JTA International Investment Holding and WATT Electric Vehicle Company have entered into a long-term strategic partnership to establish Qatar’s first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant and jointly develop a new generation of electric vehicles designed specifically for the Gulf region.
Under the partnership, the vehicles will be engineered in the United Kingdom and manufactured at a new advanced production facility in Qatar. The project is expected to create a local electric vehicle manufacturing capability under the “Made in Qatar” brand and support Qatar’s ambitions to develop advanced manufacturing, innovation and sustainable mobility.
The partnership was announced in Doha by Dr Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Founder and CEO of JTA International Investment Holding, and Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of WATT Electric Vehicle Company, following strategic discussions and joint planning between the companies in London and Doha.
EVs to Be Designed for Gulf Conditions
The partnership will cover the complete vehicle development cycle, including proprietary platform technology, vehicle engineering, product development, production planning and the establishment of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Qatar.
The vehicles will be developed specifically for Gulf operating conditions, with engineering considerations including extreme temperatures, thermal management, battery performance and regional driving patterns.
WATT will contribute its proprietary electric vehicle platform and patented lightweight aluminium architecture. According to the company, the platform is designed to enable faster development of customised EVs while reducing development time and manufacturing costs.
The manufacturing facility will initially cater to Qatar’s domestic market, with plans to expand exports to other GCC countries and selected international markets.
Focus on Local Manufacturing and Supply Chain Development
JTA International Investment Holding will provide investment capabilities, strategic industrial expertise, international partnerships and regional market knowledge to support the development of the manufacturing programme.
The companies said the project is also expected to strengthen regional supply chains, encourage research and development, support the localisation of advanced manufacturing technologies and create skilled employment opportunities in Qatar.
Dr Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh said the partnership is aimed at creating a new industrial capability for Qatar while supporting technology transfer, local manufacturing and the development of skilled talent. He added that the initiative is aligned with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Neil Yates said WATT’s proprietary EV platform will enable the development of customised vehicles for Gulf conditions while providing greater manufacturing flexibility and shorter development cycles.
WATT’s EV Platform Recognised at Autocar Awards
WATT’s engineering capabilities received international recognition in June 2026 when its proprietary PACES platform won the Innovation Award at the Autocar Awards 2026, judged in partnership with Siemens.
The company said the recognition highlights the engineering expertise it will bring to the Qatar EV manufacturing programme.
Partnership Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030
The initiative is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly its objectives related to economic diversification, industrial development, technological innovation and sustainable transportation.
Following the completion of detailed implementation planning, JTA and WATT expect to begin factory development and joint vehicle programmes. The companies said the initiative is intended to establish a long-term EV manufacturing ecosystem in Qatar and strengthen industrial cooperation between Qatar and the United Kingdom.
