Siemens, Qatar Foundation unveil life-size mock-up of Middle East’s most energy-efficient tram in Qatar

The showcase was attended by Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation, and Dr Roland Busch, Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Sie-mens Infrastructure and Cities Sector, and a number of officials from Qatar Founda-tion, Siemens AG, Siemens WLL Qatar and Al Habtoor Leighton Group, which have formed a consortium led by Siemens to deliver the turnkey tram system to the Qatari capital.

The Doha Tram at Education City is set to be the Middle East’s most energy-efficient tram system. The life-size model of the Avenio tram will be displayed at a number of different locations throughout Doha, giving Qataris and expatriate residents the opportunity to see what the trams will look like and to experience the tram first hand.

The project is part of Siemens’ strategic partnership with Qatar Foundation, aimed at promoting the advancement of Qatar’s infrastructure capability and competence. Previous activities included establishing an innovation centre in the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). As part of the company’s commitment to boost its local footprint in the region through this and other initiatives, Siemens plans to double its workforce in Qatar over the next few years. The tram project is also in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 to balance economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

Bernhard Fonseka, CEO of Siemens WLL Qatar said: “In addition to being part of the country’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup, and bearing in mind the fact that Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world – our railway initiative is a reflection of a greater Qatari ambition aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge-based society, but also of Siemens’ desire to help improve the quality of life over the long term for people in urban areas through its sustainable technologies. In order to fulfil that vision, we have pooled the best of our research units, engineers and know-how to ensure that this project which maximises energy efficiency and optimizes mobility in the city is of the highest calibre.”

He added: “Siemens is already a key player in the overall development of Qatar – from energy-efficient building solutions to smart meters and much more.”

Avenio’s low-floor technology and ergonomic design offers passengers a high level of comfort. In addition, the energy storage system for optimizing energy consump-tion and the overhead contact line-free operation make Avenio a role model for sus-tainable, rail-bound local transport. Siemens will supply 19 trams, each with three cars and able to accommodate up to a maximum of 239 passengers.

The Avenio trams will run on 11.5 kilometers of track without overhead contact lines. The system will be installed across the Education City campus and will serve 25 stations and stops. The trams will be equipped with the Sitras HES energy storage system from Siemens, with energy being supplied at the tram stops.

Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential, for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
QF’s work encompasses education, research and community development. World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. At the same time, QF builds Qatar's innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercializing solutions through key sciences. The Foundation also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.
For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of combined cycle turbines for power generation, a leading provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions and automation and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading supplier of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2013, which ended on September 30, 2013, revenue from continuing operations totaled €75.9 billion and income from continuing operations €4.2 billion. At the end of September 2013, Siemens had around 362,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.