QFZ, Honeywell Technologies partner to set up manufacturing, service hub in Qatar

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Honeywell Technologies have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish an integrated manufacturing and service hub in Qatar's free zones. The partnership aims to bolster local capabilities in mission-critical industries. The agreement was signed by QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani and Honeywell Technologies Vice-President Matt Spalding during the Qatar Economic Forum: UNGA Special Edition 2026 in New York. Senior executives from both organizations attended the signing event.

The hub will primarily focus on machining and servicing Honeywell Sundyne pumps, which are widely used in energy and process industries, catering to customers in Qatar, the broader Middle East, and Africa. However, the MoU also opens doors for broader cooperation across Honeywell's portfolio, including process technology, automation, cybersecurity, and building automation solutions.

This collaboration is expected to further strengthen Qatar's industrial ecosystem by attracting relevant partners and suppliers to set up their presence in the free zones. Additionally, the partnership will engage with research institutions to launch new initiatives that will bolster local skills and develop Qatari talent. QFZ's integrated platform, strategic connectivity, and investor ecosystem provide a solid foundation for scaling these capabilities, aligning with the Third National Development Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Honeywell's Matt Spalding expressed the company's commitment to advancing localisation of innovative technologies in mission-critical industries, supporting Qatar's industrial growth, and contributing to national development objectives. The partnership is anticipated to enhance efficiency, resilience, and operational intelligence for customers across the Middle East and Africa by providing advanced process solutions.

Furthermore, it will contribute to improving service delivery and developing manufacturing capabilities in Qatar, ultimately reinforcing QFZ's value proposition for investors while promoting localization, sustainable growth, and the ongoing development of Qatar's competitive industrial ecosystem.