Qatar Free Zones Authority and FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, have officially opened a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Doha, marking a significant step in Qatar’s emergence as a leading hub for global trade and supply chain operations.
The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, CEO of QFZ, and Patrick Moebel, president of FedEx Logistics, alongside senior executives from both parties. The opening of the center comes within the framework of the existing partnership between QFZ and FedEx Logistics and based on the agreement signed between them in 2024.
Operated by FedEx Logistics Qatar QFZ LLC, the 1,249-square-meter facility features integrated warehousing, storage, and office spaces. Plugged into the FedEx global network, it will serve as a key gateway for freight forwarding and scheduling, facilitating the movement of goods between major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Situated next to Hamad International Airport and close to Hamad Port, the facility offers seamless access to air transportation and freight, as well as access to knowledgeable guidance on customs brokerage processes. It will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for industries, including retail, automotive, and technology. The facility supports Qatar’s rapidly expanding logistics sector valued at $10.14 billion and projected to reach $13.49 billion by 2030, with the country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving logistics ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top 10 logistics providers. The investment by FedEx underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics connectivity network, and strategic geographical location close to the most prominent global markets, enhancing the ability of investing companies to reach large segments of consumers globally. We are confident that this milestone will contribute to strengthening Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for innovation, logistics and international trade.”
Moebel added: “Establishing this facility in Qatar enables us to connect our Qatari and regional customers to major markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America with greater speed and efficiency. By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy.”
FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar
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FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar
Winners of Global Prize for Innovation in Water announced in Jeddah
The city of Jeddah witnessed a landmark global event with the announcement of the winners of the Global Prize for Innovation in Water in its third edition, marking the conclusion of a highly competitive showcase that drew the attention of the international water community. The winners were revealed during the opening ceremony held as part of the fourth edition of the Innovation Driven Water Sustainability Conference.
During the ceremony, the names of 14 winners were announced. Their pioneering solutions succeeded in meeting the rigorous criteria set by the international jury panel. With total prizes amounting to $10 million across all stages, the award recognizes exceptional efforts in transforming research ideas into practical, real-world water technologies.
The two grand prizes this year were awarded to HanQing Yu from China, who received the Grand Impact Award, and Guihua Yu from the US, who received the Grand Discovery Prize.
In addition, 12 winners were honored across the various award tracks. The honorees included Charlie Norton, Premlal Balakrishna Pillai, Omar Daoud, and Felipe Torres from the UK; Jianan Gao from Hong Kong, China; John Gradek, Hamidreza Samouei, and Andrew Schevets from the US; Elena Campos and Ines Larrea from Spain; Walid Soufi from Turkiye; and Abrar Zafar from Saudi Arabia.
The awards ceremony marked the culmination of a competitive selection phase that included 36 finalists from 22 countries, representing distinguished universities, advanced research centers, and leading technology companies. The winning innovations span six key tracks vital to the future of the water sector: Advanced Water Production Technologies, Water Quality Improvement and Reuse, Circular Treatment and Zero Liquid Discharge Technologies, Digital Models, Process Optimization, and Automation, Sustainable Water Production and Environmental Conservation, and Cost-Effective Wastewater Treatment Technologies.
The international jury, comprising 28 experts from 12 countries, praised the high caliber of submissions, noting that the winning solutions demonstrated strong economic feasibility, positive environmental impact, and the ability to address global challenges related to water scarcity and climate change.
