Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has inaugurated Manarat, the country’s inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Hub. Situated in the New Industrial Area, this 16-unit industrial complex aims to assist technology-centric manufacturers transition from experimental production to large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
Partnerships and Objectives
Unveiled on September 30, Manarat emerged from a collaborative effort involving QDB, the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), and Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). The hub primarily supports manufacturers in sectors such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, electronics, telecommunications, robotics, and chemicals. By integrating ready-to-use factory units with additional resources, Manarat aims to streamline the processes companies face in scaling their operations.
Manufacturers wishing to join this innovative complex must undergo a rigorous two-step evaluation process. This begins with assessing their eligibility and technical preparedness, moving towards a thorough analysis of their technical and commercial viability. Once assessed, successful candidates can occupy one of the 16 units within the hub.
A Symbol of Innovation
Dr. Abdulla Hamad al-Qahtani, QDB’s Senior Manager for the Manufacturing Hub, shared that the name Manarat, meaning “lighthouses” in Arabic, symbolizes the intention for the tenant factories to serve as exemplary models in advanced manufacturing. The hub also offers an opportunity for high-performing companies to be nominated for the Global Lighthouse Network by the World Economic Forum, which recognizes leading-edge manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Manarat builds upon a partnership established in 2022 among QDB, MoCI, and the World Economic Forum, which previously introduced Qatar’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) as a platform for discussions and gatherings centered on technology-driven manufacturing. With the establishment of a physical site, this initiative is set to bolster the growth of the manufacturing sector.
Advancing Manufacturing in Qatar
Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development at QDB, emphasized that the manufacturing hub aims to empower businesses to expedite growth and enhance production capabilities. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030, which seeks to elevate the manufacturing sector’s contribution to non-hydrocarbon GDP while supporting domestic production across advanced technologies.
According to Abdulla Ghanim al-Maadeed, MoCI’s Director of Industrial Development, Qatar’s industrial sector saw cumulative investments amounting to QR248.44 billion by the second quarter of 2026. Similarly, Dr. Abdulaziz Khalid al-Ali, C4IR’s Director, described Manarat as a significant advancement in fostering innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of Qatar’s industrial sector through smart infrastructure.
Beyond software and digital ventures, the new hub significantly expands support for technology-focused entrepreneurs. Traditional startup infrastructures in Qatar, such as the Qatar Science & Technology Park’s incubation programs, have largely centered on digital businesses. The establishment of Manarat provides a distinct avenue for hardware and deep-tech startups focusing on physical products like robotics, medical devices, and electronic systems, guiding them from prototype to production.
In conclusion, by merging Manarat with existing support programs like QDB’s SME lending and export initiatives, the bank is consolidating advisory services, financing, and market access for manufacturing-centric entrepreneurs in one facility. The first cohort of tenant factories will serve as an initial indicator of how this new hub integrates into Qatar’s broader landscape of manufacturing and entrepreneurship.