Work starts on Doha Metro’s first station

Does this illusion cleared or still imaginery?

High time Doha needs railways and strong public transport system.

I need to join as civil Engineer there !!!!! as soon as possible. plzz help me to join..

DD,

I understood what you are trying to say. I just took your comment and said what I think.

I am aware of what is going on with Lusail and the Metro project, what the public knows and what they will find out in a later future.

As you well noted, the metro’s infrastructures and tunnels need to be partially completed, before they start the above ground works… however here are the questions that you and many other people are wondering:

Is there a real need for Lusail?

If there is no need for Lusail, is there a need for Lusail’s metro?

If there is no need for Lusail’s metro, are the works really proceeding at a normal pace for this type of project?

What upsets me a bit here in this region is the propaganda that is crafted to support failed projects... it creates illusions and therefore disappointments. After many of these cycles, people will just stop believing...

nic,i think you misunderstood what i was trying to say, the metro is part of the lusail developpement project, its normal to make everything run once they finished the whole project(and to allow this the metro has to be ready first because its done without using a tunnel boring machine)

I wasnt talking about the fact of building a 'ghost town'in the surface, but about building the surface in order to finish the project

Observer,

Thanks.

I agree with you

The problem seams to be that no one stops, to think.

Even now that they have seen what happened in Dubai.

The population is just not there and even if it was, nothing here is sustainable, with temperature that burn most of the materials in quite a short time. The energy needed to "camp" in this region of the globe will always be endless which will render any attempt to turn deserts into rain forests, a disaster in 3 dimensions: environmental, human and financial!

Why they don't think and address publicly these issues?

It's my question and apparently somebody else's (very few) here in Qatar!

Nic u descried things here well! especially the "ghost town" expression! they build it in the hope that Qatar companies & population will boom in the next years but how will that happen if they apply strict rules on expatriates residency resulting in expats who can't even grantee that the will stay here for the next year even if they live here since 30 years!

and regarding the projects here, many is canceled before they even start them like this nice project:

http://www.360east.com/?p=669

DD,

What's the use of Lusail when you have an already built ghost town? Most of the towers in Doha's West Bay district, have no purpose and many are not even finished. Even those that appear completed from the outside have no interior finishes.

Let’s not forget that a life span of a building is much lower here in the Gulf than it would be in more tempered climates. In a short period of 5 years, a building starts to display signs of stress and erosion due to long periods of exposure to intense heat.

Qatar does not have the population to occupy what has been already built in Doha. Lusail if ever will be built (I have great doubts that it will ever take place in the next 20 years), it will have the same destiny as many many empty towers in Dubai and the impact of Qatar's economy and image will slightly deteriorate.

One of the reasons that these Gulf countries are not sustainable is that their population is mostly labors (who come to build but never to occupy what they build) and other expats who will never have the right to become a citizen, thus we get transit population who has little interest in investing locally.

It doesn’t take a PHD on economics and sustainability to see that all this "development" is only happening because the money is there and there is a lack of better ideas of what to do with it, and definitely not because there is a need.

It would be much better for the world, if this money would have been invested in poor nations with more suitable conditions for humans to live in.

the metro will be built,some paperwork delaying things, but to be really usefull, all lusail surface has to be built and thats going to take extra time.

Where is the point of having metros running if its to stop in a station in the middle of sand, with no shop nor accomodations near

the news is so inspiring but how long it will take before the project will be finished.

I think Qatar must have metro connecting every corner. Or make huge parking every where. Day by day road are flodded with vehicles.

gkramer,

I know we do, and I appreciate that. It seems from their tone when some people talk/write about Qatar that they are looking down on the Qataris as stupid idiots. We do have those just like all other countries, but many people tend to generalize.

I also hate it when people just re-iterate the obvious: Qatar is small, people just heard about Qatar a few years ago, Qatar has a lot of money, Other countries are more important on a global scale,You think your country is better... It has nothing to do with anything...

pappajohns2,

find a clue, my country is precious to me...

You are being a basher by even using those words! "buy a clue", "your precious country"...

It seems scotia is a teenager, are you a teenager too?

bleu actually you pay Millions if not Billions per year to consultants from outside Qatar so guess you do need foreigners. I asked you politely why do you think these guys hate Qatar so that we can have a discussion to clear the matter a little bit as I don't believe anybody on this thread hates Qatar. I don't think anyone is interested in that so let it be the way it is..

linc clearly doesnt have a prob with qatar. nothing he said is a lie and he said plenty of GOOD things. you just have a prob with anyone saying anything critical of your precious country. all you and your buddies are doing is shouting anyone down by picking one tiny thing and using it as an excuse to dismiss all else. classic bullying. like linc said wannabe-gang-banger scotiababy says far worse with plenty of racism but do you say anything about that?!?! get a grip . . . and earn some respect.

Exactly, Genesis. The government leadership is willing to listen, which is why it has a chance to break free of the oil curse. And I would say its selection of consultants is good, and if anything the government solicits too much advice. Read my whole post before misrepresenting it. Your compatriot bleu is the one who wrote the xenophobic, expat-bashing "WE KNOW what's better for us, and WE DON'T need FOREIGNERS". It sounds like you should be addressing your criticism to him, not me.

I am always happy to discuss with you (and bleu for that matter), but just because I don't agree with you does not mean I am 'bashing' you. I have written multiple times about what I think Qatar has going for it (including the praise in my post above), but instead you try and look for anything negative. Part of Qatar's rise in prominence is that it becomes a target for criticism; get used to it. I am sure if there is a "Polish Living" cite, there would be plenty of complaints about life in Poland.

My issue is less with you than with your compatriots who refer to my countrymen as a bunch of drug abusing, drunken donkeys who come to Qatar to be leeches and then go on to threaten other QLers with violence. When I see someone claiming to be from my country is way out of line, I certainly do not write sympathetic, supporting posts. Why don't you do the same?

Like Bleu, I am going to take a break from QL for while. It is taking up too much time, and getting too frustrating. Maybe when I am back in Doha I will have a fresh perspective.

Not to totally hijack the thread--I give the metro one chance in five of being open and functional by 2011 (2015 is possible for a limited opening). Given the population density and traffic problems in Doha, it is a good idea. My main concern is security once it is open, as Doha has the potential to become a soft target as it is developing so rapidly, becoming more involved in international affairs, and looking to host world events. I certainly do not ride subways in Paris or especially London for this reason. Fortunately, both cities are largely walkable.

But you do not offer advice here!

All what you write is bashing mixed with sarcasm

In many threads I did tried to outreach to you to discuss, But you rather criticize then discuss

If Qatar is not welling to listen, our gorverment would have not invested in hiring think tanks like Rand & brookings and international consultants in every field

Then good luck to you, bleu. If you don't want the advice of foreigners, then your government needs to stop coming to people like me and asking them to come over and give it. I did not ask to come here; I was invited, and I came with good intentions of imparting my knowledge and skills to another generation. I was not paid more to come here, and being here is not a boon to my career (which is why I agreed to come for only a short while). Thus I am not one of what your fellow Qatari's like to refer to as 'leeches'. So far I have been impressed with what I have seen in terms of potential, but disappointed with so much arrogance resting on unproven merit. But then I sometimes think the arrogance is used to mask deep insecurities.

If you read my above post as looking down on Qataris, then there is not much else I can say except that you are being oversensitive. But now that I have read your xenophobic rant about how "WE DON"T need FOREIGNERS", then I do pity you as an individual. Every nation needs the advice of people from the outside, bleu, because people on the inside are often too wrapped up in themselves that they cannot see the bigger picture and can use a fresh perspective. Fortunately for you the leadership of this country recognizes this (they do not always follow the advice, but they have the hallmark of good leadership, which is the wisdom to listen and give it due consideration and make their own decisions). In that sense Qatar is blessed.

This is why QL is a great place for exchanges--everyone is on a level playing field and no one gets to use an USA flag or thobe to puff themselves up and intimidate other users. For what it is worth, I can empathize with your sensitivity; I certainly would feel uncomfortable if I was a cultural and racial minority in my own country with foreign military bases on my land and dependent on foreigners to provide basic services and wealth creation. I can see the frustration, and with continued quality leadership, Qatar might one day be rid of people like me. Until then, I will spend some of my spare time visiting QL and calling it like I see it.

linc,

Thanks, but I think WE KNOW what's better for us, and WE DON'T need FOREIGNERS telling us what we need to do.

It seems like you're still looking down at Qataris.

QL is becoming boring, I may change my visits here to once a week or something...

What Scotiabank, and others like him are doing is something akin to a man who broke his toe and then yelling at his crutches because he needs them to get around for a while. Better to focus on healing, so he will not need them, and to focus on what he can still do well. Qatar is what it is: a small, petroleum-rich country that is trying desperately to find away to ensure that wealth and prosperity will outlast its lng reserves. Its situation is not unique; and most countries in this situation fail. The leadership of Qatar's attempted solution to be progressive and modernize is a laudable one, and just may beat the odds.

The key to success is for Qataris is to be realistic so that problems can be addressed rather than ignored and allowed to fester. I am here to teach, and I see this successful attitude in my best students, which gives me hope for this country and a sense that my brief time here will be well invested. But then comments such as those of Scotiabank (and yours above--although such remarks are rare for you) make me question that.

First Canada is more important culturally, economically, politically and militarily than Qatar. Qatar contributes precious little to the world in any of these area (although, to the credit of the leadership, it is trying). I can't comment on nic's qualifications, but I can say that the reason he is here is because Qataris such as yourself are incapable of running your economy, education system, defense, etc. etc. etc. by yourselves. So the fact that you even have to rely on him, and others like him, should be an embarrassment to you as it highlights your impotence. Nic's country, on the other hand, depends on Qatar for practically nothing. Like the USA, Canadians are not a great importer of LNG. However, for an obscene amount of money and a huge portion of Qatar's national wealth, nic and other like him will come to Qatar, extract the resources, and distribute them. Shame, not pride, should be your response at having to rely on so many others.

If you have a problem with the services nic and others provide, then learn to do it yourself or at least learn enough to be able to hire someone better.

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bleu why do you think these guys hate Qatar?

What maybe the reasons as per you?

Bleu--I don't hate either Qatar or Qataris (read my other post on other threads). I just don't Scotiabank, and I think sensible Qataris such as yourself should be embarrassed by his hating, arrogant, nationalist drivel. Nothing I have written in my post here is either untrue or hateful; can you say the same for Scotiabank?

linc,

I know you hate Qatar and Qataris... you don't need to type that much about it.

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Oh, crap, he's back. MODS!

Mandi

i thought MacDonald only sell burgers

linqingshan10,

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I strongly feel he gets an or****sm out of this... The guy is not here for making money...

jeez, why do these spammers always flood the forum with nonsense? go sell your product somewhere else.. :/

linqingshan9 ,

your products are doomed because you posted your publicity in a post nothing relevant to what you are trying to sell.

You will be from now on labeled as a scam, so get out of here and delete your silly add (unless we all know where NOT to purchase any of the crap you are trying to fool people with).

believe me in the world of contractors /consultants, i've seen it all

nothing ever surprises me anymore ;)

Many end users assume that the consultants job is to prey on contractors errors . While in fact their role is to ensure that the project is executed in accordance to the project's scope of work

genesis I have seen such people acting as "consultants" here who don't even know the very basic of our scope of work. They look at everything except the basic function of the product. They are from all over too, not restricted to just one country. They will be kicked out of the job in one month back home.

add to that the over confidence in their subordinates & mistrust of project's contractors . Let me be honest here, Many of the project managers from the end user side(i.e. government authorities) mistakenly assume that proper project management is to handover everything to the consultant & to penalize contractors over any delay. while in fact it's the end user responsibility to coordinate between all parties, as it's no longer a secret that reason for any project delay is the lack of coordination between all authorities.

Problem they don't supervise some people, they hire garbage and tell him he is an expert and is free to do as he wish. Only later when there is delays and budget is done they realise they made a dumb mistake.

It's hard, not impossible. And they can always replace competent people with people who just like to sit and drink karak chai and expect someone else to do their work for them or just not give a damn about the end result. Hmmm that sounds very similar to the situation at most workplaces in Qatar. So now it's time for my karak chai :P

I disagree. Many people are irreplaceable, especially in Qatar. It's hard to find competent knowledge workers.

Actually Nic is right in some of what he's saying. I doubt the metro will be completed by 2015. Actually much of the info in that article is incorrect.

Similarly, the papers have been saying that the Qatar Bahrain Causeway is under construction whereas it hasn't even started yet

Everyone is replaceable, some much easier than others.

oops..Not in favor of personal attacks. But yes, the metro work has begun. But will we still be here when the first train runs between the stations? Will be good to see all these developments taking shape one day.

I hope this is completed on time, it will be really good and ease traffic.

Hey nic why don't you leave Qatar and go back to your insignificant country? Seriously go back to your 'professional' life as an engineer in canada making slave like wages putting bricks in tim hortons! HAHAHAHHAAHAHHA. This disorganisation and discrimination you always speak of in Qatar is the reason a talentless monkey like yourself is paid highly for services you can't provide, so you lurk all day on QL and disrespect the hand that feeds you. Go back home a$$hole, you are very replaceable.

very good and iexpectto travel very soon

will see all

....Excellent. Any underground transportation means, as opposed to above ground, makes sense and is safer in a hot country lacking mandatory overpasses for pedestrians to cross roads.

Way to go.

deepb,

Don’t worry they'll end up getting what they deserve.

I just sincerely hope that India and the rest of Asia will soon succeed in employing the vast majority of their people and you'll see how the "Gulf's mentality" would change dramatically!

rofl, I just noticed that even the people have been cutout from the image. Maybe they were of Asian origin and censored them out, just like how the World Cup 2022 bid advertisement is shocking devoid of any Asians, despite making up at least 70% of the population.

that's why the train on the pic is endless just like the planning stage.

lol, thats a lot of compartments to be planned. That probably means they need to setup a 5 year planning committee to plan all this.

Deepb,

Also they should not forget the gender and class segregation and allocate cars for men only, women only, labors only, Qataris only, etcs only ;)

Hmm oh yeah I forgot, wonder if these will have separate sections for family and "bachelors" or is it family only?

soon Metros? in Doha?...LOL

In last couple of years we saw Orange taxi replaced by Karwa taxi and Bus, very soon Metros lets wait and see if traffic is reduced.

Images look excellent.... :D

Doesnt anyone else find it odd that the first section is between two UNDER CONSTRUCTION areas i.e between a future airport and a future city, NOT to an area where there is a need now?

so after 5 years the newly developed lusail city (awaiting its first residents) boasts the only metro link while the rest of us are stuck in traffic.

Btw, the NDIA will take another 40 months approx for the construction to finish.

It is will take some time. just wait!

Aquapark without Water ;D

That will be cool!

but I don't expect to see it on time!

It was for example confirmed that Aqua Park will be opened this month! this was at the official facebook group 2 months ago! but by visiting the site I found that it still needs at least another 3 months!

If it wasn't the weekend, I would have gone into the details of planning a metro project with you, I don't have the patience right now.

Interesting. We construct a station first, then decide that the tracks will go through it. Oh boy! Why didn't i think of it..

Why do people post comments without even bothering to read the opening post. Read again and you will find this phrase, future Doha Metro line

sorry tracks r also missin

Sorry if i missed something here, but dudes! where are the tracks for the train!!

wondering where pre opening office for Metro located? Got a friend seeking a job for same.

cheers

Khalid Abdul Wahid

yup victory... hopin it will b soon

Images are ALWAYS impressive;

Lets feel in reality to see in near future :)

Recently, experienced Dubai Metro at Terminal 3 :)

Amazing.... very cool... the future is coming fast to Qatar!

It's good to know that someone is finally doing something about the transport situation but if the first costs 'just' $7bn wonder how much more to link the whole city :)

CONGRATEZZ QATAR....

now juz pray to finish this project sooon .. lol

I just noticed your comment Pajju. If anything related reaches the hands of ashgal then its certainly doomed :P

It will be fast track approval process from the concerned authorities and corporations.

The delays might be caused by the interption/re-location of U/G utilities and de-watering...

In the end these approvals all end up getting delayed due to some simple ego struggle between a handful of individuals. Wish they would get their act together. This metro system could really help out the country and improve its image.

genesis it's the approvals that are taking longer than anything else. I mean either reject or approve the materials, what is the fun in dragging on the approval process forever. QDVC should get it done on time but I have my doubts about NDIA.

baldy now dunt hijack thread .. SPEED will kick ur bhutt :P

2015 is the estimated completion date from the contractor point of view, without anticipating the time it will take to get the route approvals from UPDA, Road opening (if needed) & eminent domain of lands(if needed).unless this project is under sea

Still we are talking about Qatari Diar & NDIA here, and those guys can push things faster than other government authorities when it comes to getting the right approvals to fast track the work.

Pajju will be soon seen in this trains sellin chai chai and Peanuts....:)

WK, The metro plans started in 2000 when I was still in High School. I was so excited when it was published first time in Gulf Times. They expected it to be completed by 2005 at that time I believe. 2015 "with no further delays" . This is Qatar, sadly there will always be delays. :(

deep depend on Ashghal team :)

Deep..watch what you say. You could be detained for dat long :-)

2015 is the realistic date as of now if there are no further delays.

lol Deep.. just ma thoughts.

I feel much better now Deep.

Thats nice. Estimated date of completion - 3010 ?

i bet that the NDIA will NOT open in 2011!

To better transportation.

Impressive, it will be devoured by "we know who" once it's open.

Pfffttt! Wouldn't get the chance to enjoy that baby.. :(

Sadly...