Engineer Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Meer, President of Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal), emphasized the necessity of a strategic long-term vision and a skilled national workforce in developing sustainable infrastructure during a panel discussion at the Leadership Innovation Forum 2026 in Doha. Speaking on October 28, al-Meer stressed that establishing an integrated and resilient national infrastructure system depends on qualified personnel who can enhance institutional performance and maintain operational continuity through leadership changes and contractor transitions.

Al-Meer detailed Ashghal’s strategic evolution from focusing on immediate project delivery to a holistic approach centered on planning and constructing comprehensive infrastructure networks, including highways, sewage systems, and public buildings. This transition reflects the country’s rapid urban and economic growth and aligns with the goals set forth in Qatar National Vision 2030.

Highlighting the importance of asset longevity and sustainability, al-Meer noted that Ashghal’s mandate extends beyond project completion to include the continuous management, maintenance, and development of infrastructure assets throughout their life cycles. He described each project as part of an integrated process involving implementation, operation, and ongoing upkeep to ensure enduring performance.

The adoption of digital transformation and advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, was identified by al-Meer as critical for improving asset management efficiency and enhancing service quality in national infrastructure initiatives. He argued that leveraging such innovations would support Ashghal’s capacity to oversee large-scale projects more effectively.

Reflecting on Ashghal’s role in preparing Qatar’s infrastructure for the FIFA World Cup 2022, al-Meer characterized the event as a defining challenge that tested the authority’s ability to manage extensive projects under tight deadlines. He cited the need for meticulous planning, rigorous coordination across government agencies, and resilient institutional frameworks as key factors that enabled successful delivery under demanding conditions.

The experience gained from the World Cup projects, al-Meer concluded, underscored the critical importance of strong organizational systems and collaborative processes in ensuring the consistent execution of complex infrastructure developments.