Qatari and US officials attending groundbreaking ceremony for the new compound of the US embassy in Qatar yesterday
Doha: Terming the deepening ties between the United States and Qatar, work for the construction of a new embassy building started officially in Doha yesterday.
The new Embassy premises will support the continued expansion of diplomatic, security, and commercial relations between Qatar and US, said officials during the ground breaking ceremony for the new embassy premises.
US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Brian P. McKeon, Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ian McCary, Director of American Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Essa Al Mannai, Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Engineering Office Ambassador Ismail Ali Al Emadi, and officials from the Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), attended the event.
“It is an exciting day for both countries, particularly for us as our partnership with Qatar grows…Construction of the new embassy building in this vibrant city represents our government’s long term commitment to the relationship with the people of Qatar and similarly the diplomatic investment in this region,” said Brian P. McKeon.
US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ian McCary speaking during the event.
Qatar established diplomatic relations with the US in 1972 and the embassy has been in the current compound in Al Luqtha area for the past 20 years. Located on a 12.3-acre site in a new diplomatic zone in Doha’s Wadi Al Banat district, the completion of the new building is expected in 2026.
“We are pleased to announce the plans for the construction of a new US Embassy and mark the exciting beginning of a new face of lasting friendship between our two nations… Our plans for this Embassy are just one more example of the enduring partnership that exists between the United States and Qatar – and one that is expanding quickly. The new Embassy will give us the space we need to advance the common interests in investment, trade, education, humanitarian assistance, security, and defence that will allow us to broaden and deepen the relationship in coming year,” said McCary.
“We are currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It is fitting that the groundbreaking for the new US Embassy compound take place on the heels of this important bilateral milestone. The project represents an estimated $110m local investment by the US government into Qatari economy and represents our long-term commitment to this relationship,” he added.
In line with US sustainability goals as well as Qatar’s National Vision 2030, the new diplomatic compound will be an eco-friendly facility. The project’s sustainable design, construction, and operations will represent the best of US architecture, engineering, and construction execution. The design of the new US Embassy evokes the rich history of Qatar and the Gulf, creating architecture that exhibits American values and responds to Qatari culture and traditions. “The design you see before you meet rigorous energy-saving and sustainability goals and will take advantage of the Gulf region's climate to reduce energy usage. Our priority on energy-savings and sustainability will mean that the new embassy will reduce its environmental impact while enhancing the space around it,” said McCary.
