Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Attiyah has opened Royal
Dutch Shell's R&D facility in Doha. The facility, the Qatar Shell Research
and Technology Centre, which was launched on April 28, would contain a Shell
staff of 28 scientists and engineers tasked to develop Gas to Liquids, or
GTL, and upstream technologies.
    "This is a long-term vision that sees Qatar growing into a regional
science and technology hub, and that is beginning to take shape," Abdullah
said.
    Officials said Shell GTL efforts would focus on catalyst testing,
product development and by-product research, including water and sulphur
management. They said the research would enhance the utilization of oil and
natural gas resources as well as improve production.