Foundation laid for electric bus plant at Um Alhoul Free Zone, production from next year

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani yesterday laid the foundation stone for an electric bus assem...

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani yesterday laid the foundation stone for an electric bus assembly plant at Um Alhoul Free Zone, in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa), Yutong and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ).

The groundbreaking ceremony began with the signing of an Enhanced Multilateral Framework Agreement by CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO Ahmad Hassan Al Obaidly, and CEO of Yutong Middle East Shen Hui, to establish an integrated e-bus plant at Um Al Houl Free Zone, in cooperation between Karwa, Yutong, and QFZ.

The project aims at establishing a production hub for EU-standard electric buses on an area of nearly 53,000 square metres. The construction is set to be complete by the end of 2025. By then, the facility will have begun producing electric city buses, metro feeder buses, school buses, and more, with an initial output capacity of 300 buses a year. Over time, the facility will scale up to meet both local demand and the growing needs of international markets across the MENA region and Europe.

This greenfield plant, equipped with state-of-the-art welding, painting, assembly, and testing workshops, will utilise cutting-edge electro-mobility technologies, ensuring efficient and sustainable production processes. The plant is expected to be a pioneer project in delivering experience and industry localisation. The project is leveraging the advanced capabilities of both Mowasalat and Yutong, and expanding Yutong’s manufacturing footprint in the free zones in Qatar.