Memorandum

To: Naqaa
Abbas
From : Group 4
Subject: Potential Engineering Problems
Date: February 29, 2024

This memo represents our team's interest in engineering problems in Qatar. As a team, we decided on
four potential issues each in a different sector: Water management, Heavy reliance on non-renewable
energy sources, Advancements in the health care sector and waste management.

Option 1: Water Management

Desalination is a water treatment method used to get rid of minerals from salty water. It entails filtering off
impurities like minerals and salts from the water to make it suitable for a variety of uses, including cleaning and
manufacturing. Advanced technology and a variety of techniques are employed by efficient desalination plants to rid
the water of contaminants and improve its suitability for human consumption. The purpose of the desalination
facilities is to purge brackish or saltwater of contaminants like salts and other minerals. Seawater can be desalinated
to create portable drinking water in places where access to clean water is scarce. It renders the water suitable for
drinking as well as a range of industrial applications.

Option 2: Heavily Reliant on Non-Renewable energy sources

As of now almost all of the energy in Qatar comes from non-renewable energy sources such as oil or gas.
The burning of these fossil fuels releases harmful gasses in the environment which are mainly responsible
for climate change. and cause respiratory/health problems. In addition as mentioned in the national vision
2030 these resources will run-out eventually. Therefore turning towards renewable energy sources (such
as wind/solar) will not only benefit the environment but also the economy as more jobs will be created.
For instance solar panels can be of great advantage/use as the whole gulf region receives a lot of sun-light.

Option 3: Advancements in healthcare system to make it world-class

According to an Article published by The Peninsula, Qatar's healthcare system is ranked among the top 20 globally
and first in the Arab World. The health department is a highly regarded Industry in Qatar, and Most students
graduating from Qatar University are related to the industry. Although despite having a high amount of success in
the health industry, some flaws should also be mentioned. Qatar is in a crisis because of Obesity, diabetes, and other
disorders(mainly heart diseases). These problems can be solved by improving the effectiveness of healthcare
management, as mentioned in the 2030 national vision in the human development category and a healthy population
section. This can be done by optimizing the medical resources in the field, especially its technology, implementing
AI in the industry for additional support, and many more. These changes can also open up job opportunities in Qatar
for engineers in the medical field.

Option 4: Waste Management (Increase recycling)

The key to sustainable growth is to make the whole system as energy-efficient as possible, from making things to
getting rid of trash. To deal with how each link in the chain affects the others, you need to look at the whole job as a
whole. More specifically, this talk will be about managing solid garbage, with a focus on plastics in the US waste
stream. An integrated waste management strategy will be the main topic of conversation. This strategy should
include recycling, proper disposal, and making good use of materials.
 Decision Matrix

Human Social Impact Economic Environmental Total

Benefit Impact Impact

Water 4 2 3 5 14
Managem
ent
Heavily Reliant 4 5 3 5 17
on Fossil Fuels

Advancements in 5 4 3 1 13
health care
system

Waste 4 4 3 5 17
Management
Problems were rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 was the highest level of importance.

Human Benefit: measures direct improvement in the well-being of individuals

Social Impact: evaluates how confronting the problem benefits the social fabric.

Economic Impact: investigates the impact on Qatar's economy

Environmental Impact: assesses the positive effects on the environment and surroundings.

Works Cited:

[1] Okonkwo, Eric C., et al. “Grid Integration of Renewable Energy in Qatar: Potentials and Limitations.”
Energy, vol. 235, Nov. 2021, p. 121310, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121310.
[2] Energy, J. (2022b, May 12). Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): What It Is and Why We Use It. Just Energy.
https://justenergy.com/blog/liquefied-natural-gas-lng-what-and-why/#:~:text=Natural%20gas%20has%2040
%25%20less

[3] The Peninsula : Qatar's healthcare system ranked among top 20 globally (30 Jan 2024)
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/30/01/2024/qatars-healthcare-system-ranked-among-top-20-
globally#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20five%20hospitals%20in,the%202022%20Health%20Care%20Index.

[4] Ibrahim, Menatalla. “How Qatar Is Tackling the Negative Environmental Impact of Water Desalination.” Doha News | Qatar,
27 Jan. 2023, dohanews.co/how-qatar-is-tackling-the-negative-environmental-impact-of-water-desalination/.

[5] Clarke, Sarah F., et al. “Towards a More Sustainable Waste Management in Qatar: Retrofitting Mindsets and Changing
Behaviours.” QScience Connect, vol. 2017, no. 1, Apr. 2017, p. 4, https://doi.org/10.5339/connect.2017.qgbc.4. Accessed 12
May 2020.

[7] Subramanian, P. M. (2000). Plastics recycling and waste management in the US. Resources, Conservation and
Recycling, 28(3-4), 253-263.

[8] https://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/v/iwrm/Implementation/technical_measures/Water-harvesting-techniques/Desalination/
index.html