File photo used for representation only
As the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 comes closer, the companies are rushing to finish ongoing projects. There is an unprecedented level of acceleration to complete the projects across Qatar before the world cup begins, said experts during an event held to discuss trends in Qatar’s infrastructure and energy sector.
Pinsent Masons recently hosted a networking event entitled ‘Qatari Infrastructure and Energy Projects in 2022’ at the W hotel Doha. The Pinsent Masons Doha team delivered a presentation on current trends being observed in the construction market, with a particular emphasis on the short to medium-term projections and risk management strategies that contractors should consider in the lead up to the World Cup 2022.
Pamela McDonald Partner speaking during the event.
Jonathan Collier Partner, Pinsent Masons; Pamela McDonald Partner, Pinsent Masons; Joseph Lee, Associate, Pinsent Masons and Katie Bremner, Solicitor, Pinsent Masons, discussed some of the challenges presently facing contractors involved in infrastructure and energy projects, including site access issues during road-permit freeze periods as a result of sporting tournaments, and how to tackle responses to Ministry of Finance circulars in relation to claims for minimum wage and COVID-19. The speakers discussed their views on how contractors can manage this, and their experiences of what can happen to a project programme where acceleration has been instructed, either expressly or impliedly.
Pamela McDonald and Katie Bremner mentioned the absolute need for contractors to lay an audit trail, and the importance of record keeping, in order to present persuasive claims for acceleration, as well as delay or variations.
On the issue of what to anticipate, not only in 2022 but beyond, Joseph Lee said, “I think Qatar National Vision 2030 is good guidance for what will be happening after the World Cup. As the government spending will focus on these areas of development, we expect that while the existing opportunities in the oil & gas sectors (such as the North Field Expansion projects) will continue there will be various opportunities arising in areas such as education, healthcare and environment (namely, renewable and hydrogen).”
