Qatar to Build EVs With a UK-Qatar Partnership

Qatar has announced a landmark industrial partnership to build electric vehicles domestically, combining UK engineering with Qatari investment. The project pairs JTA International Investment Holding with WATT Electric Vehicle Company to create a dedicated EV manufacturing facility in Qatar, with design and engineering to take place in the United Kingdom and production in a new state-of-the-art plant in Qatar. The programme is positioned to target domestic demand first, then expand into GCC markets and selected international exports.

"This project goes far beyond manufacturing vehicles. It represents the creation of a new industrial capability for Qatar that will accelerate technology transfer, strengthen local manufacturing, create highly skilled employment opportunities and contribute directly to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030," said Dr Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Founder and CEO of JTA Investment Holding.

The collaboration hinges on WATT's British engineering and its patented lightweight aluminium architecture and proprietary electric vehicle platform, which the partners say enable rapid development of highly customised vehicles while reducing development time and manufacturing costs. WATT's PACES platform recently won the Innovation Award at the Autocar Awards 2026, judged in partnership with Siemens, a recognition that placed the company alongside major manufacturers such as Lamborghini, BYD and Ford.

Climate-focused design and industrial aims

Vehicles developed through the partnership will be engineered specifically for the Gulf's demanding environment — extreme temperatures, unique driving conditions and regional consumer preferences — rather than adapting existing platforms. The firms describe the target product as "custom-built for extreme temperatures" and tailored to GCC customers' expectations.

• Design and engineering: United Kingdom
• Manufacturing: New production facility in Qatar
• Strategic goals: Domestic market rollout, GCC expansion, selected international exports
• Technology highlights: Patented lightweight aluminium architecture and WATT's PACES platform

The initiative is framed as more than a car-making exercise. JTA and WATT present the programme as an industrialisation vehicle that will drive technology transfer, strengthen regional supply chains, and build local advanced-manufacturing capability. The partners emphasise workforce development as a core outcome — creating "highly skilled employment opportunities" in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

WATT's recent award recognition in June 2026 is being used to underscore the credibility of the UK technical partner. The PACES platform's Innovation Award, judged with Siemens, was highlighted as evidence that the platform can compete with established automotive heavyweights and accelerate time-to-market for bespoke models.

Outlook

If realised at scale, the project could reposition Qatar from an EV consumer to a regional producer and exporter, strengthening the local manufacturing base and encouraging further R&D investments. The partners intend to leverage WATT's rapid-development platform and JTA's regional market expertise to push "Made in Qatar" EVs into GCC markets. The coming months should clarify timelines for plant construction, initial model specifications, and the pace of workforce training and technology transfer.