​​Considering that protecting the environment is a responsibility shared by all entities in the country, and that tree planting plays a fundamental role in improving the quality of life, on Saturday 18 January 2020, a group of Al Khor Model School students, Nakilat Company employees and their families, participated with the Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, in planting trees at Al Khor Road development project. The event comes as part of the “Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees” campaign launched by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar to “Plant Million Trees”.

Eng. Yousef Al-Emadi, Director of Projects Affairs in ‘Ashghal’, attended the event. In Addition to Mr. Rashid Hamad Al-Marri, Chief Administration Officer at Nakilat, and Mr. Khalid Ahmad Al-Sandi, Head of Projects Section in the Public Parks Department in the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and Mr. Abdullah Mgalad Al-Muraikhi, Member of the Central Municipal Council - Constituency 25.

During the event, Eng. Sara Kafoud gave a brief explanation of the roles of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar and on the tree planting works on Al Khor Road Development Project.

On this occasion, Eng. Yousef Al-Emadi, Director of Projects Affairs in Ashghal, said “Ashghal is implementing many initiatives that contributes to achieving sustainability of projects and environmental preservation. Including the implementation of green buildings, recycling of demolition, excavation and car tire wastes and their use in road projects. As well as using sewage treated water for irrigation, In addition to awareness campaigns, such as the “Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees” campaign, which aims to increase students' awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and contributing to its prosperity.

He also thanked Nakilat and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the Public Parks Department, and for their donation of 1000 trees, out of their belief in the importance of increasing the green belt in the country.

Mr. Rashid Hamad Al-Marri, Chief Administration Officer at Nakilat, said ““As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the importance of operating in a sustainable manner, which means that we have a duty towards protecting the environment we live and work in. With the participation of 40 Nakilat employees and their families, this activity is an excellent way to support the Ministry and Ashghal efforts in creating a safe and healthy environment for citizens and residents in Qatar”.

During the event, Mr. Khalid Ahmad Al-Sandi, Head of Projects Section in the Public Parks Department in the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, said “We have implemented many initiatives aimed at raising the community’s awareness on the importance of increasing green areas and planting trees.” He also added “consideration is given towards the types of plants that suit the nature of the Qatari environment and taking into consideration the reduction of water consumption for irrigation.” He added that treated water is used to irrigate trees and green spaces, which contributes to environmental protection and the water resources preservation.

In the same context, Mr. Abdullah Mgalad Al-Muraikhi, Member of the Central Municipal Council - Constituency 25, stated that he strives to continuously improve the Constituency and develop it in various fields as previously promised, in order for it to be a place where citizens and residents feel calm and content. He also expressed his happiness to see many entities interested in participating in this campaign, stressing the importance of the collective efforts of all sectors to protect the environment in Qatar and contribute to its prosperity.

As for the students of Al Khor Model School for Boys, they were pleased to participate in this event, as they were competing to plant as many trees as possible, and the student Saad Hamad Al Kaabi said "I loved planting trees and I planted 3 trees today.", as for the student Mubarak Mohamed Al Mohannadi said "I learned to plant trees to protect the environment and it also makes the street look beautiful."

Al Khor Road
It is worth mentioning that the 33-kilometer Al Khor road, which was implemented by Ashghal as part of the expressway programme, is characterized by its vital location, serving more than 20 residential areas such as Al Khor, Doha, Simaisma and Lusail. The road is directly connected to major roads such as Tarfa Road, Al Majd Road and Qatar University Street. Al Khor Road offers direct links to Al Bait Stadium and Lusail Stadium, as well as a railway track (Qatar Rail) along the road.

The project includes landscaping covering 3.5 million square metres, more than 30,000 trees and street furnishings including 100 benches and 80 bicycles. The project also offers 33 km of pedestrian and bicycle paths, as well as a 33 km Olympic cycle path.

“Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees” Campaign
The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar is implementing “Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees” campaign, which will continue until the end of 2021, through weekly events to plant trees in the country with participation of students from various schools and educational levels, with the aim of increasing their awareness on the importance of preserving the environment and contributing to its prosperity.

The Committee is responsible for five major tasks including construction of central public parks, provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha, and increasing afforestation and greenery areas, in coordination with several ministries and other entities in the country.

About Nakilat
Nakilat is a Qatari LNG transport company providing the essential transportation link in the State of Qatar’s LNG supply chain. Its LNG shipping fleet is the largest in the world, comprising of 69 LNG vessels. Nakilat also owns one FSRU vessel and manages four large LPG carriers. Nakilat operates the ship repair and construction facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City via two strategic joint ventures: N-KOM and NDSQ. Nakilat also offers a full range of marine support services to vessels operating in Qatari waters. For more information visit: www.nakilat.com