Global technology, media and financial services company General Electric (GE) will highlight the cutting edge innovation capabilities of its businesses at the high-profile Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) Explore QSTP exhibition being held on September 4 and 5, 2006, at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha.
The GE Technology and Learning Center is a new technology facility, being set-up at QSTP and will be the base for four leading GE businesses – Aviation, Energy, Oil & Gas and Water. These businesses will present their strengths and share best practices with peer groups, industry experts and students at the expo organized specifically for QSTP clients ahead of the technopark’s scheduled opening in 2007.
“With a projected inward investment of over US$100 billion in the next 5 to 7 years, Qatar has underpinned its commitment to build technology and education infrastructure with QSTP,” said Hasan Dandashly, General Manager, GE Technology & Learning Center. “Our participation in the Explore QSTP expo is of significance in projecting our plans for the region as well as highlighting our innovative product support and training programmes. We recognize the value of knowledge exchange in building long-term relations, especially in a dynamic environment like Qatar, and we look forward to be a strong part of it.”
The focus of the GE Technology and Learning Center 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 Center, Oil and Gas, and Water divisions will undertake research and development of technologies applicable to local industry.
AVIATION, the cornerstone of the center, 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 flight-line and maintenance crews
ENERGY will setup an Industrial Optimization & Control School to train employees and Energy/Oil & Gas customer engineers on the latest technologies in asset management and equipment operations
GE’s GLOBAL RESEARCH CENTER will conduct applied research in Water and Oil & Gas technologies. The focus will be on tackling technology challenges relevant to Qatar and its economic goals.
OIL AND GAS will develop a team of engineers to work on new product initiatives and development. Main focus will be on turbo machinery technologies necessary for efficient and environmentally friendly use of local oil and natural gas reserves.
WATER AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES will establish a desalination and water re-use technology center focused on applied research to solve regional water scarcity challenges in industrial and municipal applications.
The Explore QSTP exhibition also focuses on students, the key beneficiaries of QSTP’s knowledge enhancement initiatives, through education seminars. “The exhibition has presented GE with the opportunity to reach out to students, who are the future of any business, and through our presentations, we want to underscore our focus on innovation as a key driver for growth and attract more local talent to GE’s pool of human resources,” added Dandashly.
QSTP, a free trade zone, is part of Qatar Foundation’s renowned Education City, which includes an array of leading international universities. GE recently unveiled an initial five-year investment in research and training at QSTP of US$50 million, which includes setting up the Global Technology and Learning Center. The center is linked with a number of various Western universities, government agencies and key customers to serve as a comprehensive resource base for students as well as businesses.
Development of GE’s facility at QSTP has begun and it is expected to be fully operational in 2008. GE will base its regional customer service and business development operations at the facility, as well as conduct technical conferences and forums. GE staff will manage the center and deliver its research and training programs, with around 45 people expected to be employed by the time it opens.
GE is a key partner in Doha’s highly charged growth environment and recently announced sponsorship of the 2006 Doha Asian Games as one of its Official Partners.
About GE:
GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work -- a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and advanced materials, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.ge.com.
