Al Karaana Special Economic Zone – Al Karaana, Qatar
Client
- Manateq
Project Value 
$7,200,000,000
Market
Urban Development
Services
Design And Urban Planning
As an essential component of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Al Karaana Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a modern industrial, manufacturing, logistics hub, and new urban center in Qatar, featuring retail, commercial, residential, and community facilities. Located approximately 40km southwest of Doha City, Al Karaana SEZ creates an industrial platform for manufacturing, storing, and trading with other markets in adjacent countries. This sustainable development enables economic diversification and a higher standard of living for 170,000 residents and workers.
A Modern Industrial And Manufacturing Hub
Parsons was awarded the master planning and detailed infrastructure design contract by Manateq for the Al Karaana Special Economic Zone Development known as QEZ 2. The zone is Manateq’s largest project, encompassing 44.86 square kilometers. It is located midway between Doha and Abu Sumra, on the border of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Al Karaana Special Economic Zone will house facilities such as business incubator spaces, conference centers, storage facilities, labor accommodation, and logistics zones. The clusters targeted for the development comprise construction materials, chemicals, plastics, metals, and logistics. This also includes storage and warehousing, general manufacturing, and related services.
Project Development
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- During the master plan phasing strategy development, we considered Manateq’s intention to develop the balance of the site in the two additional phases (34.695 square kilometers). We proposed two innovative and unique selling points for the QEZ 2 developments during the master-planning stage.
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- First, we proposed a wholesale zone where large quantities of goods will be available at on-site warehouses with showrooms and, second, a dry port with rail connectivity to the new Hamad Port, where goods will be imported or exported from the country. The wholesale zone and the dry port are the first of their kind in Qatar.
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- Project work began with data collection, which provided a basis in formulating plan alternatives. These alternatives, through an analysis of their respective advantages and disadvantages, and a review by Manateq, provided a thoroughly vetted basis for producing the final master plan.
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- Our methodology carried out a program of professional and technical services provided by a multidisciplinary team of urban and regional planners and designers with extensive Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) experience specific to the preparation of master plans for major industrial estates.
The Role Of Sustainability
Considerations for sustainability and the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) were an integral part of the design scope, design development, and related design deliverables of the project,. This includes concept and final master plan design and tender documentation. Emphasis was placed on energy conservation and sustainability measures and techniques throughout the project. The project is targeting the achievement of a three-star rating under the district’s certification route of the GSAS, which is administered by the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD). We are performing all required services related to GSAS as well as the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation to enable the project to achieve this certification.
Services Provided
- Concept Master Plan
- Final Master Plan
- Detailed Engineering Design
- Traffic Impact Study
- Environmental Impact Study
- Environmental Assessment Strategy
Learn More
For +75 years, we have specialized in the management of large, complex, multisite, and mega mixed-use and urban development programs throughout the world. Our experienced project management professionals work collaboratively in teams, with proactive communications, to facilitate decision-making processes that ensure our projects are delivered safely and in compliance with local authority agency guidelines, environmental requirements, and international best practice standards. Learn more.
