Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and ABB E-mobility, a global leader in electric vehicles charging solutions, and the Public Works Authority “Ashghal”, have officially opened the new ABB E-mobility facility with state-of-the-art service and training center focusing on both theoretical and hands-on trainings for electric vehicles (EV) charging infrastructure in Umm Alhoul Free Zone. It is the only ABB E-mobility facility in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and serving the region from Qatar. This marks a significant milestone in the journey toward the development and expansion of electrifying mobility, and the electric vehicles infrastructure in the State of Qatar.

The opening ceremony saw the attendance of Ambassadors and high-level officials, including H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of QFZ; Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Karani, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality, Eng. Yousef Al-Emadi, Project Affairs Director at the Public Works Authority “Ashghal”, Mr. Florian Naegele, CCO and President EMEA of ABB E-mobility; Mr. Khalid Al Mannai, Vice Chairman – Executive Committee of Mannai Corporation, among senior officials from these organizations and leading companies in Qatar. The ceremony was followed by a tour in the new facility including a demonstration of an EV charger.

The new facility is planned to contribute to developing Qatar’s EV infrastructure and to cater to the increasing demand for sustainable transport solutions in the region. The facility will accommodate integrated units that support its operations and future expansion including offices, a production workshop for assembling, customizing, and installing electric vehicle charging stations, an outlet for systems and spare parts sales, and a workshop for charging stations maintenance. The ABB E-mobility facility will also be complemented by the existing 1.2 km electric and autonomous vehicles outdoor testing track in Qatar’s free zones, and further reinforces QFZ’s commitment to ensuring the safety and adaptability of EV technologies and creating a fertile environment for future innovations in sustainable transport.

On this occasion, H.E. Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President of the Public Works Authority “Ashghal” affirmed that:

“The authority is working in collaboration with relevant entities to implement the state’s strategy for transitioning to clean energy in the transportation sector. This aims to reduce carbon emissions from conventional vehicles and improve air quality in Qatar.” H.E. also noted that: “The inauguration of the new facility marks the culmination of Ashghal’s efforts to implement the strategy for sustainable transportation, by providing the necessary infrastructure in collaboration with renowned international institutions. He explained that this facility represents a significant addition to enhancing the infrastructure for electric vehicles in Qatar, addressing the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the region, and reinforcing the country’s position as a leading hub in this field both regionally and globally.”

Commenting on the opening of the e-mobility facility, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of QFZ, said:

“The opening of the new ABB E-mobility facility in Qatar’s free zones adds significant value to our journey towards sustainability and reflects our fast steps in this regard to contribute to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in the State in line with the Electric Vehicle Strategy, and the objectives of Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy. This milestone symbolizes also our unwavering commitment to creating an ecosystem that attracts the latest global innovations in several sectors and propels the State and its free zones toward achieving the sustainable development goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. The state-of-the-art facility supports the country’s aspirations towards economic diversification and building a greener and more sustainable future, it also promotes prospects for a better future with low carbon emissions in Qatar, and lays the foundation for a new legacy of positive and sustainable change.  This makes us proud that Qatar’s free zones provide an ideal environment to embrace such ambitious projects.”

Mr. Florian Naegele CCO and President EMEA of ABB E-mobility, commented:

“At ABB E-mobility our mission is to Electrify Mobility. Together with our trusted partners we are bringing e-mobility to the next level in Qatar. With the opening our new facility in Qatar’s free zones, we have reached the next milestone in our collaboration. Starting today, every year around 300 people, including university students, governmental entities, and private organizations will get both theoretical and hands-on training in EV charging infrastructure. Hereby supporting Qatar on its way to more sustainable means of transportation in the future.”

The opening of the ABB E-mobility facility in Qatar’s free zones is a valuable milestone in Qatar’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for sustainable transport. Through strategic partnerships and the supportive regulatory framework, all relevant entities and governmental authorities contribute in playing a leading role in shaping the future of transportation in the State of Qatar and beyond, and facilitate operations of global companies in an environment that is conducive to business growth.