Doha: Doha, May 2024: Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Siemens Energy, headquartered in Germany, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the side-lines of QFZ's participation in Qatar Economic Forum, which aims to facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art service center within Qatar's Ras Bufontas free zone. The MoU was signed by CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, and Managing Director of Siemens Energy Qatar and Siemens Energy Kuwait Herbert Klausner, in a ceremony attended by senior executives from both entities. The signing took place at the Qatar Economic Forum venue - Raffles Doha. On the occasion of the signing, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani said: "This MoU with Siemens Energy will facilitate the establishment of a service center for the maintenance and repair of rotating equipment here in the free zones in Qatar, and is a testament to QFZ's robust infrastructure and strategic location. The facility at R as Bufontas free zone will be a regional service hub for Siemens and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions in the energy sector. By welcoming Siemens Energy's to our free zones, we will be integrating advanced technological solutions and cultivating local expertise in process innovation around high-speed balance technology and other digital solutions through client training. This partnership will encourage a broader collaboration between Siemens Energy and QFZ on innovative and sustainable solutions in the energy sector, aiding our mission to foster a high-tech industrial environment supporting sustainable economic growth and diversification in alignment with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030." The new facility will cater to long-term maintenance contracts such as the North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) maintenance contract as well as being a regional hub for Medium Gas Turbines SGT-700 across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. This sta te-of-the-art facility will conduct process innovation, provide personnel training to customers, and develop digital solutions for monitoring rotating equipment. This holistic approach not only supports the technical needs of the industry but also contributes to the skills development of the workforce, reinforcing the strategic objectives of QFZ in creating an environment of continuous innovation and industry leadership. For his part, Herbert Klausner commented saying: "We are delighted today to make this strategic partnership with QFZ. The MoU signifies more than a new facility; it is a bridge between Siemens Energy's global expertise and Qatar's visionary economic strategy. The center will not only serve as a critical hub for equipment maintenance and repair but will also drive innovative solutions that optimize energy management. Our aim is to elevate the standards of service excellence in the energy sector and contribute to the region's economic resilience by enhancing operational efficiencies." The part nership with Siemens Energy distinctly advances QFZ's overarching objectives to enhance its industrial ecosystem and technological infrastructure. The establishment of the regional service center will not only fortify Qatar's capabilities in the critical energy sector but will also align with QFZ's mission to curate a dynamic business environment that attracts leading global enterprises. As QFZ continues to expand its partnerships and develop state-of-the-art facilities, it cements its position as a critical hub for innovation and industrial excellence in the region, driving sustainable development and economic resilience. Source: Qatar News Agency