As Official Partner of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is providing 100 megawatts of power, temporarily, for the efficient roll out of Asia’s largest sporting event.
The energy requirement, enough for a city of 180,000 to 200,000 people, is being met through 250 generators, 100 kilometers of cabling and 1,000 distribution panels – all provided by GE Energy. GE is providing power to the 40 competition and non-competition venues of Doha 2006.
“Our partnership on Doha 2006 is a historic moment for GE and we already have a long history of successful businesses in the region,” said Mr Nabil Habayeb, President and CEO, GE Middle East and Africa. “This is a landmark event for Qatar, and the conduct of the Games underscores the country’s capabilities to hosting world-class events.”
He added: “GE has proven expertise in meeting the power requirements of global sporting events. Our support of Doha 2006 is also a reiteration of the company’s commitment to the region, where we have a long history of community involvement through meaningful partnerships.”
GE professionals, who have hands-on experience in the conduct of international events, arrived in Qatar as early as July to complete the cabling and installation needs for ensuring hitch-free power transmission.
“We completed the installation and testing in less than 100 days – a commendable feat considering the sheer scope of work that was involved,” said Mr Habayeb. “We are proud to be associated with an event of such an impressive scale. This event is, indeed, a crowing glory for Doha.”
Five staff members of GE also took part in the Doha 2006 Torch Relay on November 29, November 30 and the opening day of the event, December 1, 2006. GE’s staff members - Yasser Al Bassam and Khaled Al Saleh (GE Security); Hasan Dandashly (GE Technology & Learning Center); Mustafa Sharafudhin (GE Healthcare); and Eyas Qatanani (GE Corporate) – participated in the torch relay. They were selected from 104 staff members who took part in an on-line competition.
Apart from powering the Athens 2004 and Sydney 2000 Olympics, GE had recently provided uninterrupted power supply for the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics. 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.
The 15th Asian Games, being held in Doha until December 15, 2006, features the largest number of sporting disciplines – 39 – 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 are competing in track, field and Game events held in 14 multi-purpose stadiums.
GE has a long-standing association with Qatar and has embarked on an ambitious training initiative with the opening of the GE Technology and Learning Center at the Qatar Science and Technology Park. It will focus on providing technical training and research support for customers of GE’s Aviation and Energy business in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
GE forecasts sales of US$900 million this year from Qatar – a significant rise from US$100 million in 2002. A strong contributor to Qatar’s oil and gas industry, GE’s turbines and compressors power the country’s liquefied natural gas industry. GE has gained significant orders from Qatar Petroleum in addition to signing a strategic agreement for the first ‘supertrain’ for the Qatar II LNG project. The company has long been a provider of engines for the Qatar Airways, and is associated with the Qatar Electricity and Water Company on several projects. GE has a corporate office in Doha, led by a team of experienced professionals.
