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Qatari Companies Transfer World Cup Construction Expertise to Saudi Arabia

Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Qatari Companies Transfer World Cup Construction Expertise to Saudi Arabia

Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Qatar wants to increase its trade and investment partnerships with Saudi Arabia during the coming period.

A Qatari official announced that several Qatari private companies that established the infrastructure for World Cup facilities intend to launch partnerships with Saudi companies to contribute to constructing stadiums and giant projects.

Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer told Asharq Al-Awsat that the agency continues to support entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop non-oil exports and connect them to global and regional markets.

Mejegheer stated that the Qatari private sector wants to be part of the significant projects that Saudi Arabia is currently launching, adding: "We saw a great desire from Saudi companies to launch partnerships in various fields."

Qatari industrial companies completed several contracts last week. The Qatar Aluminium Extrusion Company (Qalex) signed a contract worth $6.4 million annually, while other companies implemented contracts worth $3.2 million.

The Executive Director pointed out that this is a positive indication that Qatari companies can contribute to the Saudi private sector in this giant construction boom that the Kingdom is currently witnessing to achieve Vision 2030.

Mejegheer said that Qatar aims to enhance cooperation with the Saudi private sector in supplying its requirements for the mega projects currently being launched in the Kingdom.

The Qatari private sector is still on the right path after recovering from the implications of the coronavirus pandemic that hit global markets, said the official.

He believes that the construction sector that contributed to the preparations for hosting the World Cup has a great need for cooperation between the two countries private sectors.

Qatari companies constructed projects to host the global event, with over $55 billion, including stadiums and underground metro, said Mejegheer, noting that this experience is essential in transferring relevant knowledge to the Saudi market.

Qatari companies have completed building six fully-equipped stadiums for the World Cup 2022, and Saudi Arabia is witnessing plans to inaugurate many stadiums, which supports partnership in transferring knowledge of World Cup projects to the Kingdom.

Mejegheer stated that Qatari non-oil exports amounted to an estimated $9 billion in 2021, a 50-percent increase from 2020, which is a positive indication that non-oil exports are back on track and exceed pre-coronavirus records.

The Qatari market and private sector enjoy high-quality products and have achieved highly competitive prices capable of reaching all markets in the region and the world, according to Mejegheer.

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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia

A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.