Skilled resources: Key challenge in Qatar's infrastructure industry

MOATAZ Al-Khayyat, CEO of UrbaCon, has said in a report: "we find that specialist subcontractors are becoming very busy and as a consequence unreliable, hence the Al Khayyat Group's strategy to expand on its own heritage and develop in depth resources in all fields."

"It was this strategy that enabled the Group to meet the challenge of the Sheraton project in Doha, where some 16,000 employees were engaged during the peak period," he added.

With respect to skilled labor, Urbacon Trading & Contracting maintains investment in human capital through training and development, and it has a special division for labor training and development at different levels, ranging from ordinary labor to project managers.

"The contracting market needs trained labor to implement the urgent projects planned to be achieved on time," said Al-Khayyat.

UrbaCon Trading & Contracting has been involved in several huge projects over the last few years and has become one of the most respected building contractors in Qatar. In addition to the Banana Resort, included among its projects are the Mall of Qatar, the Sheraton Doha Hotel and Convention Center, and the Lekhwiya Stadium at Al Duhail.

UrbaCon is one of 17 companies owned by Mr. Al-Khayyat. The companies include general contracting, commercial and residential developments, building materials, various trading companies, hospitals and restaurants with operations in the region.