DOHA: As a result of several mega infrastructure projects and other construction activities, demand for concrete materials in Qatar is expected to reach at least 100 million cubic metres (mcm) over the next eight years, said a statement yesterday issued by Advanced Construction and Technology Services (ACTS), a consulting firm.
This came from the fourth edition of the international ‘The Future Concrete 2013’ conference organised by ACTS, a leading organisation in the field of construction materials and geotechnical engineering, which opened here yesterday.
Khaled Awad, Chairman of ACTS, said: “Expected demand on concrete in Qatar alone is at least 100mcm in the next eight years. This is a very important indicator about the growth of large scale construction projects undergoing in Qatar, which also represents a major challenge for industry players to comply with the required Qatari building standards and specifications.”
Undersecretary and Chairman of Qatar Standards, Ministry of Environment, Dr Mohamed Saif Al Kuwari, delivered the keynote speech where he talked about sustainability in the construction sector and its important role towards achieving Qatar Vision 2030.
This annual event, regarded as the centrepiece capability-building activity for the industry players, is designed to provide the latest technical expertise to address the construction concerns and challenges of the future.
The conference tackled key issues on industry developments across key regional markets, with focus on Qatar infrastructure.
While the region continues to experience growth in the construction industry, Qatar has been leading the way, exhibiting a bullish outlook given its phenomenal activity in the sector.
A number of infrastructure contracts have been awarded in recent months in Qatar resulting in higher construction activity.
Business Monitor International (BMI) revealed its latest report predicting that 2013-2022 average real GDP growth for Qatar is at eight percent a year. The report added that the country’s spending on infrastructure is expected to reach around $150bn over the next decade, owing to the massive preparations for the World Cup hosting and in line with Qatar Vision 2030.
Other speakers at the conference included Nadim Wehbe, Professor at South Dakota State University, USA; Dr Jerzy Zemajtis, Senior Engineer at the American Concrete Institute ACI, USA; Dr Khaled Hassan, Regional Manager at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) Qatar; Dr Alaa Hassanein, Technical Manager at CH2MHILL company, USA and others. The Peninsula
