Doha:The Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has unveiled the Advanced Manufacturing Hub, known as Manarat, in a bid to accelerate industrial transformation and enhance the competitiveness of the country's industrial sector.

According to Qatar News Agency, Manarat aims to transition Qatar's industrial sector from traditional production models to advanced, smart manufacturing ecosystems. This transformation will be driven by automation, artificial intelligence, data, and other digital technologies. The hub is a collaborative initiative between QDB, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Finance's Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR). Companies and manufacturers are now invited to apply for the 16 ready-to-operate industrial units available in the new industrial zone.

The Manarat initiative goes beyond mere industrial facilities, aiming to create an integrated system that combines smart infrastructure with technology, financing, and expertise. This system is designed to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and competitiveness locally, regionally, and internationally.

The focus of Manarat is on creating the "factory of the future," where competitiveness is measured not just by production volume but by the effective use of technology throughout the entire production cycle. This includes planning, design, supply chain management, manufacturing, quality control, and distribution.

The hub targets factories and companies that utilize advanced technologies, as well as international investors, fostering an environment for knowledge exchange and innovation. The initiative supports sectors like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, electronics, telecommunications, robotics, and chemicals.

Qatar's broader industrial strategy, outlined in the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-2030, aims to build a diversified, high-value industrial sector fueled by advanced technology and innovation. The strategy seeks to increase the industrial sector's value, boost non-hydrocarbon exports, and expand industrial investments significantly by 2030.

Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, QDB's Executive Director of Advisory, emphasized that Manarat is a pivotal step in adopting Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. The application process involves an initial assessment of eligibility and readiness, followed by a more detailed evaluation of technical and commercial feasibility.

The project offers comprehensive support, including financing, consultancy, training, and export solutions, to assist companies in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies. Lease agreements for industrial units are set for five years, with a six-month grace period.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Ali, Director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the center's role in facilitating global best practices in smart manufacturing. Technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and industrial artificial intelligence are expected to shape the future of manufacturing, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

In line with Qatar's National Manufacturing Strategy, the Manarat hub represents a strategic move to develop a more competitive industrial sector by leveraging technology and innovation. It aims to position Qatari factories within the global network of Lighthouse Factories, showcasing the national industry's capability in smart manufacturing.