Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has launched the most expansive development initiative in its history, a QR81 billion ($22.2 billion) infrastructure plan set to reshape the nation over the next five years, reports Zawya.
Spanning 2025 to 2029, the ambitious program will invest heavily across key sectors including transportation, government services, water infrastructure, and urban development. The announcement was made by Ashghal President Engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer during a recent press conference, where he described it as the largest plan to date in both scale and investment volume.
A central pillar of the initiative focuses on creating an integrated, human-centric infrastructure. Projects will emphasize the "humanisation of cities" through upgrades to public spaces, smarter transport systems, and increased walkability to improve overall livability. Additionally, new government buildings will be constructed to support vital sectors such as healthcare, education, culture, and sports.
Tackling water challenges with innovation
Water management plays a critical role in the plan, particularly through the launch of the strategic outfalls project, one of Qatar’s largest sustainable drainage undertakings. Aimed at reducing urban flooding and improving climate resilience, the project will collect and treat rainwater for reuse in irrigation and cooling systems.
Scheduled to begin this year with major tunneling works, the two-phase initiative will continue with sub-tunneling in early 2026. It is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Complementary upgrades to sewage and stormwater systems are also on the agenda. These include new strategic tunnels, advanced pumping and treatment stations, and enhanced household connections — all designed to boost the efficiency and reliability of the national drainage network.
In support of Qatar’s economic diversification goals, Ashghal is increasing its reliance on public-private partnerships (PPPs). Through these frameworks, infrastructure for more than 5,500 residential plots will be developed, featuring road networks, main road connections, treated water systems, landscaping, and street lighting.
Ashghal is also considering a PPP model for the second phase of the Al Wakra and Al Wukair wastewater treatment plants, reinforcing its commitment to private sector engagement in national infrastructure development.
