While the numbers of job redundancies by construction firms in Dubai are increasing in numbers, their counterparts in Qatar are considering the downturn as an opportunity to recruit more staff for their projects, reports The National.
Building, construction and engineering firms in Qatar have been competing to attract key skills with Dubai, and now, these firms hope to take advantage of redundancies sweeping the emirate.
Most property development and construction firms in Dubai have laid off jobs during recent months, with the financial slowdown hitting the sector, bringing several projects to a standstill.
During the past several issues such as housing and schools prevented firms from growing, but, this is an opportunity to hunt for quality people in positions and push projects forward, said Robert Hope, Regional Director of WS Atkins, a leading engineering and design consultancy.
WS Atkins too had made 170 people at Dubai office redundant due to cancelled contracts, but, the company plans to increase its market share in Saudi Arabia and Qatar where projects could be resourced by transferring staff.
KEO International Consultants, a leading consultancy focusing on several high-tower projects in Doha is recruiting engineers. Also the construction work of Qatar-Bahrain causeway has opened doors for 2000 jobs this summer.
Qatar is also making investments in other infrastructure projects that keep construction companies buoyant, including Mesaieed, to be built over six years. The project requires about 12 construction packages.
Doha is also preparing tenders for third phase of Barwa Financial District, which is under construction in Doha.
While the property prices in most other areas of UAE have dropped, and projects being deferred, Qatar continues to outperform other regional economies this year and expand by 10 percent.
Qatar now is making use of the ‘golden opportunity’ to attract professionals from markets that are affected by slowdown. According to Jones Lang LaSalle, Qatar will be one of the beneficiaries of Dubai slowdown.
Few major developments in and around Doha are the residential community – Lusail City, Al Waab City, mixed use development - Qatar man-made islands.
In the meanwhile, the construction firms in UAE that have been hit by the recession are seeking their shelter in Qatar.
Arabtec Construction is building Al Waab City, a mixed-use projects on outskirts of Doha and aims to increase its market share in the country, and in Saudi Arabia.
Construction firms in Qatar are positive about their prospects. Companies in Qatar are sure about new projects coming up and are confident about their growth, although results may not match that of last year’s. Posted on 26/1/2009
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