Al Wukair Logistics Park: Enabling Growth of Qatar's MSME Sector

In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, the logistics sector plays a very important role in Qatar’s goal of diversifying its economy and reducing the country’s reliance on hydrocarbons.

The Al Wukair Logistics Park is set up as part of Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) efforts to support MSMEs and enable them to thrive.

This strategically positioned 1.5 sq km facility caters for a whole range of industries that require light industrial workshops, storage units and open yards; offering ideal platform for established companies and new market entrants.

Qatar is already in the midst of a huge infrastructure boom, with Doha Metro now up and running, a network of new roads, expressways and free zones, in addition to Hamad Port and the massive investment in Hamad International Airport and its expansion.

All of these capital projects are yielding positive results and drawing investors from all over the world. Developing industrial and logistics parks and operating a seamless business set-up process are the next logical steps in this strategy.

Without a fully-fledged logistics or industrial park, businesses are often faced with inefficient infrastructure to operate effectively and profitably.

Start-ups may be unable to deliver their product to the consumer or face other operational challenges which make it hard to operate or conduct business. It’s a quick way to kill a promising start-up.

Al Wukair Logsitics Park is one of several facilities attracting businesses to the country, along with Qatar’s commitment to offering a simple company formation process – in which GWC is able to support.

Al Wukair offers a one-stop-shop for leasing a warehouse or workshop, company formation formalities, including applications for necessary permits, and logistics operations.

GWC Group CEO Mr. Ranjeev Menon said: “Al Wukair Logistics Park will exhibit our expertise and capabilities to offer value solutions to our clients that will positively affect their bottom line while enabling them to focus on their core business.

“The strategic location of the park between the airport and seaport, allows businesses of all sizes to operate as efficiently as possible.

"Al Wukair plays a critical role in supporting start-ups, helping to develop adjacent industries and in the process boosting entrepreneurship – all key, strategic goals of the State of Qatar.”

Support industries often establish their bases at industrial parks to benefit from proximity to their clients and low operating costs.

The government of Qatar has taken many steps to promote entrepreneurship. Just one example of its commitment is the establishment of incubation centres.

The mandate for incubation centres remains narrow, while the role of light industrial parks is potentially much larger. Facilities such as Al Wukair provide a strong environment for entrepreneurs who can easily access necessary resources.

Mr Menon adds: "GWC is proud to support the country as it gears up to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022^TM and achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and beyond.

"As the first regional supporter and official logistics provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, GWC will be there to help SMEs which are part of this milestone event to deliver their goods and services.”

To this end, the Al Wukair Logistics Park will play a very pivotal role, as the main distribution hub during the World Cup, in assisting MSMEs with their deliverables.

The major football event will play a critical role in helping Qatar remain firmly committed to transforming the country into a leading international logistics and transportation hub and reinforcing Qatar’s vast growth potential while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and diverse economy.