The Gulf's EV Race Gets Bigger as Qatar Plans First EV Factory

[Qatar is preparing to enter EV manufacturing with its first dedicated electric vehicle factory, targeting production from 2028.]

Qatar to Build Its First EV Factory Through JTA–WEVC Partnership

Qatar is preparing to enter the electric vehicle manufacturing industry with plans for its first dedicated EV factory. Doha-based JTA International Investment Holding has signed a long-term strategic partnership with UK-based Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) to develop and manufacture electric vehicles in Qatar.

The project will combine British EV engineering with Qatari manufacturing, with production expected to begin in early 2028. The vehicles will be engineered specifically for Qatar and wider GCC conditions, including extreme summer temperatures.

Key Highlights

• Qatar's first dedicated EV factory is planned for early 2028.
• Initial production is expected to reach 5,000 vehicles annually.
• The first models will include an electric passenger car and delivery van.
• Vehicles will use WEVC's PACES modular EV platform.
• The EVs will be engineered specifically for Gulf heat and driving conditions.

Qatar EV Factory Production Plans

Under the agreement, vehicle design and engineering will be carried out in the UK, while full-scale manufacturing will take place at a new facility in Qatar.

Production is expected to begin with approximately 5,000 vehicles annually, before expanding considerably. The factory's first models are planned to include:

• An electric passenger car

• A medium-sized electric delivery van

The commercial vehicle is expected to take design inspiration from WEVC's eCV1 prototype.

Initially, Qatar-built EVs will target the domestic market, with the partnership planning to expand exports across the GCC and selected international markets.

WEVC PACES Platform

The new vehicles will be based on WEVC's proprietary PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform.

The lightweight modular architecture is designed to support multiple vehicle types, including passenger cars, vans and trucks. Its patented aluminum extrusions and joining components are intended to simplify manufacturing, reduce tooling requirements and lower production costs.

WEVC's PACES platform has also received recognition through the Innovation Award at the Autocar Awards, highlighting its potential for flexible EV manufacturing.

Engineering work will remain centered in the UK, including WEVC facilities in Cornwall and Worcestershire, while vehicle assembly will take place in Qatar.

EVs Designed for Gulf Heat

A major focus of the partnership will be adapting the vehicles to extreme Gulf climate conditions.

High temperatures can place additional demands on EV batteries, cooling systems and charging performance. JTA and WEVC therefore plan to develop vehicles with regional conditions in mind.

Expected engineering priorities include:

• Advanced battery thermal management

• Performance in extreme heat

• Improved cooling systems

• Regional driving patterns

• GCC customer preferences

This approach could help the Qatar-built EVs compete more effectively in other hot-weather markets across the Middle East.

Supporting Qatar National Vision 2030

The factory is also expected to support Qatar's wider economic diversification goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.

The project could help develop local expertise in EV manufacturing while encouraging technology transfer, skilled employment and supply-chain development.

For Qatar, establishing domestic EV production could also reduce dependence on imported vehicles and create opportunities for future exports.

Qatar Joins the GCC EV Manufacturing Race

Qatar's announcement comes as other Gulf countries increase investment in electric vehicle manufacturing.

Saudi Arabia is developing its domestic EV industry through Ceer, while the UAE has attracted several EV manufacturers and assembly projects. Other countries in the region are also investing in EVs, batteries and charging infrastructure.

The trend reflects a broader shift across the GCC from simply adopting electric vehicles to developing local EV manufacturing ecosystems.

What Happens Next?

JTA and WEVC will continue detailed planning before construction of the Qatar EV factory begins. Joint vehicle development programs are also expected to progress ahead of the targeted 2028 production start.

With an initial capacity of around 5,000 vehicles per year, a scalable British EV platform and a focus on extreme-weather performance, the project could become an important milestone for Qatar's automotive industry.

If production expands as planned, Qatar could eventually establish itself as a regional hub for electric vehicle manufacturing and exports.