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Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding 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 Qatar and reinforces Qatar’s free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators.The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of both Al Faisal Holding and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), and shareholder of DHL Global Forwarding Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ; and Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding.The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200sq m and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specialising in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located within proximity to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalise on Qatar’s world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing.The facility further strengthens Qatar’s appeal as a competitive base for high-value logistics operations. DHL Global Forwarding will offer a suite of services from the new facility, including air, sea and land logistics services, marine shipping agent operations, general warehousing, and customs brokerage.Sheikh Mohammed said: “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 markets and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region.“As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialised warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefiting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors.”He added: “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.”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 enable us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors. This provides us with enhanced flexibility and continuity across critical sectors such as life sciences, energy, and e-commerce.”QFZ 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.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marina Port Vell Barcelona, one of the world's leading superyacht destinations and a luxury maritime leader, to jointly develop the Marsa Maritime ecosystem into a premier hub for high-end yachting operations.The partnership aims to attract top-tier vessels, leading service providers, and international maritime expertise, bolstering Qatar's position in the global superyacht industry, QFZ said in a statement Saturday.The MoU was signed by CEO of QFZ, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and CEO of Marina Port Vell Barcelona, Ignacio Erroz on the sidelines of the 34th Monaco Yacht Show.Under the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona will provide advisory and consultancy support, leveraging its extensive knowledge of superyacht port requirements and experience managing dedicated infrastructure for high-end vessels. The partnership will also explore opportunities to position Qatar and Marsa Maritime as a regional hub for custom yacht operations by fostering connections between yacht owners, industry professionals, and Qatar's world-class facilities.Sheikh Mohammed stated: "This strategic partnership with Marina Port Vell Barcelona represents an important step in QFZ's journey to redefine the luxury maritime landscape. With world-class facilities and advanced technologies, we are positioning Marsa as the Gulf's newest hub for superyachts, service providers, and global investors, driving innovation and setting new standards in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030."As per the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona directors may engage in select high-level events in Qatar, reinforcing their commitment to the development of a robust maritime ecosystem and promoting Marsa Maritime as a premier destination for the global yachting community.Ignacio Erroz said: "We are proud to collaborate with QFZ in shaping the future of Marsa Maritime, a project with exceptional potential in Qatar's growing market. By sharing our expertise and engaging with yacht owners and professionals worldwide, we aim to support Marsa's emergence as a premier hub for luxury yachting in the region." Anchored in the heart of Umm Alhoul Free Zone and just 20 minutes from Doha's city centre, Marsa Maritime is uniquely positioned beside Hamad Port, one of the largest greenfield seaports, enabling it to serve as a base for diverse marine activities. From vessel maintenance and repair to interior design, provisions supply, safety training, brokerage, and maritime research, Marsa offers unparalleled opportunities for international companies seeking to access Qatar's thriving market and the wider region.

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.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Bin Yousef Cargo have announced the official opening of a new warehouse facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The facility underscores the shared commitment of both entities to strengthening Qatar’s position as a pivotal hub for regional and global supply chain and logistics.Marking a significant milestone in Bin Yousef Cargo’s expansion strategy, the facility has already completed its first shipment. Strategically located near the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, it offers seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, enabling Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver efficient, integrated logistics and distribution solutions to its clients.In addition to its prime location, the facility provides a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including custom packaging, inventory management, and order fulfilment, tailored to meet the needs of businesses across diverse industries in Qatar and the wider region.Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, the facility ensures optimal operational efficiency and top-tier service standards, reinforcing Bin Yousef Cargo’s position as a trusted logistics partner committed to excellence and innovation.Operating within Qatar’s free zones enables Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver cost-efficient solutions through competitive pricing and flexible terms, supporting clients in optimising their logistics costs.Customers also stand to benefit from streamlined customs procedures and duty exemptions on transshipments, simplifying trade operations and providing regulatory advantages that enhance ease of doing business in the region.Abdulla Hamad al-Binali, acting chief operating officer at QFZ, said: “The opening of Bin Yousef Cargo’s state-of-the-art facility in Qatar’s free zones is a strategic step that reflects QFZ’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector and expanding our network of partnerships with top logistics solutions providers.“We are committed to empowering businesses with competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, and integrated logistical connectivity that provides an ideal environment for growth and expansion. The addition of Bin Yousef Cargo’s advanced facility to our ecosystem reinforces our role as a catalyst for trade excellence in the region.”Jiju Haneef, director, Cargo Operations at Bin Yousef Cargo, said: “The launch of our Qatar’s free zones warehouse and the successful execution of our maiden shipment represent a strategic leap forward in our mission to provide world-class logistics solutions.“This facility strengthens our ability to offer enhanced services, cost efficiencies, and regulatory benefits to our clients. We are proud to contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub and look forward to supporting businesses with unmatched agility and reliability.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investments that align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), positioning the country as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, have officially opened a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone, marking a significant step in Qatar’s emergence as a leading hub for global trade and supply chain operations.The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO, QFZ, and Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Logistics, alongside senior executives from both parties. The opening of the centre comes within the framework of the existing partnership between QFZ and FedEx Logistics and based on the agreement signed between them in 2024.Operated by FedEx Logistics Qatar QFZ LLC, the 1,249sq m facility features integrated warehousing, storage, and office spaces. Plugged into the FedEx global network, it will serve as a key gateway for freight forwarding and scheduling, facilitating the movement of goods between major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.Situated next to Hamad International Airport and close to Hamad Port, the facility offers seamless access to air transportation and freight, as well as access to knowledgeable guidance on customs brokerage processes.It will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for industries, including retail, automotive, and technology.The facility supports Qatar’s rapidly expanding logistics sector valued at $10.14bn and projected to reach $13.49bn by 2030, with the country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024.Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving logistics ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top ten logistics providers.“The investment by FedEx underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics connectivity network, strategic geographical location close to the most prominent global markets, enhancing the ability of investing companies to reach large segments of consumers globally.“We are confident that this milestone will contribute to strengthening Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for innovation, logistics and international trade.”Moebel commented: “Establishing this facility in Qatar enables us to connect our Qatari and regional customers to major markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America with greater speed and efficiency.“By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy.”By boosting freight connectivity and enabling more efficient global supply chains, the FedEx Logistics facility will contribute to sustainable growth, private sector expansion, and enhanced global competitiveness.This aligns with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and advances the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which identifies logistics as a key pillar of economic diversification.