Protecting environment and supporting sustainable development are at the forefront of Qatar’s priorities. As one of the first countries to ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1996, Qatar has a long-standing commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. In September 2021, Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Plan, a strategic framework reflecting Qatar’s long-term sustainability ambitions and the urgent need to respond effectively to the climate crisis.
An integral part of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the plan sets out Qatar’s commitment to tackle climate change by diversifying the economy, building capabilities, and optimising the use of natural resources.
The Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy constitutes a fundamental public policies pillar for preserving the environment for the benefit of current and future generations.
As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Municipality has granted several waste management contracts to private sector entities, with the objective of strengthening the involvement of companies in recycling and waste management. The initiative aligns with the ministry’s strategy to advance sustainability efforts and is line with the objectives outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
The contracts include the privatisation of all waste transfer stations in Qatar, the construction of a new landfill, rehabilitation of old landfills, and the operation of the Al Khor waste sorting station, which is designed to recover recyclable materials and differs from other transfer stations. Besides, all cleaning operations in the northern region will be handed over to private companies. Handing these recycling projects to the private sector underscores the ministry’s commitment to sustainable waste management and the circular economy, and is aimed at improving waste management efficiency in Qatar.
Qatar’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where sustainability was integrated into the tournament’s design and delivery, focusing on key areas like infrastructure, environment, social development, and entrepreneurship. Successful collaborations between the public and private sectors in waste management have already yielded significant results, including achieving “zero waste” during the World Cup. The ministry’s efforts have significantly reduced waste being sent to landfills and increased the recovery of recyclable materials in line with Qatar’s national development goals.
There is an increased interest from Qatari private sector companies in the waste management as evidenced by their participation in international exhibitions focused on the latest technologies and systems in order to apply them in Qatar.
