Group Memo 2
Group Memo 2
Group Memo 2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Social Impact: evaluates how confronting the problem benefits the social fabric.
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