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Satyendra Pathak
Doha
In a major boost to Qatar's preparation for 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatari firm Dolphin Integrated has signed an agreement with Oman's Marafi Asyad to source large volumes of gabbro, limestones and other building materials to be used in developing infrastructure for the mega sporting event.
Aimed at meeting Qatar's growing need for building materials, the agreement has paved way for establishment of Marafi Sohar Company to develop an aggregate terminal at Sohar Port in Oman.
According to the agreement, the joint venture between ASYAD Group subsidiary Marafi and Rafa Holding subsidiary Dolphin Integrated would develop the aggregate terminal with a loading capacity of approximately 8 million tonnes per year for exporting gabbro initially to Qatar, India, Bangladesh and GCC countries.
Signed by Dolphin Integrated CEO Ghanim bin Saif al Khayaren and Marafi Asyad Acting CEO Ahmed Mohammed al Abri, the agreement would see the project to be developed in two phases.
Talking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the agreement signing ceremony at the headquarters of Qatar Chamber in Doha on Monday, Abri said,"The hybrid phase will facilitate aggregate exports by September this year and the permanent phase equipped with state-of-the-art stacker-reclaimer system, conveyor and semi-automated ship loaders will be commissioned in the next 20 months."
The terminal capacity will be increased after the completion of the permanent phase to 12 million tonnes per annum, Abri said.
While the aggregate terminal would ensure that Qatar's demand for gabbro is fully met, he said, the facility would be expanded to cater to new markers and meet bigger demand if required.
"This agreement is very important not only for Qatari and Omani sides, but also for other countries in the region. It will provide a gateway to quarry owners and at the same time it will fulfill the needs of the construction markets in the region," he said.
"Our partnership with Dolphin will open new horizons for growth of gabbro, limestone and minerals sector given that a significant number of quarries are operating in the northern part of Oman within close proximity to Sohar Port," he added. Apart from attracting foreign investments to Oman, it will also lead to increased job opportunities in the country, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Khayaren said,"This agreement enhances the avenues of existing cooperation between Qatar and Oman. We hope that developing an aggregate terminal would contribute in enabling Oman's plan to increase exports and international competitiveness while meeting the needs of gabbro import markets like Qatar."
He pointed out that establishment of Marafi Sohar is vital especially at a time when mega projects are being executed in Qatar to develop infrastructure and for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022.
Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassem al Thani attended the signing ceremony along with Ambassador of Oman to Qatar HE Nageeb bin Yahya al Belushi and Qatar Primary Materials Company CEO Essa Mohamed Kalidary.
Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Khalifa said,"This agreement is the second signed between Qatari and Omani parties in the field of primary materials. It will further boost primary materials market in Qatar."
