QATARI DIAR and Lusail Real Estate Development Company Sign Partnership with Parsons International and Aecom

6 April 2011 (New York, NY)- Qatar Railways Company and Qatari Diar signed a 5-year contract with Parsons International and Aecom to manage the construction of the new Lusail Light Rail Transit system, highlighting the growing business and investment ties between Qatar and the United States.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit system is central to the transportation infrastructure of Lusail City, one of the largest and most ambitious real estate development projects being undertaken in the Middle East and North Africa region. It will feature 30km of track, 7km of which are underground, 24 stations (seven of which are underground), service depots, and a viaduct.

The contract was signed in New York at the Business and Investment in Qatar Forum by Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al-Subaie, Managing Director and Board Member of the Qatar Railways Company, and John Dionisio, President and CEO of Aecom, on behalf of the Aecom/Parsons joint venture. The signing was witnessed by Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar and Ray LaHood U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit System is part of the Qatar Railway project which is a $30bn integrated railway system that will cover all major areas in the country and consist of three transport modes: long distance, metro and freight. The Qatar Railways Company is wholly owned by Qatari Diar Real Estate Development Company.

On the occasion of the signing, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, said, "These announcements reflect the growing commercial cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar and demonstrate the importance of our mutual trade that is working to build economic prosperity in both our countries. We look forward to working closely with the Government of Qatar on these and future projects."

Lusail City, which covers 38 km2 north of Doha, is not only Qatar's largest domestic real estate project, it is one of the most prestigious community developments currently being undertaken in the region and world at large.

Speaking at the New York event, Mohammed Al Hedfa, Group Chief Executive Office of Qatari Diar, said, "Public transportation is absolutely central to Lusail. We are bringing together two world leaders to deliver the best in industry solutions for Qatar. I am delighted the contract was signed at this important event in New York."