Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) expects to start the procurement process for 12 transit-oriented development (TOD) real estate projects in Doha by next year, a source familiar with the scheme tells MEED.

“The designs are likely to be completed soon… we expect the client to issue the tender in 2019,” the source says.

MEED reported in March that Qatar Rail awarded local firms Arab Engineering Bureau and Astad Project Management the design and consultancy services for the 12 TOD schemes

Some 12 sites either above or adjacent to several Doha Metro stations have been identified as potential locations for these TOD projects.

Arab Engineering Bureau was understood to have been awarded the contract for seven of the 12 sites. They include:

• Joaan
• Al-Sadd
• Al-Waab
• Doha Jadida
• West Bay
• Legtaifiya
• Bin Mahmoud

The remaining locations have been awarded to Astad.

The scope of the tender includes development of masterplans, detailed designs, construction contracts and the procurement of contractors and construction management services for each of the 12 sites.

It is understood that the client is considering public-private partnership (PPP) as one of the options in executing the schemes.

“The procurement model has not been finalised but we’ve heard they are considering PPP as one of several options,” the source explains, adding “these are big projects and could require participation of international investors and developers.”

TOD is a concept intended to maximise the areas surrounding transport hubs, with the aim of increasing usage of the nearby trains, metros and buses.

The Union Oasis mixed-use project, which is to be built above the underground station where the Dubai Metro Red and Green lines meet, is a pioneering TOD project in the region. It is also the first real estate development that will be procured by Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. However, the project – first announced in 2009 –  is yet to be awarded.