Woqod Tower, West Bay, Doha, 31/12/2014 -
Dearest representatives of local media,
Our esteemed and honored guests,
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

It is a pleasure and honor for me as a person and on behalf of the executive management of Qatar Fuel/WOQOD, to welcome you all in this friendly press meeting, where we will update you on WOQOD's current and future projects and its plan for the next five years 2015-2019. I will also be gladly available to respond to any questions or inquiries you might have regarding the activities of WOQOD in the various areas of marketing, transporting and storing Petroleum products, including jet fuels, technical inspection services (Fahes), Bitumen, LPG, Marine Services, Sidra retail stores, and projects outside Qatar.

First: Petrol Stations:

1. Projects under Construction:

Works are currently in progress for the construction of 13 new stations in the areas of Al-Wakra, Al-Wajba, Al-Jmayliyyah, Al-Aqla [Lusail], Al-Thakhirah, Al-Qotayfah, Al-Mesahabiyah, Al-Shemal City, New Rayyan, Sodanthel, Fulayhah, Bin Derham, the New Hamad International Airport (HIA), in addition to WOQOD fuel station in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Some of these projects are almost complete, while others are still in the construction phase; however they are all expected to be inaugurated during the year 2015.

2. Projects in the Design and Tendering Stages:

There are seven new stations in the following areas: Smeismah, Al-Thameid, Al-Thamamah [Al-Hadarmah], New Mesaimeer , the Educational City [Bani Hajar], the Educational City(North) and Umm Qarn. These projects are expected to be completed by the end of year 2016. WOQOD is also coordinating with the Educational City and Lusail City on the establishment of two new petrol stations in each location, in addition to new other stations in the Economic Xones, where discussions and coordination are currently underway.

3. Projects yet to be Designated:

Meanwhile, WOQOD is also coordinating with the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning for the completion of procedural requirements in the designation of 25 new locations that are suitable for the construction of WOQOD stations, with the aim of providing the best and most convenient and comprehensive coverage for the majority of the areas within the state of Qatar, with special emphasis on Doha City, Al-Madari Road, the East-North Road, and other highways.

Expansion works are currently in progress at ten sites, i.e. existing fuel stations, in the areas of: Ain Khaled, Mouayther, Al-Tha'ayen, Al-Hilal, Bu Faseilah, Al-Seiliyah, West Bay, Wadi al-Banat, Mesaimeer East, and Al-Gharafa. Some of these works have been completed, while the remaining are expected to be completed during the year 2015.

Most recently, we have inaugurated FAHES technical inspection center in Wadi Al-Banat area and completed the works at a Mesaimeer FAHES inspection center, with the latter's inauguration scheduled very soon. These centers are among the most advanced centers in the deployed technologies and one-window service, which conveniently saves time and efforts for our clients.

Additionally, there are four new technical inspection centers to be constructed in Al-Shihaniyah, Al-Shemal City, Al-Khour and al-Wakra. These centers are currently in the design and approval phases, and are projected to be fully operational during the period 2015-2016.

Efforts are currently underway for the construction of four new Sedra convenient stores at Hamad Hospital, Ascott Tower, Barwa Commercial Center and Barwa City Complex. These projects are currently in the design and approval phases and are expected to be completed during the year 2015.

Fifth: Bitumen Expansion Project:

WOQOD is an integral and active partner in the Qatar's economic and development progress, with the current and upcoming vital period of time in the construction of building, sports, infrastructure, and rail projects alongside other developments in line with Qatar's preparation efforts for hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022, and as part of Qatar's 2030 vision. In the light of this, WOQOD is committed to its role in being part of these developments and preparations; and thus, an MoU has been reached in lieu of an upcoming contract with the Public Works' Authority [Ashgahl], to provide the Authority with large amounts of Bitumen and modified Bitumen for its various projects. Towards this end, WOQOD has purchased a 3450 metric tons vessel and completed the design and research stages in the construction of new tanks at Mesaied area with an additional estimated capacity of up to 15 thousand metric tons for the year 2015.

WOQOD currently supplies many points and centers of distribution for Butane gas cylinders, especially SHAFAF, that is set to replace the more traditional metal cylinders through a carefully planned staged approach without disrupting the local market. Efforts are currently under progress as well for a feasibility study of constructing a factory for SHAFAF cylinders in Qatar, so as to cover the needs of the local market and export to neighboring countries. WOQOD is also doing its best to further develop and expand its Butane gas distribution network make the distribution process more convenient and accessible within all areas of the State.

- As you are aware, the new management of WOQOD has assumed its responsibilities in March 2014 and prepared a strategic plan for the next five years, starting in 2015, that includes the expansion on its network to reach 100 stations [given the provision of suitable locations for this purpose] and its network of FAHES technical inspection centers through the construction of new inspection lines at existing stations that are roomy enough to accommodate such lines.

- WOQOD is to emphasis during the upcoming period , the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in buses and trucks that commute long distances, under the supervision of Qatar Petroleum, and in cooperation with Muwasalat company as a first phase. The use of CNG is to be later expanded as well to include new areas, with the projected construction of seven new CNG gas stations during the coming few years, in addition to the existing station.

- WOQOD is also set to establish a factory for the production of engine oils. A feasibility study has been accomplished towards that end.

- There are also new future projects for Q-jet company in the areas of jet fuels and logistic facilities at the new Hamad International Airport, in cooperation with Qatar Airways.

Our utmost gratitude and appreciation is directed to HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for HH continuous support of WOQOD projects and HH keen efforts to support the company in overcoming the various challenges it faces and facilitate our projects. Gratitude is also extended to HH Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Municipalities and Urban Development, for his keen efforts in providing suitable locations for the construction of new WOQOD stations; and to all official and communal authorities that support our projects.

Gratitude is also extended to HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdul-Rahman Al Thani, Chairman of WOQOD, and to each member of WOQOD's BoD, for their continued wise guidance and unlimited support. We do look forward to stay up to the highest expectations of everyone, and to always provide the best of services to our highly esteemed clients and shareholders.

Thank You.