French conglomerates Alstom and Vinci have signed a 2 billion euro ($2.72 billion) deal with Qatar to build a tram system in the future Lusail City. The deal, which will see the light rail system starting to operate in 2018-20, was signed during a visit to Paris by Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday.
One of the Gulf's largest real estate developments, Lusail City is expected to house up to 200,000 people and contain commercial districts including the $275 million Marina Mall project, 22 hotels, four islands and two golf courses.
The estimated $45 billion development will also feature the 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium, where the championship match of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament will be played.
Qatar has been under fire for its treatment of migrant workers, many of whom are reported to have died on the country's infrastructure projects, but has announced stricter measures for contractors involved in building work for the 2022 tournament.
Asked whether France had raised the issue of worker conditions during the emir's visit, a French official said, "We talk about everything with Qatar. There are no forbidden topics."
Reuters
24 June