QNA
Doha
Director of Public Relations and Communications at Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee of the ConteQ Expo 2024 Abdullah Saad Al Saad has emphasised that the event serves as a key platform for attracting investments and promoting digitalisation and innovation initiatives in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the third National Development Strategy.
Speaking at the opening of the expo, Saad noted that ConteQ Expo 2024 would create a competitive edge in the construction sector by reducing dependence on unskilled labour for repetitive tasks, replacing them with advanced technology.
He highlighted the opportunity for leading companies and industry pioneers to connect with international thought leaders and suppliers, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Saad also revealed that more than 14 cooperation agreements will be signed with major global companies such as Google, Honeywell, Microsoft, Siemens, Huawei and IBM during the expo, adding that these partnerships offer a unique opportunity to build networks and strengthen collaboration across various stakeholders.
Addressing Ashghal’s new initiatives, Saad said that digital transformation remains a top priority for the authority as part of its commitment to achieving Qatar’s vision to create an integrated digital government, pointing out that Ashghal has automated more than 90 percent of its operations, laying the groundwork for the next phase of comprehensive digital transformation.
He added that Ashghal has also launched several digital initiatives, such as building information modeling, modular construction and 3D printing, aimed at saving time, effort and costs, stressing that the expo will offer numerous benefits to startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as multinational corporations.
During the event’s opening, Professor Tanja Zimmermann, director of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, discussed the future of the construction industry and the challenges hindering its growth.
She emphasised the importance of incorporating recycled materials in construction, along with the use of robotics, 3D printing technologies and drones, which are now being utilised to monitor buildings, perform calculations, technical assessments and carry out repairs.
She also highlighted Switzerland’s national strategy aimed at achieving "net-zero carbon emissions” by 2050. This initiative includes laboratory research, the development of "carbon powder” to enhance traditional brickmaking for homes, reliance on digital manufacturing, solar energy, recycled materials, and eco-friendly construction practices.
The strategy focuses on resource efficiency, advanced digital methods, and expanding green spaces.
Philipp Kandal, chief product officer at Grab, addressed the role of data-driven technology and AI in transportation, highlighting challenges such as road quality, mapping and internet availability, and how they can be overcome through innovation.
The three-day ConteQ Expo 2024, being held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, features participants from 24 countries, more than 60 speakers and 250 exhibitors, offering workshops and discussions on modular construction, productivity enhancements and smart digital solutions.