Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has awarded local firms Arab Engineering Bureau and Astad Project Management the design and consultancy services for its planned mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) real estate projects in Doha.

The tender was issued to bidders in October 2015.

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 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.

TOD is a concept intended to maximise the areas surrounding transport hubs, with an 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.