Doha: As part of Qatar’s transformation towards the future, Doha Festival City (DFC) has launched a training programme for Qatar University (QU) engineering students to empower future generations with the knowledge and experience they need to play an active role in building their country.
During its internship programme, DFC will open the doors of its construction site for engineering undergraduates from QU to get first-hand experience in one of Qatar’s largest mixed use construction projects.
The eight-week programme, which began last month, is part of DFC’s long-term commitment to develop skills of Qatar’s youth and prepare them to enter the private sector workforce.
Interns’ experience will start with an orientation programme at the main project office, after which they will spend one month increasing their knowledge by participating in project and tender management workshops. They will also visit DFC’s construction site to gather experience through on-site practical training.
Kareem M Shamma, CEO, BASREC, owner of DFC, said “The internship is especially structured to share DFC’s expertise and experience across a multitude of engineering disciplines, including architectural, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, and share its knowledge base with the student community.
“Engineering is a challenging field, and as one of the region’s largest construction projects, we have unmatched practical knowledge in managing and operating massive construction sites. With this internship programme, we are offering a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on knowledge about design, construction and project management, and phases of execution.”
Since it broke ground in October 2011, the $1.6bn (QR6bn) DFC has seen rapid developments. Its first phase, which included construction of a three-level IKEA store with more than 32,000sqm of gross leasable area, was completed in March, 2013. The second phase began in April 2013, and last month Bawabat Al Shamal Real Estate Company WLL (BASREC) awarded Gulf Contracting Company in joint venture with ALEC Qatar (GCC/ALEC JV) a QR1.65bn contract for main mall works.
DFC will include Qatar’s largest mall, its first snow park, the most advanced movie theatre, a five-star hotel and one of the country’s largest convention centres. The Peninsula
