Abu Samra-Doha ride a reality

QATAR TRIBUNE
26 January 2009

Abu Samra-Doha ride a reality

LANI ROSE R DIZON - DOHA The 81-km Salwa International Highway Phase1 project, which links Doha to the south-western town of Abu Samra on the Qatar-Saudi border, has been completed. This international highway is likely to be opened for public soon after the authorities concerned give the go-ahead.The QR441-million road project, completed in six years, will allow faster commuting for motorists between Abu Samra and Doha. The upgraded project includes a dual fourlane highway with 10 major interchanges, three camel crossing underpasses and 22 Qatar Petroleum culverts. The project, which was completed on December 8 last year, has been built in accordance with international standards.Malaysian-based UEM Builders which constructed the project organised a function here on Saturday to celebrate the project’s completion. Speaking on the occasion, Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar HE Dato’ Muhammad Shahrul Ikram Yaakob said that the international highway would trigger an increase in business activities in Qatar as well as neighbouring Gulf countries.He thanked the Qatari government for granting Malaysian companies the opportunity to participate in the country’s progress. He said that a total of QR10billion worth of investment projects have already been awarded to Malaysian companies since 2002. “In 2007 alone, we had received QR5billion worth of investment projects, and we hope today’s success will open doors for more Malaysian companies to contribute to the development of Qatar,” he added.Chairman of UEM Builders Berhad, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ir Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar, said the project is a big achievement for the group. “As one of the leading engineering and construction companies in Malaysia, we are happy at sharing our construction knowledge, expertise and skills with our new counterparts in Middle East. We hope that our efforts will help in upgrading the expertise of those working in the engineering and construction industry of Qatar. By completing the Salwa international highway project we have proved our credentials in this field. We hope to get more opportunities in Qatar and the region,” he added.Several officials of the company based in Kuala Lumpur also attended the event.