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Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with WuXi Biologics, a leading global biologics Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO), to advance co-operation in biologics manufacturing, research and development and biopharmaceutical innovation.The MoU was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, chief executive officer of QFZ and Dr Chris Chen, chief executive officer of WuXi Biologics, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of QFZ, on the sidelines of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025.The strategic collaboration paves the way for the establishment of WuXi Biologics’ first integrated CRDMO centre in the Middle East, located within Qatar’s free zones.Under the MoU, the parties will collaborate on a programme for research, development, and innovation focused on biologics manufacturing and advanced bioprocessing technologies in Qatar.The partnership aims to strengthen the country’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem by attracting key suppliers, enabling clinical trial networks, and establishing world-class centres of excellence.“This partnership strengthens Qatar’s position as one of the region’s most reliable locations for biopharmaceutical growth. By combining WuXi Biologics’ global biologics expertise with Qatar’s advanced healthcare ecosystem and unmatched logistics connectivity, we are creating an environment where breakthrough research and high-value manufacturing can thrive," said Sheikh Mohammed.This collaboration supports its ambition to build a resilient biomedical sciences landscape that contributes to national priorities under the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, according to him.The MoU also outlines opportunities for collaboration with Qatar’s academic, medical, and research institutions to advance biopharmaceutical research and develop innovative solutions.It further includes structured training programmes to develop a skilled local biologics workforce, while establishing a framework for long-term cooperation that enhances Qatar’s biotechnology resilience and supports WuXi Biologics’ presence in the region.“This partnership is a pivotal step for WuXi Biologics. It marks the beginning of our journey to build our presence in the region while extending our global network and capabilities. Qatar’s forward-looking vision for the biomedical sciences sector, underpinned by QFZ’s integrated ecosystem and reliable connectivity, provides a compelling platform for innovation and advanced manufacturing," said Chen.As Qatar and its free zones advance their vision to become a globally trusted hub for biomedical sciences, this collaboration reflects the nation’s commitment to attracting cutting-edge biopharmaceutical companies and developing competencies that support both domestic resilience and international healthcare needs. 

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) have officially launched the Umm Al Houl 3 primary substation to supply Qatar Free Zones authority. The milestone underscores the ongoing partnership between both entities to advance national power infrastructure and enhance energy reliability across Qatar's free zones.The newly commissioned 132/11 kV substation, with a total capacity of 80 MVA, significantly enhances grid reliability and ensures a stable and efficient power supply to support the growing energy demands of both new and existing investors in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.Located in Al Wakra area, it also supports Qatar's wider transmission network serving major industrial and service hubs.Developed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QFZ and Kahramaa in 2021, the project underscores their ongoing collaboration to strengthen Qatar's investment environment through world-class, sustainable infrastructure that supports expanding business and logistics activities across the free zones.Umm Al Houl 3 Substation enhances the efficiency and stability of Qatar's electricity transmission network and expands capacity to meet future urban and industrial demand. Equipped with advanced digital systems for monitoring and control, as well as modern protection technologies, it strengthens grid reliability and reduces outages. The substation's design and operations follow the highest environmental standards, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in line with Kahramaa's future-ready vision.Director of Kahramaa's Technical Affairs Sector, Ahmed Nasser al-Naser, said: "The inauguration of Umm Al Houl 3 Substation embodies Kahramaa's strategic vision to lead the electricity and water sector through innovative projects that ensure service continuity and excellence. This facility supports the needs of Qatar's growing economic and service sectors and reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure in line with the country's national development plans."Acting Chief Zones Development at QFZ, Abdulla al-Rewaily, commented: "The inauguration of the Umm Al Houl 3 Substation is a key milestone in the ongoing development of Umm Alhoul Free Zone as a strategic base for advanced industry and maritime operations. Robust, future-ready infrastructure remains central to QFZ's mission to create a globally competitive environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and connect. Our collaboration with Kahramaa reflects the strength of national partnerships in enabling sustainable growth and advancing the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030."Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) remains focused on expanding and modernising the infrastructure that underpins its dynamic industrial ecosystem. Through ongoing collaboration with leading national partners such as Kahramaa, QFZ continues to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the free zones' operating environment to meet the needs of existing and future investors.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding, the global freight forwarding arm of DHL Group, have officially inaugurated the group's new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL's presence in the State of Qatar and reinforces Qatar's free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators, said QFZ in a press release on Saturday. CEO of QFZ, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani stated: "The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar's stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to market and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region." "As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialized warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefitting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors. This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia," His Excellency added. For his part, CEO - Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding, Samer Kaissi said: "Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows." "Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport: With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enables us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors." The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200 square meters and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specializing in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located close to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalize on Qatar's world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing. Qatar Free Zones Authority remains committed to accelerating Qatar's logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has partnered with Qatar Airways, following the airline’s record deals in the aviation industry -- the largest widebody aircraft order in its history and the largest wide-body engine deal in GE Aerospace history. The partnership will bolster Qatar Airways’ aviation eco-system in support of its expanding world class fleet. QFZ and Qatar Airways have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance Qatar’s competitiveness as a global aviation and logistics hub. The partnership will drive economic growth by establishing an “aviation cluster” in the Ras bu Fontas free zone to support the maintenance and expansion of Qatar Airways' growing world-class fleet.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, QFZ CEO, and Engineer Badr Mohammed al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group COE, in a signing ceremony attended by senior officials from both organisations and key representatives from Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors.The agreement outlines a phased plan beginning with an official Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) in Ras Bu Fontas Free Zone, followed by additional specialised technical sites. It also includes a customs-free corridor connecting the free zone to Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port. Qatar Airways will extend corporate and cargo privileges to QFZ tenants and invite its partners and suppliers, including international companies in the aviation sector, to set up operations in the free zones.Sheikh Mohammed said, "This strategic agreement with Qatar Airways demonstrates our commitment to positioning Qatar’s free zones as a leading hub for logistics and aviation services. By combining the world-class infrastructure and expertise of Qatar Free Zones Authority and Qatar Airways, we are confident this partnership will attract more companies to establish supply chain hubs and maintenance, repair, & operations services in Qatar, contributing to economic growth in line with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030."Al-Meer said, “We are delighted to announce our agreement with the Qatar Free Zones Authority to establish top-tier facilities and cultivate local expertise in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul. This strategic partnership not only supports the growth of our expanding fleet but also enables us to deliver world-class services to airlines across the region and beyond. By investing in advanced infrastructure and talent development, we are supporting the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 to strengthen Qatar’s role as a global aviation hub and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence and reliability. “The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing Qatar's logistics and aviation sectors, with far-reaching benefits for businesses operating within Qatar Free Zones. Both QFZ and Qatar Airways are committed to enhancing Qatar’s business environment to anchor the State of Qatar’s reputation as a destination of choice for investors.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Feadship, the world-renowned Dutch builder of custom superyachts, to explore collaboration in marine infrastructure, design, and sector engagement.The MoU, signed during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, reflects a shared vision to develop Marsa Port at Umm Alhoul Free Zone into a premier superyacht destination in the Gulf, fostering excellence across maintenance, refit, provisioning, and owner experiences.The MoU, seen as a strategic move that underscores Qatar’s growing role in the global superyacht industry, was formalised by QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and Feadship chief commercial officer Bas Nederpelt.Under the MoU, Feadship will provide advisory support to QFZ’s leadership on the development of world-class maintenance, repair, and refit (MRR) facilities, while also contributing to broader initiatives to enhance Qatar’s role in custom yacht design and luxury maritime innovation.Sheikh Mohammed said, “Qatar is becoming a global hub for the superyacht community, driven by world-class infrastructure and a market forecast to grow 7.4% annually through 2030. With the highest ownership per capita in the region, our partnership with Feadship advances our ambition to make Marsa the Gulf’s leading superyacht destination - creating lasting value for investors, owners, and the maritime sector.”Beyond port infrastructure, the collaboration opens new avenues for global engagement through high-level events, knowledge sharing, and owner experiences that will draw international attention to Qatar’s evolving marine sector.Nederpelt said, “Feadship welcomes the opportunity to explore this collaboration with QFZ. We recognise Qatar’s ambition to develop Marsa Port as a destination for the superyacht community and are pleased to contribute in an advisory capacity as part of this exploratory partnership. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to knowledge exchange and dialogue, ensuring that any future steps are aligned with the highest standards of our industry.”The partnership is part of QFZ’s broader strategy to create a future-focused, sustainable marine cluster that attracts leading global players, enhances the Gulf region’s luxury offerings, and places Qatar firmly on the global superyacht map.

In a strategic move that underscores Qatar’s growing role in the global superyacht industry, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Feadship, the world-renowned Dutch builder of custom superyachts, to explore collaboration in marine infrastructure, design, and sector engagement.The MoU, signed during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, reflects a shared vision to develop “Marsa” Port at Umm Alhoul Free Zone into a premier superyacht destination in the Gulf, fostering excellence across maintenance, refit, provisioning, and owner experiences. The MoU was formalized by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Bas Nederpelt, Chief Commercial Officer of Feadship.Under the MoU, Feadship will provide advisory support to QFZ’s leadership on the development of world-class maintenance, repair, and refit (MRR) facilities, while also contributing to broader initiatives to enhance Qatar’s role in custom yacht design and luxury maritime innovation.Sheikh Mohammed stated: “Qatar is becoming a global hub for the superyacht community, driven by world-class infrastructure and a market forecast to grow 7.4% annually through 2030. With the highest ownership per capita in the region, our partnership with Feadship advances our ambition to make Marsa the Gulf’s leading superyacht destination - creating lasting value for investors, owners, and the maritime sector.”Beyond port infrastructure, the collaboration opens new avenues for global engagement through high-level events, knowledge sharing, and owner experiences that will draw international attention to Qatar’s evolving marine sector.Nederpelt said: “Feadship welcomes the opportunity to explore this collaboration with QFZ. We recognize Qatar’s ambition to develop Marsa Port as a destination for the superyacht community and are pleased to contribute in an advisory capacity as part of this exploratory partnership. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to knowledge exchange and dialogue, ensuring that any future steps are aligned with the highest standards of our industry.”This partnership is part of QFZ’s broader strategy to create a future-focused, sustainable marine cluster that attracts leading global players, enhances the Gulf region’s luxury offerings, and places Qatar firmly on the global superyacht map.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Kingdee International Software Group Company have officially announced the inauguration of Kingdee’s regional headquarters at Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Qatar. The two parties also signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in developing digital solutions and supporting Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. This milestone marks the Chinese technology leader’s strategic entry into the Middle East market, further positioning Qatar as a strategic hub for investment in emerging technologies and innovation. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Abdulla Hamad Al-Binali, Acting Chief Operating Officer at QFZ; Jason Zhang, President of Kingdee Group; and senior representatives from key public- and private-sector stakeholders. Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a global leader in enterprise management cloud SaaS solutions. With over 7.4mn customers globally and operations in some 172 countries, Kingdee brings a wealth of domain expertise and deep technological capabilities. The launch of its regional headquarters in Qatar is in line with the company’s strategy to strengthen its international footprint. In December 2023, Kingdee signed an agreement with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), under which QIA committed to invest approximately QR728mn ($200mn) in the company, establishing a strategic partnership that supports Kingdee’s expansion in the region. As part of this partnership, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed by Kingdee and QFZ during the ceremony to expand opportunities for developing advanced digital solutions in Qatar and the wider region. The agreement also, outlines plans to conduct a feasibility study for establishing an innovation ecosystem and a center of excellence in Qatar, encourage Kingdee’s partners and suppliers to establish a presence in the free zones, and collaborate with research and academic institutions to support national capacity building and engage Qatari talent. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Kingdee to our free zones. Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional base here is a strong validation of Qatar’s ability to attract pioneering international companies at the forefront of modern technology. With access to cutting-edge infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and the investment opportunities that Qatar’s free zones provide to expand across regional markets, Kingdee is well-positioned for growth and success. “Their presence will further strengthen our technology sector and contribute to Qatar’s thriving innovation ecosystem.” Jason Zhang, President, Kingdee Group, said: “Qatar is an economic hub in the Middle East and a crucial node of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. The open policies of QFZ, the global perspective of QIA, and the strategic efforts of Invest Qatar have created tremendous opportunities for us to ‘base in Qatar, radiate across the Gulf region, and go global.’” Zhang added: “We will embrace an open and inclusive mindset that integrates global digital technologies with management wisdom to empower local enterprises as well as those going global with world-class products and services to achieve extraordinary results.” The establishment of Kingdee Qatar will strongly support the strategic goals of Qatar’s National Digital Agenda 2030 by delivering “AI-driven + cloud-native” digital transformation solutions, enabling local enterprises to accelerate their progress from “digitalization” to “intelligentization”. Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) continues to attract global companies in the fields of technology and cloud computing, strengthening its position as an advanced, future-ready investment destination. This enables companies to expand locally, regionally, and globally from Qatar, benefiting from a flexible business environment and state of the art infrastructure. This is part of supporting the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 and strengthening the pillars of the Third National Development Strategy.