Abstract
Ras Bufontas (RBF) Free Zone is a key component in Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA)’s mission to contribute to the human, social, economic and environmental development of Qatar, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) long-term sustainable development goals and pillars. RBF Free Zone is at a critical juncture: planned growth increases the zone population and development footprint; planned transit investments create greater connectivity opportunities; and its location immediately South of Hamad International Airport (HIA) provides potential to support synergies between aviation, air cargo, logistics facilities, setting RBF Free Zone to emerge as a logistics, aerospace services and advanced technology hub. Encompassing an area of approximately 4km², RBF Free Zone is located within Doha Municipality and includes buildings in operation, under construction and vacant land. RBF was initially planned as the first (QEZ-1) of three Qatar Economic Zones (QEZ) to be delivered by the Qatari Government to diversify Qatar’s predominantly resource based economy. QEZ-1 was envisaged to support light industrial and warehousing activities, with business functions comprising advanced technologies, specialized, 3PL and express logistics. The original RBF master plan was created in 2016. The 2017 Decree Law no.21 changed the status of RBF from an Economic Zone to a Free Zone, to promote foreign investment into the State of Qatar by offering commercial concessions attractive to international investors and encouraging partnerships with domestic service providers and local investors to improve business and trading activities. Subsequent to RBF becoming a Free Zone, the continuous changes to land use scenarios, master planning considerations, new bonded circulation and customs needs required an updated flexible master planning framework to guide RBF Free Zone’s long term economic growth, to allow for strategic development and holistic decision making, whilst prioritizing integration and leveraging existing assets and infrastructure. In early 2021, QFZA appointed a master planning consultant to update the RBF master plan, through review of existing work, urban design principles development, future projects integration, massing studies, design guidelines. The initial stage involved benchmarking similar developments (and their special program mix) in the region and worldwide, analyzing the site constraints and opportunities, identifying areas with imminent issues. The review findings informed the development of a general planning framework and strategy for urban design principles for identity enhancement and design coherence. Continuous interdisciplinary input was provided by various internal QFZA stakeholders, including QFZA Senior Management, throughout the urban framework development and design validation process. The new master plan framework provides applicable solutions that will solidify the relationship between RBF Free Zone and its surroundings (especially the HIA proximity), and outlines key structural elements such as: transportation network integrating macro and micro urban mobility solutions, enhanced landscape framework augmenting the public realm qualities and consolidating community facilities, clearly defined consolidated land use clusters, phasing strategy establishing priorities for key areas future economic growth by maintaining continuity in responsible development, sustainable urban design solutions that mitigate climate change impacts through urban layouts optimization for solar shading / daylight potentials, minimizing energy use, maximizing efficiency in energy generation, and maximizing renewable energy use. Sustainable development measures have already been implemented in RBF Free Zone, which has received the GSAS Design & Build 3 Stars Certificate for “Districts & Infrastructure Scheme”, whilst the iconic Business Innovation Park building has obtained the GSAS 3 Stars Certificate for “Design & Build Offices Scheme”. QFZA strives to achieve its commitment to QNV 2030 through an improved environmental management of RBF Free Zone that encompasses sustainable building design, effective climate change responses, sustainable urbanization, and a healthier, better connected user environment.
