GE to provide power for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006

Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) and Global technology, media & financial services company General Electric (GE) Company today signed a strategic agreement announcing that GE will be an Official Partner for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. GE will provide temporary power generation for Doha 2006 for approximately 40 competition and non-competion venues around Doha.

DAGOC is now able to provide through GE Energy -100 megawatts of power, enough to meet the standard requirements of a City with 180,000 – 200,000 people. This will include approximately 250 generators, 100 kilometers of cabling and 1,000 distribution panels provided by GE.

“Meeting the power requirements of the Games is a critical component, and having studied the global and regional credentials of GE, we believe that the company is exceptionally equipped to support our energy needs”, said Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General, DAGOC.

“Since the beginning we had set upon the task of identifying international experts with proven regional strength to support the various infrastructure needs. Today we welcome GE to the Doha 2006 family”, Al Qahtani continued.

GE Energy will assemble a team of its most experienced technicians and personnel from all over the world to prepare for and staff the Games.  Equipment will begin arriving in July 2006, and installation will last approximately 100 days.

“The 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, the largest sporting event ever in Asia and the second largest in the world after the Summer Olympic Games, will put the Qatari capital in the global spotlight, and for an event of this magnitude it is crucial that power transmission is facilitated without hitches,” said Nabil Habayeb, President and CEO, GE Middle East & Africa. “ Having demonstrated our capabilities at the Olympic Games, we are bringing the same level of expertise to Doha.”

GE has proven expertise in supporting global sporting events. Apart from powering the Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000 Olympics, GE had more recently provided uninterrupted power supply for the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics.

“Qatar is one of the major markets of GE in the region and by partnering with the Doha 2006, we are reiterating our work philosophy of adding value to the community we serve,” added Habayeb. ”GE will meet the energy needs of the Games and also will provide emergency back-up generators to the main power supply network.”

GE has provided products and services to a wide range of major sporting, music events and broadcasters including: the NFL Super Bowl, the World Cup soccer tournament, Formula One and NASCAR auto racing, NBC Sports, and concerts featuring U2, Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Britney Spears, and MTV.

“Today’s announcement marks the last of the agreements signed for the Prestige Partner and Official Partner categories”, said Al Qahtani.

“It is refreshing to see the overwhelming support from international giants like GE for the Games. Doha 2006 is an international event and the backing we are receiving indicates the international community is receptive and looking forward to the Games of everyone’s life,” concluded Al Qahtani.

The 15th Asian Games, to be held in Doha from 1 to 15 December 2006, will feature the largest number of sporting disciplines – 39 – being played out by the largest number of participating countries and regions – 45 – for the first time in the history of Asian Games. Some 10,500 athletes will compete in track, field and Game events to be held in 14 multi-purpose stadiums.