Doha, September 30 (QNA) - Qatar Development Bank (QDB) unveiled the Advanced Manufacturing Hub (Manarat), the first industrial complex of its kind in Qatar, dedicated to accelerating the adoption of advanced technology solutions and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies by next-generation factories in the country. 
The announcement, made in partnership with the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, officially opened applications to join Manarat and occupy 16 ready-built factory units available in Qatar's New Industrial Area.
Commenting on this announcement, Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, QDB's Executive Director of SME Development, said: "The Advanced Manufacturing Hub (Manarat) represents a significant step forward in QDB's journey towards building a more developed, sustainable, and competitive industrial sector, in line with the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030, which seeks to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to non-hydrocarbon GDP, support the localization of production, and create specialized jobs in advanced technology.".
He added: "Through this industrial complex, we are working with our partners to empower companies to accelerate their growth, expand production capacities, attract global expertise, and enrich specialized knowledge locally, reflecting our belief that investing in advanced manufacturing is a key pillar in strengthening Qatar's position as a leading regional hub for industrial innovation and enabling our factories to join the WEF's Global Lighthouse Network."
Dr. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Ali, Director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the significance of the announcement: "The announcement of Manarat is a major step towards stimulating innovation and elevating the competitiveness of Qatar's industrial sector through the smart infrastructure and standards it provides, which align with global efforts supported by the World Economic Forum to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. 
Abdulla Ghanim Al Maadeed, Director of the Industrial Development Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that Manarat represents a significant step in advancing the State of Qatar's efforts to develop a more advanced and competitive industrial sector. 
He also commended Qatar Development Bank's role in implementing the initiative and the collaboration among relevant stakeholders to support the industrial sector and the private sector.
He said: "The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is working to accelerate digital transformation across the industrial sector, enhance factories' digital readiness, and encourage the adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital solutions to improve production efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of national industries. 
Manarat supports these efforts by expanding the adoption of advanced technologies and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030. Cumulative investment in the industrial sector reached QR 248.44 billion in the second quarter of 2026."
Regarding the sectors eligible to join the industrial complex, Manarat targets technology-driven, strategically important manufacturing fields, primarily medical devices, pharmaceuticals, electronics and telecommunications, robotics, and chemicals, alongside other related industries. 
Manarat serves as an extension of QDB's efforts to support the industrial sector, accelerate economic diversification, and build a knowledge-based economy. (QNA)