Total, the world's fourth-largest oil and gas company, will set up a research and training facility in Qatar, a company's official announced here.
The Total Research Centre will be located at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and will become operational in late 2006.
"The centre is aimed at supporting Qatar's rapid growth in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry," said Arnaud Chaperon, Total's representative in Qatar. "This research facility will help us push the boundaries of technology in both the upstream and downstream sides of the industry."
Speaking at Qatar Foundation, the official said Total plans to spend $25 million (Dh92 million) on the new facility over a period of five years.
He said the centre would occupy a 1,500 square metre office and laboratory space at QSTP, a new free trade zone for companies and institutions committed to development and research.