General Electric Company has announced it is establishing a major new technology facility, the GE Technology and Learning Centre, at the prestigious Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

QSTP aims to foster technology development in Qatar by providing world-class premises and services for companies from around the world in a freetrade zone. Part of Qatar Foundation’s renowned Education City, which includes an array of leading international universities, QSTP provides a fertile environment for applied research and commercialisation.
GE’s initial fiveyear investment in research and training at QSTP of $50 million years was unveiled at Qatar Foundation’s headquarters at a ceremony in which David Calhoun, GE vice chairman, and Dr Abdulla al Kubaisi, chairman of QSTP, were present
Several GE divisions will participate in the GE facility. Its focus will be technical training for customers of GE’s aviation and energy businesses in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. In addition GE’s Global Research Centre, Oil and gas, and water divisions will undertake research and development of technologies applicable to local industry. Qatar’s need for new technologies is growing as quickly as its economy, with investment in the energy sector alone forecast at $70 billion over the next five years.
Construction of GE’s facility at QSTP will start in 2006 and it is expected to be fully operational in 2007. GE will base its regional customer service and business development operations at the facility, as well as conduct technical conferences and forums. Its will manage the centre and deliver its research and training programmes, with around 45 people expected to be employed by the time it opens.
In his remarks at the event Calhoun said: “With our diverse and worldclass technology, GE can bring unique capability to the Qatar Science & Technology Park. GE has a long history of supporting technology development in the Middle East region. We are excited about expanding our efforts to address the goals of Qatar.”
Dr AI Kubaisi said: “GE is recognised among the world leaders in industrial technologies, so we are pleased that they have chosen Qatar Science & Technology Park as the location for their regional research and training centre. The science park is designed to help companies develop and commercialise their technologies in Qatar, so we are confident GE’s centre will thrive here”.
GE’s technology divisions will lead the following activities in the new centre:
Aviation: The majority of GE’s investment in the centre will provide education and training in jet engine maintenance. Aircraft fleets powered by GE jet engines in the Middle East are growing significantly and creating new opportunities for airline flightline and maintenance crews.
Energy: For regional employees and customers, training will focus on plant asset management, condition monitoring, equipment operation and maintenance, and leadership development. Energy will conduct courses in fully equipped labs, simulating a refinery or powerplant control room, or in product demonstration stations.
Global Research Centre: Applied research will be conducted to enhance the Qatari technology and economic goals. Among the many potential areas of research are water technologies, emission technologies and oil and gas infrastructure.
Oil and Gas: GE’s plan calls for a team of engineers to work primarily on new product initiatives and development. There will be a focus on turbomachinery technologies necessary for efficient and environmentally friendly use of local oil and natural gas reserves.
The facility will provide aftermarket and fieldsupport services for regional customers.
Water: A desalination and water reuse centre will be staffed by scientists and engineers to develop new water and process technologies. The team will focus on applying proprietary GE technologies to Qatar’s regional needs.