertakings on the island. These (service) points are well distributed and workers can rest, dine and take a time off during the day,” he noted.


HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, along with UDC chairman Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater and president and CEO Ibrahim al-Othman, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the inauguration of the eight ‘Points of Use’ facilities for workers at The Pearl-Qatar. UDC-supplied picture

An integral component of The Pearl-Qatar community, al-Ibrahim added that these air-conditioned facilities have been designed and built to enhance the quality of life of workers.
Each facility, which has been built to the highest international standards, occupies a parcel area of 160sqm and features a kitchen, dining area, toilets, showers and lockers, as well as a storage area for equipment and tools.
Workers can rest, eat, wash and keep their equipment free of charge in these eight centres, which are conspicuously located on the island.
“We are giving these WiFi-enabled venues but the food and water will be the responsibility of the contractors,” al-Ibrahim said. “At least 300 workers at a time can be accommodated.”
He noted that workers in the towers are excluded as these properties have their own facility management.
Al-Ibrahim also cited the increasing occupancy rate at their properties due to the opening of new towers across the island.
“We are focusing on the people residing in Qatar at this time,” he said. “In terms of selling our properties, we are reaching out to all markets, not only local and regional but also the international market.”
Since The Pearl-Qatar’s inception, he noted that it already has 53 nationalities as investors. Meanwhile, construction of a hospital and school is progressing.
UDC has also started selling properties as part of Phase 1 and 2 of its iconic tower Al Mutaida, while other phases will be released soon.

HE Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater and Ibrahim al-Othman join workers at the newly-opened service facility. PICTURE: Nasar TK (Below):