DOHA: Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani has laid the foundation stone for an electric bus assembly plant at Um Al Houl Free Zone, in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong.
The groundbreaking ceremony began with the signing of an Enhanced Multilateral Framework Agreement by the CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO Ahmad Hassan Al Obaidly, and CEO of Yutong Middle East Shen Hui, to establish an integrated e-bus plant at Um Al Houl Free Zone, in cooperation between Karwa, Yutong, and QFZ.
The project aims at establishing a production hub for EU-standard electric buses on an area of nearly 53,000sqm. The construction is set to be complete by the end of 2025. By then, the facility will have begun producing electric city buses, metro feeder buses, school buses, and more, with an initial output capacity of 300 buses a year. Over time, the facility will scale up to meet both local demand and the growing needs of international markets across the MENA region and Europe.
This greenfield plant, equipped with state-of-the-art welding, painting, assembly, and testing workshops, will utilize cutting-edge electro-mobility technologies, ensuring efficient and sustainable production processes. The plant is expected to be a pioneer project in delivering experience and industry localization.
The project is leveraging the advanced capabilities of both Mowasalat and Yutong, let alone expanding Yutong’s manufacturing footprint in the free zones in Qatar.
On this occasion, Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed said that founding an e-bus assembly plant is a major event in terms of supporting the MOT’s efforts of providing ecofriendly transportation solutions with best global operation systems, in step with the goals of the 3rd Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which focuses on sustainable development and advanced technologies, leading to the full realization of the QNV 2030.
He added that the plant will contribute to achieving the MOT’s strategy of public bus system electrification by 100% by 2030, ensuring less carbon emissions and better quality of life.
Mowasalat (Karwa) Chairman Dr Eng Al Mohannadi said, “As part of our commitment to developing sustainable transportation and our success in achieving 73% electrification in the public bus fleet, this initiative reflects our dedication to localizing innovative technologies in Qatar. Through the establishment of this new facility, we reaffirm our leadership in eco-friendly transportation, effectively contributing to achieving a fully electric public transport sector by 2030, in alignment with Qatar’s vision for a more sustainable future.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said, “Today’s signing and groundbreaking mark a significant step in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to foster industrial and transportation innovation and sustainable development. By partnering with global leaders like Yutong, we are not only advancing our economic diversification but also positioning Qatar at the forefront of the global transition to environmentally friendly technologies. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable, future-ready economy in line with the objectives of QNV 2030, and the plans of electric vehicle transformation strategy”.
Al Obaidly said, “Our investment in this electric bus assembly plant signifies more than just growth; it’s a commitment to economic and environmental sustainability. Together with Yutong and the Qatar Free Zone Authority, we are advancing the future of public transportation with new mobility solutions.”
In light of this collaboration, Peng Xu, Managing Director of Yutong International, said, "Yutong is proud to partner with Qatar in this transformative project. The establishment of this facility symbolizes our dedication to delivering world-class technology and localized solutions to support regional green mobility goals."
The groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by several ministers, and senior state officials, was followed by a tour by ministers of transport, commerce and industry, environment and climate change, and several officials from QFZ, Karwa and Yutong, to the e-bus display area where they checked out some of the e-bus models planned to be produced.
With Qatar’s ambition to have a fully electric public transportation system by 2030, this project marks a pivotal step towards a greener, more sustainable future for the nation and the region.
