In the coming years Qatar will see significant growth in the importation of raw materials and goods, underscoring the need for a new advanced commercial port facility. The New Port, strategically located outside the capital city of Doha, will be a world-class facility, a leader in state-of-the-art technologies and a vital component of Qatar's economic infrastructure. As Qatar heads toward hosting
the World Cup in 2022, the New Port Project continues its path toward operational readiness by 2016; reflecting the country's ambitious expansion plans envisaged in the Qatar National Vision 2030. In turn, master planning for the New Port is closely aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 pillars of environmental, economic, human and social development. Balancing development with protection of the environment is a key concern for the New Port and construction is taking place with environmental preservation paramount; multiple simulation studies, physical modeling, geotechnical and metoceanic analysis and in-depth environmental studies have been undertaken in order to facilitate a responsible implementation of the project. As a major gateway to Qatar, and a significant investment in the country's future, the New Port will serve the expanding trade needs of Qatar, supporting key objectives set forward in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and acting as a catalyst for export industry development. On 19 June 2007 His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, issued Emiri Decree No. 37, setting forth the creation of one of the world's largest greenfield port developments. Strategically located south of Doha, the QAR 27 Billion (USD 7.4 Billion) megaproject, which includes a new port, a new base for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and the Qatar Economic Zone 3, will span a 26.5 square kilometer area.
