Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Aethon International QFZ LLC have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities in advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation, including the establishment of a regional manufacturing hub in Qatar’s free zones.
The agreement was signed by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of QFZ, and Gordon Huddleston, founder of Aethon International QFZ LLC, on the sidelines of QEF: UNGA Special Edition 2026 in New York. The signing took place in the presence of senior representatives from QFZ and Aethon International QFZ LLC.

Aethon International QFZ LLC is a start-up venture founded by Mr. Gordon Bunker Huddleston, who serves on the board of US based Aethon Energy, a leading oil and gas producer in the private sector.
The MoU paves the way for the establishment of a regional hub for the manufacturing of high-performance, corrosion resistant pipes to meet the growing demand across energy and infrastructure sectors in Qatar and the region. The collaboration also creates conditions for an innovation center in Qatar’s free zones focused on developing new applications for advanced piping solutions for various strategic industries.

These opportunities are expected to be achieved mainly through Falcon Pipe Industries, a new venture founded by Mr. Gordon Bunker Huddleston, following its incorporation and accession to the agreement.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Free Zones Authority, said:
“This agreement with Aethon International reflects Qatar’s growing role as a base for advanced manufacturing serving regional demand. QFZ offers the infrastructure, connectivity and business ecosystem needed to support this growth, while advancing the country’s ambitions for a more resilient and globally competitive industrial economy.”

The MoU also supports wider ecosystem development through collaboration with relevant partners, suppliers, research institutions and academia, with a focus on strengthening local capabilities and developing Qatari talent. The parties will also identify opportunities to bring Falcon Pipe Industries’ expertise and solutions to customers across key markets.

Gordon Huddleston, Founder of Aethon International , said:

“Qatar presents a compelling opportunity to build advanced manufacturing capabilities that can serve growing demand in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Qatar and beyond. QFZ’s strategic location, integrated ecosystem and access to regional markets provide a strong platform to develop this vision, while creating opportunities for innovation, local capability-building and long-term growth.”
The collaboration reflects the increasing role of Qatar’s free zones in enabling specialized industrial activity with regional relevance. By supporting new production and innovation capabilities, QFZ is helping broaden the country’s industrial base and deepen its participation in high-value sectors.