Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal: Our commitment is firm to creating a system that attracts the latest global innovations
Engineer Saad Al Mohannadi: Implementing the state’s strategy to shift to clean energy
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), ABB E-mobility, the world’s leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions, and the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) have officially inaugurated ABBB E-mobility’s new facility in Umm Alhoul Free Zone, which includes a state-of-the-art service and training centre specialising in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This is the only facility for ABBB Mobility in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and extends its services to the entire region from Qatar, marking another milestone in the development and expansion of electric mobility and electric vehicle infrastructure in Qatar.
The opening ceremony of the facility was attended by a large number of ambassadors and high-level officials, led by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority, Eng. Abdulla Ahmed Al Karani, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Eng. Yousef Al Emadi, Director of Projects Affairs at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Mr. Florian Naegele, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director of ABBE Mobility (EMEA), Mr. Khalid Al Mannai, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of Mannai Corporation, along with a number of senior officials from these leading institutions and companies in the country. Following the opening ceremony, the attendees toured the facility, which included a practical demonstration of an electric vehicle charger.
ABBE Mobility’s new facility is set to contribute to the development of electric vehicle infrastructure in Qatar and meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the region. The facility will include integrated facilities to support its business and future expansion, including offices, a production workshop for the assembly, customization and installation of electric vehicle charging stations, a sales outlet for systems and spare parts, and a workshop for the maintenance of charging stations. This comes in addition to the existing 1.2 km track dedicated to electric and autonomous vehicle testing in the Qatar Free Zones, which in turn confirms the efforts of the Free Zones Authority to maintain the integrity of electric vehicle technologies and their ability to adapt to changes in reality, and creates a fertile environment for future innovations in the field of sustainable transportation.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, President of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), stressed that “the Authority is working in cooperation with the relevant authorities to implement the State’s strategy for the transition to clean energy in the transportation sector, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions from traditional vehicles and improving air quality in Qatar.” His Excellency pointed out that “the opening of the new facility represents the culmination of Ashghal’s efforts in implementing the strategy for the transition to sustainable transportation, by providing the necessary infrastructure in cooperation with prestigious international institutions. He explained that this facility is a qualitative addition that contributes to strengthening the infrastructure for electric vehicles in Qatar, and meeting the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the region, which enhances the country’s position as a leading center in this field at the regional and international levels.”
Speaking about the opening of the new facility, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority, said:
“The opening of the new ABBE-Mobility facility in the Qatar Free Zones represents a major addition to our journey towards sustainability, and embodies the rapid pace we are taking in this regard with the aim of contributing to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in the country in line with the strategy for the transition to electric vehicles and the objectives of the Qatar National Strategy for the Environment and Climate Change. At the same time, it demonstrates our firm commitment to creating an ecosystem that attracts the latest global innovations that revolutionize various fields and move us and the State of Qatar towards achieving the sustainable development goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. This advanced facility supports the country’s aspirations towards economic diversification and building a greener and more sustainable future, and it envisions a better future with reduced carbon emissions in the State of Qatar, and lays the foundations for a new legacy for it centered on positive and sustainable change, which makes us proud that the free zones in Qatar provide an ideal environment to embrace such ambitious projects.”
“At ABB E-mobility, our mission is to support the transition to electric mobility. Together with our strategic partners, we are moving towards new horizons of expansion and development of the electric mobility sector in Qatar, especially since the opening of our new facility in the Qatar Free Zones represents an advanced stage in our joint cooperation. As of today, around 300 people each year, including university students, government agencies, institutions and private companies, will receive comprehensive training in the field of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, combining theoretical and practical aspects, thus supporting the State of Qatar’s efforts to expand the use of more sustainable means of transportation in the future,” said Florian Naegele, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director (EMEA) of ABB E-mobility.
It is worth noting that the launch of the ABBE-Mobility facility in the Qatar Free Zones is a fundamental addition to the country’s efforts to enhance its position as a global hub for sustainable transportation. All relevant government institutions and agencies contribute to shaping the future of transportation in Qatar and beyond, through strategic partnerships and a regulatory environment that supports global companies to facilitate their operations in an environment conducive to business growth.