Three central markets to open in Qatar by the second half of 2016

Construction work on three central markets around Qatar has gotten underway, with the projects expected to be completed by next year, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has said in a statement.

The markets are located in Al Sayliyah, Umm Salal and Al Wakrah. According to the MEC, their opening will help meet the needs of the growing population in these areas and reduce the overcrowding and pressure on the current Central Market on Salwa Road.

Construction has begun on three new central markets.

Each market will be constructed over an area of 20,000 square meters. In addition to selling fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, each market will have a mosque, a flower shop, banks, ATMs, administrative offices and housing for workers.

Umm Salal and Al Wakrah are also home to the increasingly popular farmer’s markets that run from November to May.

Unlike those markets however, the new ones are expected to remain open throughout the year.

Construction

Contracting work for the three markets began on March 1, and construction is being overseen by the autonomous government company Manateq.

The contractors are Al Montaser Trading and Contracting Co., which is working on Al Sayliyah Central Market; Marco Trading and Contracting Co., which is working on the Umm Salal market; and Builders Construction and Real Estate Co., which is responsible for constructing Al Wakrah Central Market.

In May, Al Sharq quoted many residents complaining about the state of the current central market on Salwa Road that many people depend on to buy groceries at affordable prices. Some branded it as filthy, lacked order and had outdated service facilities.

Manateq, which is also spending billions of riyals developing and operating special economic zones in Qatar, said in March that the new markets would be built on “modern specifications,” according to Al Raya.

The Central Municipal Council (CMC) first floated the idea of building the new central markets in 2012, but the proposal languished until last November, when the prime minister issued a directive to begin its implementation.

He also urged officials to abide by schedules and timelines and immediately inform him of any obstacles.

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