New Qatar PPP Law expected to accelerate infrastructure development in Qatar

Analysis

In 2015, Qatar signed its first true PPP project agreement with a Japanese-led consortium to develop a $3 billion water and power project at Ras Laffan.  Qatar is now in the process of drafting a new law to facilitate and nurture its fledgling PPP sector, and to provide a strong legal framework for the efficient delivery of future PPP projects. Since 1994, when Oman procured the region's first Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) project, the Al Manah power plant, the members of the GCC have successfully launched a number of PPP projects in sectors including roads, bridges, water, power, waste and accommodation. 

The text of the new law has not yet been published. However, Qatar's Ministry of Economy and Commerce has stated that it will submit the draft PPP law to the cabinet in August 2016, with implementation scheduled by the end of the year.  This is a fast-track timetable.