Qatar to build first EV manufacturing plant through JTA-Watt EV partnership

Qatar is set to establish its first electric vehicle manufacturing plant under a long-term strategic partnership between Doha-based JTA International Investment Holding and UK-based Watt Electric Vehicle Company.

The partnership will see the companies design, engineer and manufacture electric vehicles specifically for Gulf markets, with vehicle development taking place in the UK and production in a new manufacturing facility in Qatar.

The vehicles will be based on Watt EV’s patented Paces (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform, which is designed to support both passenger and commercial vehicle applications. The project will cover the full development cycle, including platform technology, vehicle engineering, product development, production planning and the establishment of manufacturing capabilities in Qatar.

The partnership was announced in Doha by Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Founder and CEO of JTA, and Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt EV, following discussions between the companies in London and Doha.

Zadeh said the partnership reflects JTA’s focus on developing advanced industrial capabilities in Qatar. He added that the vehicles would be developed around regional requirements.

“Together with Watt EV and its award-winning engineering expertise, we will develop electric vehicles specifically designed for the Gulf region – vehicles engineered around local operating conditions, the region’s demanding climate, and the expectations of customers across Qatar and the GCC.”

The project is expected to support Qatar’s advanced industrial development by accelerating technology transfer, strengthening local manufacturing, creating skilled jobs and contributing to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Zadeh added that the longer-term ambition is to establish Qatar as a regional center for EV manufacturing and clean mobility.