A construction expert in Qatar expects the sector to peak this year, amid a raft of projects and a favorable budget statement for 2017.

Mohamed Abdulaziz, chief executive of CEG International, a leading engineering company, told the Qatar Tribune that he expected the construction sector to peak in the first half of 2017.

“Most companies are upbeat about the ongoing works at the new Hamad Port, the redevelopment of Hamad Medical Corporation’s Medical City, the Doha Metro project and the construction of at least eight stadiums for the World Cup,” he said.

Abdulaziz added that a month ago, the Supreme Committee (SC) for Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup in 2022 announced the main contractors of two stadiums, while adding that the names of the contractors of other stadiums would be announced soon. Also, he noted that Qatar Rail will select contractors for building stations in the second half of 2017.

Raid Raaft, CEO of Kahraman Construction, drew attention to the opening of the Bulk Materials Handling System (BMHS) at Mesaieed Port, which he said will help meet the rising demand for primary materials for key construction and infrastructure projects.

He pointed out that since Q4-2016, as the private sector became more confident in investing in health care and education, the construction sector had begun to gain momentum.

Qatar’s new budget for 2017 has been received favourably by construction companies and experts. The 2017 budget has outlined sustained spending in vital sectors including health, education, infrastructure and transport, the Qatar Tribune reported.