The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has signed five stakeholder cooperation agreements for projects that will play a key role in delivering the infrastructure required for the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

The agreements were signed at a ceremony held at Doha’s Four Seasons Hotel yesterday (October 7) with Qatar Rail, public works authority Ashghal, Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation), Aspire Zone Foundation, home to some of the world's finest sport stadia and venues and leading real estate developer Qatari Diar.

“The signing of the stakeholder cooperation agreements with our local stakeholders is a symbol of the unity that exists in Qatar in relation to successfully delivering the Middle East’s first Fifa World Cup,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.

“We will be signing more agreements in the near future to further unify local entities behind our common goal.”

“The World Cup is no longer merely an event that lasts 30 days.  Events of this stature have the potential to accelerate the progress of a nation and leave a lasting social, economic and cultural legacy,” he added.

“Our aim is to ensure that the event contributes to achieving the targets set in the 2030 National Vision and to ensure this, it is of the utmost importance that the entire nation works together in a spirit of close cooperation.  We are working diligently with our stakeholders every day to ensure the correct foundations are in place for the ten years ahead.”

Qatar Football Association president, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, said: “Today is a key milestone in our country’s journey toward welcoming the world for football’s greatest event in 2022.  Our nation is working together to ensure that the event is a success and benefits Qatar, in terms of football and for our people.”

The main objective of the agreements is to set the framework for coordination with stakeholders responsible for the delivery of projects.  It establishes clear guidelines for reporting on progress, identifying and implementing efficiencies and providing for early warning should there be any issues affecting the timely implementation of projects.

Representatives from Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee and the stakeholders will meet on a monthly basis as part of a Joint Working Group that will cover coordination on aspects involving logistics, health and safety, risk, quality control, security, environmental issues, sustainability and project management.

Qatar Rail CEO Saad Al Muhannadi said: “This cooperation agreement is the first of several we as an organisation will be commissioning to ensure delivery of the Qatar Rail Development Program. We will work jointly with a number of major infrastructure projects across Qatar to ensure our working practices are aligned in our end goal for delivery of our Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Nasser Ali Al Mawlawi, president of Ashghal, said: “We have already started engagement and cooperation with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, but this represents a step to formalise the whole process.”

“We are all together, one team for 2022. We are really looking forward to more cooperation and integration between our plans and, the work of the Supreme Committee and the other stakeholders.”

“The agreement establishes the framework for coordination between Kahramaa and the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in order to pave the way for cooperation from now until 2022 and beyond,” said Issa Hilal Al Kuwari, president of Kahramaa.

“The agreement details the requirements from Kahramaa and the other stakeholders and outlines the support and effort required for the success of this event.”

Hilal Al Kuwari, president of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to attend this event.  The signing between these stakeholders represents the necessary steps that will need to take place over the next three years.”

Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, Group chief executive officer of leading real estate developer Qatari Diar, said: “We look forward to working closely with the entire team in delivering these globally significant projects. Qatari Diar is dedicated to capturing the hearts and imaginations of the communities in which we serve and working towards the implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

Stadium development update

The stakeholders present at the signing ceremony were also treated to a technical presentation from the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee detailing progress and notable upcoming milestones.

The overall ‘master schedule’ for all stadium construction will be revealed in due course after consultation with Fifa.

Tenders for project management and design consultant for the Al Wakrah Stadium have been issued.  The project management tender will be awarded in November and the Design Consultant will be announced in December.

The project management tender for the redevelopment of Al Rayyan Stadium has also been issued and will be awarded in the first quarter of 2013.  Construction of the first new stadium – to be developed in conjunction with Qatar Foundation at Education City – will commence in 2013.

Five stadiums are currently in the process of planning or tender.  Details on the remaining stadiums will follow in the near future.

Strategic plan for 2012-2015

The stakeholder signing ceremony follows on from the completion of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee’s Strategic Plan, which covers 2012-2015 and was finalized in August. The strategic plan represents a significant milestone in the establishment and delivery of the overall Fifa World Cup programme.

Al Thawadi said: “The basis of our strategic goals and objectives along with our mission and vision are the directives set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy and our commitments to Fifa.”

“Our mission is undoubtedly ambitious.  However, with the full support of our leadership, our stakeholders and our nation, I am confident that everything is in place for us to fulfill and exceed the goals we have set out to achieve,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service